With the new school year underway, Arkansas parents are being reminded that the combination of soaring summer temperatures and abundant pollen can create health challenges for children, especially those with asthma or seasonal allergies. Local physicians are offering practical advice to keep students safe and comfortable during outdoor sports, recess, and after‑school programs.
Hydration and frequent breaks are essential
Family medicine physician Dr. Khadijah Hamid of Mercy Clinic emphasized the importance of regular water intake. “Trying to encourage hydration for children going back to school is really important. So make sure your kid has a water bottle when going to school. Encourage hydration before the activities, during the activities; take frequent breaks,” she said.
Doctors recommend that children carry a refillable water bottle, drink before they feel thirsty, and take short rests in shaded areas, particularly during the hottest part of the day, typically between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Watch for signs of heat‑related illness and breathing trouble
Parents should be vigilant for symptoms such as dizziness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, or confusion, which can signal heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For children with asthma, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a persistent cough may indicate that heat and pollen are aggravating their condition.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital reported that more than 70,000 children in the state suffered from asthma in 2024, underscoring the scale of the issue. Health professionals advise keeping an up‑to‑date asthma action plan on hand and ensuring the child’s rescue inhaler is easily accessible.
Practical steps to reduce exposure
- Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lower.
- Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect skin from UV rays.
- Dress children in light‑colored, loose‑fitting clothing to help keep them cool.
- Seek shaded areas for breaks and consider indoor alternatives on especially hot days.
- Monitor local pollen forecasts and limit strenuous outdoor play on high‑pollen days.
Schools and community recreation programs are also encouraged to provide ample water stations and to adjust schedules as needed to protect vulnerable students.
Community resources
Parents can contact local health departments for information on heat advisories and pollen counts. Many libraries and community centers offer cool indoor spaces where children can rest during extreme heat events.
By staying proactive—hydrating regularly, watching for warning signs, and adjusting outdoor activities—parents can help ensure that Arkansas’s returning students enjoy a healthy, safe start to the school year despite the challenges of heat and allergies.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
