Survey of 814 Parents: The 'Invisible Heatstroke Risk' Lurking in Children Playing Sports

With the worsening of severe heat in recent years, the risk of heatstroke for elementary, junior high, and high school students playing sports in summer has become a social issue. Against this backdrop, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. conducted a survey in April 2026 targeting 814 parents of children in these age groups regarding their breakfast habits and heatstroke prevention measures on days when their children play sports. The results showed that about 60% of parents answered that they 'always make them eat' breakfast on sports days (502 people). Combined with 'almost always' (133 people), about 80% are conscious of breakfast on sports days. On the other hand, responses such as 'sometimes' (55 people), 'do not know' (45 people), and 'hardly ever' (31 people) were also seen, indicating differences in breakfast habits between households. Regarding concerns about heatstroke prevention, the top five were 'no particular anxiety' (216 people), 'child does not hydrate frequently' (187 people), 'sensitive to heat/prone to illness' (116 people), 'pushes themselves too hard' (109 people), and 'cannot eat a proper breakfast' (106 people). A survey on the implementation status of heatstroke measures showed that many parents do not thoroughly implement measures such as hydration, pre-cooling, or ensuring children do not skip meals. Heatstroke can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Recognizing symptoms quickly can sometimes be a matter of life and death. Children, in particular, tend to be unable to properly communicate changes in their physical condition or push themselves too hard, so it is important to take proactive measures. Dr. Hideki Taniguchi, a physician knowledgeable about heatstroke, explained the important points for children's heatstroke prevention. (Omitted) Heatstroke is not just physical malaise caused by 'heat,' but occurs when the balance of water and electrolytes in the body is disrupted, and the body's temperature regulation function through sweating stops working normally. Children, in particular, have a higher water content in their bodies than adults, but their temperature regulation and sweating functions are immature, and they find it difficult to judge the timing of hydration themselves, making them at higher risk than adults. As a heatstroke prevention measure that parents should be aware of, it is important to make them eat breakfast, even if it is just a jelly drink. Skipping breakfast means starting the day in a state of mild dehydration and energy deficiency. Regarding hydration during exercise, it is important to hydrate in small amounts frequently, divided into before, during, and after exercise, rather than consuming a large amount at once. In recent years, more cases of children carrying ice slurry for exercise have been increasing. One must not let their guard down after returning home, as there is a risk of 'time-lag heatstroke,' so it is necessary to monitor their physical condition after returning home. Sports instructors are also required to have a perspective that comprehensively manages the three aspects of environment, behavior, and physical condition.