Summer in Mississippi has always been hot. But over the past several years, many parents have noticed something different. The days feel hotter, the humidity seems heavier, and children are spending more time indoors because the heat has become difficult to escape. This summer has been no exception. Across much of the country, including Mississippi, heat advisories have become increasingly common as temperatures and heat index values climb into dangerous ranges.
As a pediatric cardiologist, I often hear parents ask, “Can my child still play outside?” “How much water should they drink?” and “How do I know if they are getting overheated?” The good news is that most children can safely enjoy the outdoors, even during Mississippi summers, when families understand how to recognize heat illness and take a few simple precautions.
Children Are Not Just Small Adults
One of the biggest misconceptions is that children handle heat the same way adults do. They do not. Children generate more body heat relative to their size, sweat less efficiently, and do not cool themselves as effectively. Younger children also become so focused on playing that they often ignore thirst and early signs of overheating. By the time they complain, they may already be significantly dehydrated.
That is why parents, not children, must be responsible for making hydration and cooling breaks happen.
Why This Matters
Heat illness is becoming increasingly common. Studies have shown that pediatric emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses have risen dramatically over the past decade, and heat-related medical visits increase during periods of extreme temperatures.
Young athletes deserve particular attention. Approximately 9,000 high school athletes in the United States are treated each year for heat-related illnesses. Fortunately, almost all of these illnesses are preventable.
Five Pearls Every Parent Should Know
1. Thirst Is a Late Sign
Do not wait until your child says they are thirsty. Encourage drinking water before activity begins and continue taking water breaks every 15 to 20 minutes during prolonged outdoor play or sports.
Pearl for Parents: For most children playing outside, water is all they need. Sports drinks are generally unnecessary unless vigorous exercise lasts longer than an hour or involves significant sweating.
2. The Heat Index Matters More Than the Temperature
Parents often check the temperature. Instead, check the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity. In Mississippi, an air temperature of 92°F with high humidity may actually “feel like” well over 100°F. That extra humidity makes it much harder for sweat to evaporate, reducing the body's ability to cool itself.
3. Schedule Around the Heat
Whenever possible:
- Play outdoors before 10 AM
- Resume outdoor activities after 6 PM
- Limit strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning
Professional sports teams, schools, and summer camps routinely modify practices because of heat. Families should feel comfortable doing the same.
4. Dress for the Weather
Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps the body release heat, while dark clothing absorbs more sunlight. A lightweight hat, sunscreen, and shade are simple but often overlooked ways to reduce heat stress.
5. Never Leave a Child in a Car
Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly to life-threatening levels. Every year, children die from preventable heatstroke after being left in vehicles.
Make it a habit to always check the back seat before locking your car.
Know the Warning Signs
Early signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Pale or cool skin
Move your child to a cool area immediately, give cool fluids, and allow them to rest. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek medical attention.
Heat Stroke Is an Emergency
Heat stroke is very different from heat exhaustion. Parents should call 911 immediately if a child develops:
- Confusion
- Difficulty waking up
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Hot skin
- Body temperature above 103°F
- Stops sweating despite extreme heat
Heat stroke can rapidly become life-threatening and requires emergency medical treatment.
What About Children With Heart Conditions?
This is one of the questions I hear most often. The answer depends on the specific heart condition. Fortunately, many children with repaired congenital heart disease, innocent heart murmurs, or well-controlled cardiac conditions can safely enjoy outdoor activities with appropriate hydration and common-sense precautions.
However, children with more complex heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or rhythm disorders may have additional limitations and should follow recommendations from their pediatric cardiologist. If you are unsure, ask before sports season begins.
One Final Thought
Some of my favorite childhood memories happened outside during warm weather seasons. I do not believe children should stay indoors simply because it is hot. Running through sprinklers, playing tag, riding bicycles, catching lightning bugs, and spending time with friends remain some of the best parts of growing up.
The goal is not to avoid summer. It is to respect the heat. With good planning, regular hydration, plenty of shade, and parents who know the warning signs, children can enjoy everything Mississippi summers have to offer while staying healthy and safe.
About the Author
Dr. Onyekachukwu Osakwe is a board-certified pediatric cardiologist at Mississippi Children's Heart Clinic. He provides comprehensive cardiac care for infants, children, and adolescents throughout Mississippi and believes that empowering families with practical medical knowledge is one of the best ways to keep children healthy.