Here is how you and your family can remain safe amid this heat wave

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for young children!

This week, Channel 2′s Linda Stouffer looked into what you can look out for with dehydration to keep you and your family safe.

Tita Lovell makes sure her son cools off in the water and drinks enough water too.

“I always bring a water bottle with me and in the morning I make sure he has some kind of fruit,” Lovell said.

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Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta says danger signs for heat-related illnesses include cramps, high body temperature, red, hot dry skin, a rapid pulse and dizziness.

“Really, water is the key here. We want to be taking it with us when we’re going to sporting events. If we’re going to a friend’s house. If we’re going to camp,” Katherine Shary of CHOA’s Strong4Life said.

Shary is a registered dietician and says that without a doubt, water is the best hydration option all day.

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If your child is active or doing sports for an hour or less- stick with water.  Sports drinks have added sugar, so only consider that if your child is active or doing sports for more than an hour.

“You lose electrolytes through the heat when you’re sweating. and so the higher the temperatures are, the more you’re typically going to sweat,” Shary said. “So that’s why we recommend going for a sports drink only if you’re going to be doing vigorous activity for more than an hour, especially out in this hot heat. But if you’re going to be doing activity for an hour or less, we recommend sticking with water.”

Shary says children can also stay hydrated with the right foods- like fruit. She suggests freezing berries in ice cubes for a cold treat. Another idea- grab snacks that have some protein or fat in them plus a carbohydrate, including things such as popcorn, and a trail mix.

Check out more tips on how to beat the summer heat HERE.

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