Wilderness Survival Guide 43 KIDS’ HEALTH Nutrition In order to safely participate in any outdoor activity, kids need to properly fuel and hydrate their bodies. Before they head outside, feed your kids a nutritious snack such as a piece of fruit, yogurt, a handful of nuts and some water or juice to hydrate them and pump up their energy stores. Pack an additional nutritious snack and water for them to take along. Keep Your Kids Safe in the Sun • Stay out of the sun between 11a.m. and 3p.m. • Liberally apply "waterproof" sunscreen on or near the water - remember to re-apply again after swimming. • A hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt, and pants protect kids from the sun more thoroughly than sunscreen. Dehydration Your child’s normal daily fluid intake requirement can be significantly affected by exercise, sweating, heat or altitude. Kids should drink fluids, such as water, before, during and after any physical activity. Set a pace that allows your child’s body to adapt to the heat and/or altitude. Be sure to monitor your kids’ hydration and don’t make them wait for a drink if they tell you that they feel thirsty – that feeling indicates that the dehydration process has already started. Frostbite Kids are at high risk for frostbite, which usually affects areas of the body that are exposed to the cold. Though it usually affects fingers, toes, ears, noses and cheeks, frostbite can happen to any exposed skin. Help prevent frostbite by dressing your kids in layers and monitoring them during exposure to cold weather. CAUTION: Do not rub frostbitten skin! Hypothermia Hypothermia sets in after long exposure to low temperatures, wind and moisture, and can happen when out hiking, on the ski hill, or in cold water. Dress your kids properly for the conditions – in layers and with a hat – to help prevent hypothermia. www.adventuresmart.ca
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