The heat wave in on for Southern Quebec and Ontario, and where i am sitting (Montreal) it is already 33C in the shade with 65% humidity. Sticky and hot. However, you cannot keep kids indoors all the time, they will want to go out. Few precautions are necessary to keep them and self cool. There is a great article with plenty of tips published by yoyomama. Very useful tips, with plenty of details, given by Dr. Brown, a naturopathic doctor, and Dr. Peacock, a pediatrician. In a nutshell, here they are:
- Stay in the shade
- Drink lots of fluids, snack on homemade popsicles and fresh fruit (no fizzy drinks!)
- Wear hats, loose fitting clothing and sunscreen
- Seek out an air conditioned or cooler location during the hottest times of the day (10 am to 2 pm)
- Know that high humidity and direct sun, especially in very young children such as infants and toddlers,
- Avoid intense activity, or limit it to no more than 15 minutes
The signs of heat illness to watch out can include fatigue, thirst, red flushed cheeks, cool damp skin and muscle cramps. If left untreated it can progress to heat stroke which can result in dizziness, headaches, confusion and nausea and requires immediate medical attention.
Stay cool and play it cool.
July will be hot, hot, hot.