During these days high temperatures are being suffered, typical of the time in which we are but that never stop being suffocating and uncomfortable. In the face of a heat wave, there is a significant risk of suffering various damages, both external and internal. On the one hand, the skin can suffer burns that can be very dangerous, but there is also the risk of suffering from heat stroke.
Young children, babies, pregnant women and the elderly, are the main risk groups in the event of a heat wave. So it is essential to ensure that children are always well hydrated and protected against the consequences of extreme temperatures. Consuming water is the main way to hydrate the body, but it is not the only way.
The dangers of heat: heat stroke
What is known as heat stroke, occurs when the body exceeds 40ºC in temperature. Usually, occurs as a result of fluid loss through sweat, which can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or by not hydrating properly. To avoid this, it is essential to drink water throughout the day, especially when the body is exposed to heat.
The problem is that children often forget to drink water and when they remember, it is because they are already very thirsty and that is an indicator of dehydration. So you should be the one who is in charge of giving them water frequently. However, this is not the only way to keep children well hydrated. Here are some tricks to get extra body hydration.
Seasonal fruits to be well hydrated
Summer fruits such as watermelon or melon contain a high percentage of water, which makes them an important ally when it comes to keeping the body well hydrated. If you are going to spend the day at the beach, in the field or in a simple afternoon in the park, do not forget to take an airtight container with you with some pieces of fresh fruit. You can also prepare them in smoothies or in smoothies, easier to carry and a good way to keep kids well hydrated.
Ice lollies
Much better if you prepare them at home, so you can control the amount of sugar in the ice cream. You may prepare them with children's favorite fruits, with lemon, orange, pineapple, watermelon or whatever flavor they prefer. Having an ice cream in the middle of the afternoon when the heat is more suffocating, will be a delicious way to cool off and help children to be well hydrated.
Milk and dairy derivatives
Milk contains a high index of water among its components, providing almost 90 grams of water per 100 ml. In addition to water, milk and dairy derivatives (creamy ice cream, yogurt, homemade smoothies) provide other nutrients such as proteins, minerals and vitamins, essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Flavored water to be well hydrated
Many children find it difficult to drink water because it has no flavor, but you can make this much-needed liquid more appealing by adding some flavor. You just need to get a nice transparent bottle, squeeze a lemon and mix with water, add two tablespoons of sugar so that the lemonade is not too bitter or two tablespoons of honey if you prefer.
Store the lemonade in the fridge and take the bottle with you whenever you leave home. Lemon provides minerals that are lost through sweating, leading to cramps and other physical ailments. With the lemonade you can keep the whole family hydrated and also, you will enjoy a refreshing and delicious drink every time you need it.
Each child his bottle
It is very important that each child has their own bottle, in no case should they share the bottle nor drink from the same glass. This is always important to avoid the spread of viruses, but now in the middle of the Covid-19 era, it is even more important to take precautions. Acquire a bottle for each child and teach your children to use only their bottle and not to share it with any other child, not even with the family.