Why are children more at risk in extreme heat?

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With 18 areas in the country forecasted to hit "danger levels" of heat index on Wednesday — including Los Baños, Laguna which is seen to hit a scorching 50C — the Department of Health is advising Filipinos who have prolonged sun exposure to drink as much as 10 glasses.

But Save the Children warns the 26 million children on summer break are among those at risk given the extreme heat.

“Children, especially those under 5, are more vulnerable to scorching weather [because] they are less able to regulate their body temperature while playing outdoors," Joy Sampang, Early Childhood Care and Development Advisor at Save the Children said in a statement.

"Young children may also be unable to recognize or express symptoms of heat-related distress, making them more susceptible to harm," she added.

Apart from heatstroke and severe dehydration, the extreme heat enfolding the country can also lead to respiratory illnesses, kidney disease, and affect children's emotional well-being and ability to learn and play. 

"When children feel exhausted, stressed, or anxious due to extreme heat, their focus, play, and learning suffer. We must create safe spaces where children can learn and thrive despite the rising temperatures,” Sampang said.

Below are the five suggestions from Save the Children to help children cope with extreme heat:

• Use child-friendly language to explain the heat like how birds look for shade, we stay indoors to stay safe.
• Offer reassurance that feeling tired or uncomfortable in the heat is normal, and adults are doing their best to protect them.
• Create cooling corners at home with soft pillows, books, and cold packs where kids can rest when feeling overwhelmed.
• Practice breathing techniques with children like “smell the flower, blow the candle.”
• Encourage self-expression through drawing, storytelling, or talking about their feelings during hot days.

PAGASA declared the start of summer on March 26, saying temperatures may intensify toward the end of April and May. 

Want to know more about how we can take care of ourselves in this heat? Sign up to The Boost, our weekly newsletter dedicated to health and wellness. Click here to sign up, and don't forget to confirm your email. — LA, GMA Integrated News