Red alert: DAK warns of heat damage for children in MV!

Red alert: DAK warns of heat damage for children in MV!

The heat has us firmly under control and not just in our own living room. The DAK has published an alarming analysis on the health of children and young people in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which urgently warns of the dangers of extreme temperatures. According to the DAK's results, the risk for children and young people aged 0 to 17 increases sevenfold at temperatures above 30 degrees. Negative health effects can already be seen at temperatures above 25 degrees. This data was collected from over 2 million utility requests and 164,300 temperature measurements between 2017 and 2022. Especially on hot days when the thermometer exceeds 30 degrees, more than 80 children and young people have to be treated for heat stroke or similar complaints every year. DAK state chief Andreas Mirwald therefore emphasizes the need for effective heat protection plans for daycare centers, schools, playgrounds and sports fields.

But what do the experts say about this worrying development? The President of the BVKJ, Michael Hubmann, warns that the number of heat-related illnesses is likely to increase due to climate change. Although there are numerous heat-related complaints that do not necessarily require medical treatment, severe symptoms such as heat exhaustion require medical attention.

Warning signs and protective measures

Doctors across the country are alarmed. The professional associations in Bavaria are concerned about the health risks for children caused by extreme heat and high levels of UV radiation. Meteorologists are predicting the possibility of one of the warmest June months on record. A heat record could actually be set in 2025. The BVKJ Bayern emphasizes that children are particularly at risk due to their unfavorable body surface area to weight ratio, their lower sweat production and a higher fluid requirement. Their perception of thirst and overheating is often not as pronounced as that of adults.

Warning signs of overheating include a red head, headache, nausea and dizziness. In severe cases, rapid breathing and apathy may occur, indicating heat stroke. There is a risk of children overheating, especially when splashing around in the water. Signs of dehydration include dry, sticky lips, sunken eyes, and increased irritability.

There is a growing need for action

In order to better protect children, pediatricians are calling for uniform heat protection plans and structural adjustments in daycare centers and schools. Sufficient drinking options and cool rooms should also be provided. On hot days, it is advisable to adjust the lesson times and take appropriate breaks. Dr. Dominik Ewald, chairman of the BVKJ Bavaria, makes it clear: “We must act now to ensure the health of our children in times of climate change.”

The tips for parents are simple but crucial: sufficient water and unsweetened drinks should be offered, light clothing and hats are mandatory, as is regular sun protection for your children. If there are signs of overheating, cooling measures should be initiated immediately and a doctor should be contacted if symptoms are severe.

It is clear here: climate change and the associated increase in heat waves pose a serious challenge to the health of our youngest people. It is up to us as a society to take the necessary protective measures and protect our children. The DAK, just like the pediatricians, demands that political decision-makers finally take action and develop effective protection concepts.

For further information on current developments, you can read the reports from the DAK here and the district newspaper Read here, as well as the detailed information from the BVKJ View [here](https://www.kinderaerzte-im-netz.de/news-archiv/melde/klimawandel-und-wärme-eine-growing- danger-fuer-die-gesundheit-unserer-kinder/).