As temperatures in Columbus, Ohio rise into the 90s over the next few days, local physicians are warning parents and guardians to take precautions to protect their children from heat-related issues.
Eric Leighton, the functional rehab leader for sports medicine at Nationwide Children’s, emphasizes the importance of monitoring children closely and encouraging water intake to avoid dehydration. He stresses that children can quickly become susceptible to heat-related illnesses if they don’t take breaks from play or sports to stay hydrated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends dressing infants and children in loose, lightweight clothing and never leaving them in a parked car, even with open windows. Leighton warns that children, like the elderly, can easily succumb to heat-related illnesses and that health conditions like asthma can worsen in high temperatures.
Parents and guardians should be vigilant during the upcoming heatwave and take proactive measures to protect their children from extreme heat. By monitoring their behavior, activity levels, and hydration, adults can help ensure their children remain safe and healthy during hot weather.
