A Almost all children in the desert Southwest experience the ill effects of the summer sun and heat at some time during their lives. How well a child does is determined by what parents and other caregivers do to prevent and treat excess sun and heat exposure and its consequences.

The younger the child, the higher the risk. Infants and children have far less reserve to protect them from sun- and heat-related injury. Limit exposure during the hottest time of day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If children are outside during the heat of the day, do the following:

First, protect the skin with hats, clothing and sunscreen. Sunscreen should be at least SPF 15 and applied repeatedly during the day. (Do not use sunscreen on infants less than six months old because they may absorb the chemicals into their body.) Sunburn prevention is essential, not only because of the pain and suffering it causes but also because of the increased long-term risk for skin cancer.

Second, make sure children drink large amounts of water to maintain proper water balance. Our thirst mechanism is not strong enough to prevent dehydration. Children must be told to drink water every 30 to 60 minutes. Salt-containing fluids usually are not needed with a normal diet.

Children who become red in the face or complain of headache or nausea should be brought inside to cool down. Have them continue to drink fluids until they go to the bathroom. Do not allow them to go outside again until all symptoms have resolved.

A child who is flush but not sweating and seems confused is likely suffering from heat stroke. Cool the child immediately by dousing with water, wet sheets, etc. Give fluids by mouth if tolerated. Seek emergency medical treatment to prevent shock, organ damage and even death.

Remember, the younger the child, the higher the sun, or the hotter the temperature, the greater the risk. Help your children enjoy the beauty of the southwestern desert -- with care.

—William A. Madden, M.D, associate professor, clinical pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson

Q What is the most commonly injured body part?

A Hands are one of the most commonly injured parts of our bodies. More than a quarter-million people suffer serious hand injuries each year. According to a report published in April 2001 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 3.6 million work-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms in 1998, hands and fingers were the most commonly treated body part.

In addition, hand function can be impaired by injuries to the entire upper extremity, including the skin, nerves, bones, joints, muscles, tendons and blood. The hand is one of the most anatomically intricate and complex part of the body. When a hand is injured, care must be given to all the types of tissues that make hand function possible. Hands require sensation and movement, such as joint motion, tendon gliding, and muscle contraction..

Hand injuries can be life changing and often require multiple surgeries, extensive counseling and rehabilitation. Injuries of the hands' delicate structures can turn into a permanent disability.

—Joseph E. Sheppard, M.D., associate professor, clinical orthopedic surgery; head, Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Department of Orthodpaedic Surgery, UA College of Medicine, Tucson.

AHSC consists of the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health, University Medical Center and The University Physicians.

Editors Note: ASK AHSC is published by the AHSC Office of Public Affairs. Reporters may quote from ASK AHSC; we request that credit be given. ASK AHSC is available on the Internet at www.ahsc.arizona.edu/opa/answers. To receive ASK AHSC via E-mail, call (520) 626-7301. Health questions should be sent to: ASK AHSC, AHSC Office of Public Affairs, PO Box 245095, Tucson, AZ 85724-5095, or E-mail to: jspinell@u.arizona.edu. The information here is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. For referral to a UA physician, please call University Health Connection, (520) 694-8888.

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