Exercising in the heat

Although the American Pediatrics Association is correct in stating that youth can exercise in heat, let us NOT forget that the part of the brain which houses discernment does not fully develop until one is in his or her 20s. That means as parents, YOU need to monitor their exertion for them. And the answer "fine" in reply to how they are doing shouldn't cut it. Ask kids "on a scale of 1 to 10, where are you?" In extreme heat, they shouldn't be above an 8. Check their coloring, ensuring they aren't going pale or white. Make mandatory water breaks a norm. And if your child is overweight, they will overheat faster. Also know that everyone is different. Some people have excellent cooling mechanisms while others do not. So yes, exercising in the heat is "okay" but watch carefully and help them understand their limits.