Children can be severely affected by summer's heat - especially when they're involved in exercise or sports.

Learn these ABCs to help kids avoid the loss of body fluids:
   Always drink before, during and after outdoor activities.
   Bring the right fluids. Water and sports drinks are best.
   Children need fluids as part of their regular sports equipment.

To promote staying healthy in hot weather, SAFE KIDS of DeKalb is visiting the Decatur Recreation and Community Services Department's baseball games on Wednesday, July 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. The site is Oakhurst Park, 307 Feld Avenue, near East Lake Drive at Third Avenue.

This outreach is part of the Defeat the Heat public awareness initiative sponsored by the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the National Athletic Trainers' Association and Gatorade.

At the games, volunteers will distribute water, Gatorade, educational materials and magnets, while supplies last. Also, a DeKalb County paramedic will discuss the signs of heat-related illness. The public is welcome.

Children are at greater risk for illnesses caused by water loss (dehydration) and hot weather than adults. Their smaller bodies absorb more heat from the environment, produce more body heat and release body heat more slowly.

"When you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated. So, it is important to drink before becoming thirsty," says Janet Weisman, SAFE KIDS of DeKalb coordinator.

Other warning signs of heat-related illness are nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle cramps, fatigue and dizziness. Extreme cases of dehydration can cause permanent disability and death.

For more information, contact SAFE KIDS of DeKalb Coordinator Janet Weisman, DeKalb County Board of Health, at (404) 294-3700 or jeweisman@gdph.state.ga.us. You may also call toll-free 1-866-5DEFEAT or visit www.defeattheheat.com.

###