Arizona summers are no joke, and neither are the health risks that extreme heat can pose for children. That's why we're proud to see Dr. Brent Bjornsen, sports medicine physician at Arbor Pediatrics, featured on ABC15 Arizona, where he shared practical advice to help families keep kids safe during the hottest months of the year.
Click here to watch the full interview.
Children are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness because their bodies warm up much faster than adults. According to Dr. Bjornsen, one of the earliest warning signs parents should watch for isn't just physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea—it's a change in behavior.
"Oftentimes they're not kind of best about regulating how their body feels. They want to play, they want to go," Dr. Bjornsen explained.
He also noted that because children are smaller, "it takes less heat and less time to increase the core body temperature," making younger children and infants particularly susceptible to overheating.
For young athletes, prevention starts well before practice begins. Dr. Bjornsen encourages families to hydrate before outdoor activities rather than waiting until children become thirsty.
"Don't hydrate to keep up with your exercise. Hydrate before you get there," he said, adding that beginning activity with a cool body temperature can make a meaningful difference.
His top recommendation? Plan ahead. Whenever possible, schedule outdoor play, sports, and family activities during the early morning or evening hours, when temperatures and UV exposure are lower. "Timing is probably the most important thing," Dr. Bjornsen said.
As temperatures continue to climb across Arizona, simple habits like staying hydrated, taking frequent breaks, recognizing the early signs of heat illness, and avoiding peak afternoon heat can help children enjoy a safe, active summer.
We're grateful to Dr. Bjornsen for sharing his expertise with our community and helping families stay healthy—both in the office and beyond.
