Avoid heatstroke in children

While healthy in moderation, the rays of the sun can, however, cause a number of health-related occurrences.

One of the best sources of vitamin D is from healthy sun exposure, but overexposure can lead to disaster, especially in children.

While most sunscreens do a good job blocking out ultraviolet B (UVB), fewer filter out all the ultraviolet A.

UVA is ultraviolet radiation between 400 to 320 nanometer (nm) wavelength and UVB is between 320 to 290nm wavelength.

The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy of radiation.

UVA rays account for 90 to 95% of UV radiation that reaches the earth, and while UVB makes up only five to 10% of solar radiation, its high energy damages surface epidermal layers and causes sunburn.

UVB is strongest between 10am and 4pm and does not significantly penetrate glass.

UVA is present equally throughout the daylight hours and throughout the seasons, and can penetrate cloud and glass.

UVA penetrates deeper layers of skin and causes tanning.

However, both types of UV rays can cause skin cancer because they damage skin cells and alter their DNA.

Both types of rays also contribute to premature aging of skin.

Sunscreen can block your body’s natural production of vitamin D.

In situations where there is long periods of exposure to the sun, be sure to use a product that protects against both UVA and UVB.

Heatstroke:

Steve Mabona, spokesman for the Department of Health, says heat exhaustion starts slowly.

“If it’s not quickly treated it can progress to heatstroke,” he says.

In heatstroke, a person’s temperature reaches 40.5 degrees Celsius or higher.

Mabona warns that heatstroke requires immediate emergency medical care and can be fatal.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• increased thirst

• weakness

• fainting

• muscle cramps

• nausea and vomiting

• irritability

• headache

• increased sweating

• cool, clammy skin

• elevation of body temperature, but to less than 40.5 degrees Celsius

Sign and symptoms of heatstroke:

• severe headache

• weakness, dizziness

• confusion

• rapid breathing and heartbeat

• loss of consciousness leading to coma

• seizures

• may not be sweating

• flushed, hot, dry skin

• elevation of body temperature to 40.5 degrees Celsius or higher

What to do:

If your child has symptoms of heatstroke, seek emergency medical care immediately.

In cases of heat exhaustion or while awaiting help for a child with possible heatstroke:

• Bring the child indoors or into the shade immediately.

• Undress the child.

• Have the child lie down and elevate feet slightly.

• If the child is alert, place in cool bath water. If outside, spray the child with mist from a garden hose.

• If the child is alert and coherent, give frequent sips of cool, clear fluids.

• If the child is vomiting, turn onto their side to prevent choking.

“Think prevention,” says Mabona.

• Teach children to always drink plenty of fluids before and during any activity in hot, sunny weather, even if they aren’t thirsty.

• Make sure children wear light-coloured, loose clothing in warm weather.

• Don’t let children participate in heavy activity outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.

• Teach children to come indoors immediately whenever they feel overheated.

Source: https://www.geglobalresearch.com/blog/the-difference-between-uva-and-uvb-rays

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/06/03/what-s-the-most-dangerous-part-of-sun-exposure.aspx