Keeping kids hydrated

It's no secret that children have a lot of energy, but all that moving around can lead to one thirsty tyke -- especially during the summer.

Water is one of the most important nutrients necessary for kids to function. In fact, water makes up a significant portion of the body.

At birth, 78 percent of a baby's body is made up of water. While this percentage quickly drops as the child grows, it remains around 60 percent even into adulthood.

The body uses this water to accomplish several jobs, such as maintaining body temperature, transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, sustaining blood volume, and lubricating joints and tissues. People who don't get enough of this key nutrient are at risk of becoming dehydrated.

Dodging dehydration

Dehydration is a condition that occurs when too much body fluid is lost -- a problem that results in the body being unable to function properly.

Water leaves the body through sweat, tears, urine and stool. To prevent dehydration, children need to drink enough fluids to make up for this loss. Children who do not take in enough fluids may begin showing signs of dehydration, which include:

• Dry or sticky mouth

• Eyes that look sunken

• Dry, cool skin

• Urinating less frequently

• Drowsiness or dizziness

Getting your child to drink anything but soda or juice can be a challenge. Use these tips to help you keep your child hydrated:

• Keep it close. Children ages 5 and older should have between five and eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. If they are being active in the summer, this amount should increase. To encourage your child to drink water, let them pick out a refillable water bottle to purchase, and keep it filled and with them at all times.

• Add some flavor. If water's lack of flavor doesn't appeal to your kids, add fresh fruit to their water to liven up the taste.

• Mix in sports drinks. Although not usually needed, sports drinks can be beneficial for children who spend an hour or two playing sports in the hot sun.

• Skip the soda. Soda and other caffeinated beverages aren't nearly as effective at hydrating your child. Plan ahead and provide water.

• Watch for sickness. Fevers, vomiting and diarrhea will quickly drain the body of fluids. If your child is sick, be sure that they are replenishing the fluids they are losing.

Handling the heat

If it's more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit and in excess of 60 percent humidity, your child is at greater risk of heat exhaustion -- a heat-related illness often accompanied by dehydration. However, heat exhaustion can occur at much lower temperatures as well.

Heat exhaustion can lead to problems such as muscle cramping, excessive sweating, dizziness, vomiting, quickened pulse and clammy skin. If these symptoms become too severe, they may warrant a trip to the emergency room.

Keep kids safe from heat exhaustion by:

• Limiting time in direct sunlight, especially when it's hottest outside -- usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Making sure your children always have access to water

• Taking breaks from physical activity and sitting in the shade

• Planning physical outdoor activities based on the weather forecast

• Using umbrellas, tents and hats to help keep your child cool.

The emergency room at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is here for you and your family 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about our services, visit NorthwestHealth.com today.

General News on 06/28/2017