PLAYING IN THE SUMMER HEAT
How to keep your children cool on the diamonds during a heat wave!!
Playing Baseball in the Summer Heat!!
Summer is finally here!! And with the summer comes the heat!! There is a challenge, during this time of the year, to ensure the safety of children playing sports by keeping them cool. Here are some of the most important things that parents can do to protect their children.
1. Keep hydrated!!
Children do not have the drive to make sure that they are getting enough fluids while they are playing sports. Therefore, parents and coaches must be responsible for making sure that plenty of fluids are provided, and that the kids are actually drinking the fluids. A good option is Gatorade or Powerade, which will replenish more than just water.
2 . Apply sunscreen.
Any time kids are out in the sun, they need to have all exposed skin covered with sunscreen. This will keep them from getting sun burned, which will cause them to both overheat and dehydrate. Keeping them from this first stage of damage will certainly make the battle easier as the day progresses.
3. Find some shade!!
Stay in the shade as much as possible. Find a tree to sit under or bring an umbrella for your child to sit under when they are on the bench or not in the field!
4. Bring wet towels or a spray bottle!
Between innings, children can be cooled off by applying cool water to exposed skin. Keep a few towels in a sealed baggie and have plenty of water on hand. Wet towels can be applied to your childs face to cool off. You can also buy an inexpensive spray bottle from the dollar store. Be sure to spray your child’s face and head as much as possible!
5. If you feel dizzy…
If child starts to feel dizzy, faint, or get muscle cramps or a headache, they may be experiencing heat exhaustion and/or dehydration. If this happens, have them sit down, drink some water, and take them out of the game. Nothing is more important than your child's health!!