Play It Safe: Protecting Bahrain's Kids from the Summer Heat

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Zahra Ayaz

Playing and exercising outdoors is known to have numerous benefits for children’s health, but according to a prominent paediatrician, high temperatures and extreme heat can pose serious health risks to children.

Dr. Jofrelyn Bistoyong, a specialist paediatrician at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, highlighted the dangers of heat-related illnesses and emphasised the need for heat protection resources for children.

Dr. Bistoyong pointed out three key reasons why heat can cause more health problems for children.

Firstly, children tend to spend more time outdoors, engaging in physical activities and games, especially during the summer months.

While outdoor time is beneficial, it also increases their vulnerability to heat-related illnesses.

“Children are growing and developing, and their respiratory systems are not as efficient as adults’,” explained Dr. Bistoyong.

“They breathe faster and inhale a larger amount of air relative to their body weight.

Additionally, they breathe closer to the ground, where pollutants often settle, further exacerbating their risk.”

Furthermore, children rely on others to control their environment and take necessary precautions.

Unlike adults, they may not have the ability to change their surroundings or clothing to avoid extreme heat.

Infants, in particular, are at a heightened risk as they are unable to regulate their environment or stay hydrated without assistance.

Heat-related illnesses can manifest in various ways, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke, which can be a medical emergency.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can also lead to irritability and emotional distress, commonly referred to as “eco-anxiety,” especially with the increasing prevalence of extreme heat due to climate change.

Dr. Bistoyong suggested that local communities should provide more resources for heat protection, particularly for children.

“This could include the installation of shaded areas equipped with fans in parks, schools, and other public spaces.

Additionally, accessible sources of clean, free drinking water in public areas such as schools, healthcare institutions, malls, and parks during the summer season would help combat heat-related injuries and illnesses,” she added.

Act fast, if these symptoms arise

Recognising the common symptoms experienced by children during the summer, Dr. Bistoyong highlighted faintness, extreme tiredness, headaches, fever, intense thirst, decreased urine output, nausea, and vomiting.

Stay hydrated

To mitigate these risks, she advised children to stay hydrated and wear light-coloured clothing to prevent excessive heat absorption.

Loose-fitting clothing that provides ventilation and protection against direct sun exposure is recommended.

Wash faces regularly

Dr. Bistoyong also encouraged children to cool off with water, suggesting that they wash their faces regularly during breaks and outdoor activities.