General Health & Wellness • Jul 07, 2022

How To Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

Dr. Jamie Kondis, Pediatrician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, explains how to prevent heat-related illnesses—a common concern in the emergency department during the summer. Heat-related complaints range from heat exhaustion, where a child’s body temperature increases above normal levels and they feel faint or weak, to heat stroke, a medical emergency where neurological symptoms begin to show. With heat indexes at 90 degrees or higher, ways to prevent heat-related illnesses include: limiting your child’s time outdoors, having them take 20-30 minute breaks, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking breaks in air-conditioned spaces. If symptoms like fainting or vomiting occur, cool them down as quickly as possible and seek medical attention.

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