Mahir Reiss Speaks Out on Keeping Kids Safe During Summer Sports

PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 05, 2013

Mahir Reiss, a physical therapist with more than 35 years of clinical experience, is issuing comment on a new article that explains how parents can help keep their young athletes safe as they play outside during the summer. Outside playtime is essential for children's health, but must be done with caution.

With kids running around outside during the warmer months, exposure to the sun's powerful rays is almost a guarantee. Parents must make sure to help protect young skin from the sun by encouraging the use of sunscreen. Moms and dads should assist children in applying and reapplying the substance often, especially when the young person is sweating. Hats and sunglasses are important when it comes to protecting the sensitive skin found around the eyes and on the scalp. Outdoor enthusiasts are also advised to stay in the shade when the sun is at its hottest, between 10am and 4pm.

Mahir Reiss supports this noting, "Even if the day appears cloudy, sunscreen is always necessary. Children love to run and play outside, but can get serious burns in a short amount of time. Despite their protests, parents must make it a point to apply and reapply sunscreen. This is especially important when the boy or girl is sweating after playing soccer or baseball in the heat."

As temperatures rise, proper hydration becomes a top priority. Children should drink as much water as they can before they head outside. They should regularly take breaks to sip from a cool water bottle, even if they do not feel especially thirsty. Research shows that by the time an individual feels the need to take a drink, he or she is already significantly dehydrated. Parents can also feed kids liquid-based snacks, such as watermelon, to help add an extra dose of hydration during the summer.

During the summer, even enthusiastic young athletes should take breaks regularly. When it is particularly hot and humid out, a rest inside every 20 minutes is advisable. This helps the body to cool down, thus preventing heat exhaustion and other dangerous conditions. Parents should understand the warning signs of these problems, and know when it is time to get a boy or girl medical attention.

Signs of heat-related medical problems include bright red faces, excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Should these symptoms occur, a doctor's care is required right away. For less severe cases of heat-related illness, a parent should usher the outdoor enthusiast inside for a cool drink and a break in the air conditioning.

The natural tendency is to leave arms and legs bare during the hottest part of the summer, however children should try to wear light layers whenever possible. This will prevent them from overheating, but will also protect their skin from strong rays that can quickly cause burns. Only one layer is necessary for protection, and this light covering will still allow sweat to evaporate. Moisture wicking clothing is a favorite among parents for summertime play.

Mahir Reiss advises moms and dads to have their children take a drink of water each time they pass through the kitchen; this encourages them to keep hydrated, even if they do not feel particularly thirsty yet.

ABOUT:

Mahir Reiss is a physical therapist and the co-owner of Reiss and Westwood Physical Therapy. At his practice, he and his talented team rehabilitate a variety of clients, from young children to elderly individuals. They use massage, acupuncture, aquatic therapy, and a number of innovative techniques to get these patients back to their ideal activity level.