728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
Get Pregnancy Information
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Traveling with Children › The Hot Days of Summer

The Hot Days of Summer

Keeping Hydrated While on the Road

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Most family vacations are taken by car. In addition, families tend to "vacation" more in the warmer months May through August than any other time of the year. With these two facts combined, the potential for dehydration and heat exhaustion is increased by 50 percent.

The average summer day can increase temperatures in a vehicle to as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Being in a vehicle with a temperature of 90 degrees for 15 minutes can place someone at risk for dehydration. Children and elderly become at risk after five to six minutes. And infants become at risk for dehydration after four minutes in a vehicle with a temperature of 90 degrees.

What Is Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when the body loses too much fluid due to an increase in body temperature such as a fever, exposure to high temperatures or with prolonged activity. Dehydration happens when the output of bodily fluid through sweating, vomiting or diarrhea is more than the intake of fluid. The signs and symptoms of dehydration include flushed skin, headache, dry and itchy skin, coated tongue, irritability, indigestion, lack of concentration, constipation and confusion.

"Dehydration is no laughing matter," says Gwen Majette of the International Bottled Water Association in Alexandria, Va. "Thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration, so if you're feeling thirsty, your body is already slightly dehydrated. I don't think traveling parents or children can afford or would enjoy suffering from [the signs and symptoms of dehydration] while on their journey."

What Should You Drink?
The easiest way to increase fluids in the body is to drink plenty of water. "By definition, hydration is the replacement of body fluids lost through sweating, exhaling and elimination," says Majette. "Water is essential to the body. There are many reasons why water is so important for proper hydration. They include converting food into energy, carrying nutrients and oxygen to all the cells in the body, regulating body temperature and protecting and cushioning vital organs." However, getting kids to drink water is usually easier said than done. Other fluids such as milk, juice, Kool-Aid and sports drinks will add fluids and are more welcomed by children, but water remains the best option.

Pages:  1  2  3  4  


Want to see more?