Keep Your Kids Cool as the Mercury Rises - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Keep Your Kids Cool as the Mercury Rises

As the mercury climbs to record highs--kids playing outside can be exposed to dehydration or even heat exhaustion.
Jon Schaeffer hit the diamond to see how some kids are handling the heat and what parents can do to help.
 kids can bring the heat-- and play in it.
"Was it hot out there? Yes!"  
Giving water is the only way for parents to help their child handle the heat while playing the games they enjoy most.
"My son loves baseball he loves to be active and there's nothing I can do to keep him away from that but just try to keep him hydrated and keep him healthy I guess."
  And make sure to give them enough.
"Children 88 pounds to 135 pounds need to drink 5 ounces every 30 minutes and children over that 9 ounces every thirty minutes. Two large Kid gulps is about an ounce."
The debate continues whether or not Gatorade or water is better for children who are active--Dr. Twogood says its all about length of the activity.
"The number one thing to keep a child hydrated is water, plain simple water in the early phases of exercise is important. It's not until about a half hour to 40 minutes of exercise that you need to replace those electrolytes."
Twogood says some of the signs you can look for are muscle cramping--fatigue--and flushed moist skin.
Staying cool and suggesting these kids do too--Jon Schaeffer Kxnews.
Temperatures reached into the hundreds today.
Dr. Twogood says use those water breaks to also get some rest and cool down to help your body.