Category Archives: Summer Sun Safety

Keep Your Kids Hydrated This Summer

Athletics stay hydrated for sports

Are your kids staying healthy and hydrated this summer while competing in their athletics? This summer is a scorcher and the sun can be brutal. Here is some information on dehydration for you to use to ensure their safety on and off the field!

Proper Hydration for Sports is Essential

Sometimes children are so focused on winning or placing first in a race that they forget or even ignore the fact that they are thirsty. Because of this, it is the parent’s responsibility to pay attention to their child’s hydration. Here are some signs to tell if your child is starting to become or is already dehydrated:

  • Emerging Headache
  • Poor concentration
  • Lethargy
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion

High school teams are starting soon. Football, volleyball, golf, swimming, and tennis, just to name a few. It can be hard staying hydrated with two or more practices daily. To fight against dehydration in such busy times, make sure your child takes frequent water breaks. The water will keep their bodies cool and will protect them from heatstroke and other conditions. It will also give them more energy and they will be in better shape when it comes time to get their sports physical! Here are some more summer sun safety tips for your kids.

Sports Physicals at Westland Clinic

Has your student-athlete gotten a sports physical yet? If not, make an appointment at our local medical clinic serving Wayne County including; Canton, Livonia, Garden City and others. The Westland Clinic is a great place to get a quick and complete sports physical this summer. We are familiar with local schools and have been doing sports physicals in Michigan for over 40 years.

If you would like more information on our sports physical prices, more tips on staying hydrated, or other more generalized information, contact us  or call 734-728-2130. Also, feel free to visit us Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 6149 N. Wayne Rd. in Westland. We take both walk-ins and appointments, whichever option is best for you. We look forward to meeting you and your child(ren)!

Warning: Heat Exhaustion and Heat Strokes

Ever been exposed to high temperatures to the point where you feel dehydrated? Horrible feeling, isn’t it? Heat exhaustion is no fun. You aren’t able to partake in events, activities, and other things because of the overpowering heat from the sun. Typically, for this illness, there is two types of heat exhaustion: salt depletion and water depletion. Salt depletion can include anything from dizziness and nausea to vomiting and muscle cramps. On the other hand, water depletion includes headaches, weaknesses, loss of consciousness, and excessive thirst.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

The most common symptoms for heat exhaustion are:

  • Pale skinHeat Exhaustion
  • Headache
  • Dizziness/fainting
  • Confusion
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea

If you or anyone else are experiencing these symptoms, find the nearest cool/shady area possible. Taking a cool shower or bath, drinking lots of water, turning on fans or air conditioning, and removing unnecessary clothing are ways to help treat heat exhaustion. Even though heat exhaustion isn’t as bad as a heat stroke, it still isn’t something to be taken so lightly so if these symptoms progress, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. To make a follow-up checkup appointment please call our Westland Clinic at 734.728.2130.

Heat Stroke

Heat strokes are considered very serious. If you or someone you know are having a heat stroke, calling 911 is recommended. Not only can heat strokes be dangerous, but they can also cause a lot of damage to other organs and to the brain. Normally, people over the age of 50 are prone to getting heat strokes, but it can also take a toll on young adults. A heat stroke is a combination of dehydration and being exposed to high temperatures.

Heat Stroke Symptoms:

  • Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Fainting
  • Heat cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Dry, red, and hot skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit

It’s always a nice feeling to be outside in the sun, but being severely exposed to the sun is not good nor healthy. By preventing harsh sun exposure and getting the proper sun protection, you can avoid illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat strokes. At Millennium Medical Group West our Westland Medical Center with professional staff and physicians can help with heat-related illness like heat exhaustion. Stay tuned for our next article on diagnostics and treatment of heat related illness.