Here's how you can help kids stay healthy if they play outside in a heat wave
Little kids are like a "small potato" whose core can heat up faster than an adult's, an expert tells NPR. Here are tips for helping children stay safe in extreme temperatures.
by Bill Chappell
Jul 28, 2023
3 minutes
Extreme heat poses health risks to everyone — and it's a unique challenge for kids who love to be outdoors in summertime. Small children can be especially at risk in the heat, but experts say they can still play safely — if grownups follow a few guidelines.
Extreme temperatures can cause dangerous stress to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and humidity and dehydration can compound the risks. People can also sustain burns from pavement and other surfaces — including playground equipment.
Several factors put children at risk from heat, from physical characteristics to the likelihood that they're not attuned to notice signs
You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.
Start your free 30 days