Kids + Heat + Exercise = Danger

Hot weather isn't stopping kids from playing sports and working out.

But it can be very dangerous, even deadly, as seen in the heat-related deaths of two Florida teens during separate football practices this month.

The Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay says there are ways to reduce the risks, as set forth in new guidelines from the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Senay points out that children generally sweat less than adults, which makes it harder for them to cool down. Kids with a low level of fitness, sick youngsters, or those with a history of dehydration or heat illness may be at higher risk of heat-related problems.

The NATA says parents and coaches must make sure that children exercise slowly, so they can gradually become accustomed to heat and humidity.

The groups says parents should also take steps to recognize and treat dehydration and heat cramps. Dehydration can lead to more serious heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and the potentially deadly heat stroke. A certified athletic trainer or other medical professional needs to be on-site during organized sports activities to monitor the health and safety of participants, especially when it's very hot and humid. Kids should have a checkup beforehand to make sure they're fit enough to exercise.

Senay explains that dehydration occurs when body fluids aren't replaced after sweating during exertion. Among the physical symptoms of dehydration are dry mouth, thirst, headache, cramps or dizziness. Other warning signs of dehydration include irritability, crankiness, boredom, disinterest, or excessive fatigue.Be on the lookout for changes in a child's physical ability, Senay advises. If he or she isn't able to run as fast or play as well as usual in the heat, it could be a sign of dehydration.

If a youngster seems to be dehydrated, move him or her to a shaded or air-conditioned area and give plenty of fluids to drink. As soon as the symptoms are gone, the child can continue to exercise, but it's important to continue to watch him or her.

How much a child should drink while exercising varies, depending on the child, Senay observes. The best idea is to make sure a child is hydrated before he or she starts exercising. Make sure there's plenty of water or sports drinks available during exercise. Give your child his or her own supply, and encourage them to drink it.

A simple way to tell how much fluid a child loses during exercise in the heat is by weighing the child beforehand and comparing it to the weight after exercise. If the child weighs less, they've lost fluid and they're not drinking enough. But remember, it's possible to over hydrate, so don't force your child to drink too much fluid.

As for how long a child should exercise in the heat before taking a break, the NATA generally recommends a five-to-ten minute rest break for every 20-to-25 minutes of activity for temperatures from 70 degrees up to 102 and humidity approaching 80 percent. Anything above that calls for shorter activity times, removal of equipment, and eventual cancellation of outdoor activities.