Heat Alert

The hot summer days are bringing kids outdoors for fun in the sun É but too much heat can be a bad thing.
Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines, host of HealthDay TV.

Children's health experts are warning parents and guardians to take precautions to keep kids safe from heat-related illness this summer. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, when the weather is especially hot, kids aren't able to handle the heat during physical activity as well as adults. Also, children often don't drink enough fluid when they're out playing, which can lead to dehydration. The organization recommends these safety rules for kids during the summer:

* If they're going to be playing outside for 15 minutes or more on extremely hot or humid days, they shouldn't push themselves as hard as they normally would.
* Young people should drink plenty of fluids before they begin their activity. They should drink water or a sports drink regularly during the activity, even if they don't feel thirsty. A good rule of thumb is five ounces every 20 minutes for a child weighing 88 pounds, or 9 ounces for a teenager weighing 132 pounds.
* And kids should wear a single layer of lightweight clothing that allows sweat to evaporate.

IÕm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.