Doctor talks about how to keep children safe in the heat

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- As another dangerous stretch of heat settles in, hospitals are seeing the consequences.

According to the CDC, emergency rooms are reporting a rise in heat-related illnesses from dehydration and heat exhaustion.

In the last week, the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes Pennsylvania and Delaware, has seen a 633 percent increase in ER visits.

Doctors say the elderly and children are most vulnerable.

Dr. Alan Cherney is the medical director of Thomas Jeffeson University Hospital. He says the biggest mistake parents make is not noticing early signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration.

Cherney says kids have less developed thermoregulation and become dehydrated more quickly.

Children should be drinking water throughout the day, not just during an activity, and should be going to the restroom 5-6 times a day.

This is especially important for children in camps or doing activities outdoors.

Doctors say the biggest reminder is for parents to check the backseat of their car.

Cherney says if it's 100 outside, it could easily get to 140 or 150 in the car in a matter of minutes.

To learn more about the heat is our area follow this link: https://6abc.com/tag/heat/