As visitors poured in from around the world, Cook Children’s Health Care System provided top-notch medical care not just for residents, but for traveling fans with children who may have needed unexpected care. Cook Children’s treated more than 200 visiting families in its Urgent Care centers over the course of the event.

Between the heat and the fandom, the summer games would bring the health system launched the "World Cup Wednesday" public health series. For nine weeks leading up to the tournament, this series provided families with essential resources on injury prevention, heat and water safety tips, and more.

While soccer matches in North Texas have come to an end, the impact of keeping global and local visitors safe will live long after the fans have gone home.

“A lot of times the students are receiving a lot of their meals at school but in the summer months that primarily falls on the parent,” said Maya Rashad, nutrition program coordinator at Cook Children’s Health Care System.

According to data from the Cook Children’s Center for Community Health 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, about 390,100 children from birth to 17 years old live in households that sometimes or often couldn’t afford nutritious meals. 

To help address those needs Cook Children’s Health Care System's Nourishing Communities program partners with R.E.D. Mobile Market, the Good for You Healthy Hub, and other Texas Health Resources Healthy Hubs to fight food insecurity and continue expanding community partnerships.

Free Summer Meals for Kids

Healthy breakfast, lunch, or to-go meals are available to children 18 and under all summer long.

• Fort Worth ISD Summer Food Program: Schedules and school locations
• USDA Summer Meals Site Finder: Find local distribution sites near you

“Healthy diet is the foundation of a healthy life,” said Rashad.

To put those words into action, Rashad hosts cooking classes twice a week at the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center focusing on eating healthy while on a budget.

Lily Han, M.D., a pediatrician at Cook Children’s Windhaven and Rashad share practical tips families can use to stay healthy during the summer without breaking the bank.

“The summer is a great time to introduce new fresh, colorful and fun foods,” said Dr. Han.   

 One key strategy is choosing seasonal produce. Look for fruits and vegetables at their peak, like berries, avocados, watermelons and tomatoes.

Balancing Energy and Hydration

Nutrition during the hot summer months is also about maintaining proper hydration. With children constantly on the move between sports clinics, day camps, pool days and play dates, structured eating can easily slide.

Dr. Han said it is important for families to aim for three meals a day and two to three snacks to keep energy levels stable.

“Keep in mind you are fueling for both energy and hydration,” said Dr. Han.

Experts recommend keeping easy, ready-to-eat items on hand to curb hunger, stabilize blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy throughout long days of play.

Smart on-the-go snack options include:

• Trail mix
• Nut butter and whole grain crackers
• Frozen yogurt tubes
• Veggie sticks and fresh fruit
• Granola and cheese sticks

Related Stories:

• Texas Summer Safety for Kids: Hydration, Heat Illness Signs and Sun Protection Tips
• Bridging the Gap: How Cook Children’s Health Plan is Transforming Las Vegas Trail
• From Our Kitchen to Yours: Inside the Demonstration Kitchen at the new neighborhood health center serving the Las Vegas Trail Area

As pediatric experts, Cook Children’s Health Care System know that protecting a child's health is about preventing emergency room visits just as much as treating illness. Ahead of the major soccer tournament, the system launched "World Cup Wednesday," a weekly healthcare series providing local and international visitors with essential resources on injury prevention, heat safety, water safety and guidance on when to utilize urgent care versus the emergency department.

The hottest time of the year in Texas is here, with temperatures regularly ranging from 80-100 degrees between June and August. Medical experts from Cook Children’s Health Care System advise caregivers and parents on what to know before attending outdoor activities or fan watch parties.

“Children can't cool off the body as well as adults,” said Monica Herrera, M.D., a pediatrician at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Windhaven, “it's important that we keep them hydrated.”

Dr. Herrera emphasizes that hydration is key during these months, as well as protecting children's skin from the sun and mosquitoes.

Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses

Spending too much time in the heat without proper hydration can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Dr. Herrera said learning the signs for heat-related illness is important, so caregivers know when to seek medical attention.

Symptoms include:

• Feeling faint or confused: A child may begin acting disoriented.
• Walking unsteadily and losing coordination.
• Headache
• Abnormally warm skin: Feels hot to the touch.
• Lack of urination: No wet diapers or bathroom use in eight hours.
• Nauseous and vomiting
• Shallow breathes: The body uses shallow breathing to try to shed excess heat.
• Muscle cramps: A child may complain that their legs hurt.
• Numbness

If a child exhibits these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Preparedness is the number one way to avoid heat-related illness and Dr. Herrera says it starts with hydration.

Hydration Tips

Babies under 6 months old should generally be kept indoors. However, if an infant is outside, Dr. Herrera recommends they stay hydrated with formula or breastmilk. Babies under 6 months should not be given water.

“The breast milk has everything that the baby needs as does formula,” said Dr. Herrera. “If you're outside for a prolonged period they really need to be drinking every 20 minutes.”

As children get older water becomes the priority for hydration, but there are other tricks if your little one isn’t fond of H20. While water is best, other caffeine-free fluids and water-rich foods can help count toward hydration.

“Fluids don’t always come in the form of liquid,” said Dr. Herrera.

Alternative hydration sources:

• Ice cream
• Popsicles
• Snow cones
• Crushed Ice
• Fruits (Watermelon, grapes and cantaloupe) are an excellent source of hydration
• Soft liquids (such as yogurt, applesauce)

How do you know if your child is hydrated?

Check their urine. Urine is the best indicator of hydration status for both children and adults. A well-hydrated child's or adult’s urine should be clear to a light yellow, similar to a light lemonade color. If the urine is dark yellow or tea-colored, dark orange, more fluids are needed.

Sun protection

While hydration is critical, protecting a child’s skin is a close second. Dr. Herrera explained that children’s skin is sensitive and can burn when exposed to the sun for a prolonged period. While sunblock Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ratings range in coverage from SPF 10 to 80, Dr. Herrera recommends choosing products with two active ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and use a sunblock of SPF 30.

Babies under 6 months of age should not have sunblock applied. Instead, keep them in the shade and dress them in a wide-brimmed hat.

Sunblock recommendations for 6 months and older:

• Choose a mineral-based sunscreen.
• Use SPF 30
• Apply 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outside.
• Reapply every two hours.
• Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone.
• Choose lotions over aerosol sprays to ensure total skin coverage.

Staying Cool in the Sun

• Dress children in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Choose breathable, absorbent materials.
• Avoid sitting directly in the sun. Seek shade when possible.
• Use cool mist sprays for quick relief.

Mosquitos

Summer heat in Texas also brings mosquitoes, which thrive around stagnant water and in hot, humid climates.

“Mosquitoes, as we know, can carry viruses which can cause severe infections and serious complications,” said Dr. Herrera. “We want to avoid mosquito bites if at all possible.”

The most effective line of defense is insect repellent.

Finding the best repellent:

• DEET is the most effective option.
• For infants up to 2 years of age, use a maximum of 10% DEET.
• For children older than 2, a maximum of 30% DEET.
• Apply repellent only to exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not apply it underneath clothing.
• If concerned about applying directly on the skin, apply repellent on clothing instead.

RELATED STORIES:

• Cook Children’s Provides Innovative Care for Family From Mexico

• Big Game, Big Responsibility: Water Safety

• Navigating Pediatric Emergency and Urgent Care During the Tournament

That advocate was Eliza Head, a clinical coordinator for Global Health Services (GHS). First, Eliza used her experience with international insurance companies to obtain the necessary approval for coverage. Then she made an appointment for 6-year-old Sofia to see pediatric gastroenterologist Clifton Huang, M.D. in Fort Worth.

Santiago Morett and Cristina Domenech Fernandez are grateful for the support they received before, during and after their daughter’s two-day visit to Cook Children’s Medical Center- Fort Worth in February 2026. Eliza was there to greet them and show them to the registration desk, food court, playground and Peaks Tech Zone to download the MyCookChildren’s app.

Eliza also accompanied the family to Sofia’s appointment and procedure with Dr. Huang. Santiago and Cristina speak English as a second language, but they weren’t familiar with some of the medical terms. Because Eliza is bilingual and a certified medical interpreter, the family relied on her for accurate translation in their native Spanish.

“Eliza was so kind and reassuring,” Santiago said. “She made it so easy for us so we could focus on Sofia and not worry about anything else.”

Cook Children’s reputation for clinical expertise, leading-edge technology and innovative research draws patients from across the United States and around the world. GHS makes the journey of international patients easier.

Thanks to Dr. Huang’s state-of-the-art technique, Sofia and her family found some answers and relief for her gut issues. They also encountered kindness and a touch of Cook Children’s magic. Sofia’s story reflects how GHS delivers the Cook Children’s Pinky Promise -- Everything for the Child – to international patients.

Making Connections

When Sofia began complaining of tummy aches in 2025, her pediatrician in Mexico City prescribed probiotics and medications that treat acid reflux. Better for a while, her pain returned. A pediatric gastroenterologist did a colonoscopy that showed seven polyps, or growths, in the lining of her intestines. The polyps were removed and weren’t cancerous. But her parents were still concerned.

Sofia underwent a second colonoscopy, four months after the first one, in hopes of finding the cause of blood in her stool. The colonoscopy discovered six more polyps. That’s when the pediatrician recommended that Sofia get checked out at Cook Children’s. Sofia’s pediatrician had met Dr. Huang in 2025 at an immersive academic experience hosted by Cook Children’s at the Fort Worth medical center.

“He personally knew Dr. Huang and thinks he’s one of the best in the world for strange diseases in gastrointestinal tracts in kids,” Santiago said.

So, Santiago and Cristina called GHS. Monica Martina, M.D., a pediatrician and liaison for Cook Children’s in Latin America, obtained Sofia’s medical records to share with Dr. Huang. Eliza, meanwhile, worked with Payor Relations and the international insurance company to cover the costs of treatment. With the paperwork in place, Sofia’s journey to Cook Children’s had begun.

Trailblazing Technology

At their initial visit with Dr. Huang, he explained a minimally invasive technique to get a closer view of Sofia’s intestines. The technology, called confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE), uses light and lenses to magnify tissue up to 1,500 times. Cook Children’s is one of only a few pediatric centers in the United States with CLE for gastrointestinal diagnosis and therapy.

“Technology added to the current endoscope technique puts us in a better position to assess the patient,” he said. “You have a live microscope and a better way to understand how the bowel tissue looks.”

Dr. Huang, a native of El Salvador, spoke Spanish with the family. He told them a probe would go through the endoscope working channel into Sofia’s gut, the view would be greatly magnified, and he’d be able to spot in real time any abnormal tissue that mostly is seen through processing of biopsies. He assured them a precise, thorough, risk-free inspection.

Her procedure on Day Two revealed a polyp that Dr. Huang believes wasn’t caught during Sofia’s earlier colonoscopies in Mexico. Everything else looked good. After a popsicle and apple juice, Sofia was discharged.  She and her family toured the Fort Worth Stockyards the following day. And the day after that, they headed home.

Follow-up Support

A few weeks later Dr. Huang spoke with Sofia’s parents to let them know the biopsy of the polyp came back cancer-free. Dr. Huang recommended repeating the endomicroscopy in a year. Call Eliza, he said, to set up the appointment. 

Dr. Huang also diagnosed an enzyme deficiency that was interfering with Sofia’s ability to absorb sugar. The resulting inflammation was the cause of her tummy aches, Dr. Huang explained. He advised that they consult with a local dietitian to limit how much fruit and sugar Sofia eats.   

She feels much better these days. What does she want other kids to know about Cook Children’s? “The hospital is amazing, the playground is so much fun, and the doctors and nurses are very kind. They make you feel better and make sure nothing hurts.”

Dr. Huang reassured Santiago and Cristina that Sofia’s prognosis is good. Cook Children’s gave them the comfort of expert medical care as well as empathy and attention to detail. They appreciated how Child Life specialists kept Sofia entertained with toys and stickers. All the staff showed concern for Santiago and Cristina too, making sure they understood everything.

“I saw Sofia happy and secure, and she was very relaxed and smiling and talking to everyone,” Cristina said. “I was like this is OK, this is a safe place. It was a hospital, and I was afraid, but it was a great experience. I want to go again.” 

RELATED STORY:

• Global Health Services: Help and Hope at Cook Children’s for Families Worldwide

• Navigating Pediatric Emergency and Urgent Care During the Tournament

• Cook Children's Language Services Department Offers 200+ Languages to Empower Families

Warm-Ups & Stretching

Physical therapist assistant Kim Barb, OPTA, of Cook Children’s Pediatric Specialties Walsh Ranch, says it’s important to stretch and warm up before playing or practicing, as doing so prepares the body for fitness. After a game or practice, incorporate flexibility stretches with static stretches and holding positions, like the typical hamstring stretch, calf stretch and quad stretch. A five- to eight-minute dynamic warm-up prepares the muscles for a better stretch.

Why?

• To increase blood flow
• To improve muscle flexibility
• To prevent injury and tearing of muscles, sprains and strains
• To improve performance

Agility drills prepare the muscles and joints for running, jumping, cutting and footwork.

Examples of agility drills are:

• Soldier kicks
• Knee hugs
• Hamstring scoops
• Skipping
• Hip openers

ACL-Injury Prevention for Soccer Players
Barb recommends strengthening large muscle groups typically used in soccer, such as the hamstrings, quadriceps and the gluteals (including the glute medius, minimus and maximus), with exercises such as squats, lunges and hamstring curls.

Strengthening exercises can help prevent the risk of injury by teaching muscles and joints to be stable and strong. Strengthening hip and core muscles also helps with the reactive forces created when making contact with other players.

Single-leg balance drills increase stability by training your body to stay balanced on one foot while moving, cutting and changing directions.

Examples of single-leg balance drills are:

• Stand on one foot and pass the ball.
• Stand on one foot and head the ball.

Plyometric drills teach athletes how to land with control – a skill that boosts the body’s ability to absorb impact and protect the joints. According to Barb, landing with poor alignment can cause the knees to cave inward, a position known as “knee valgus.” This inward collapse is a common culprit behind serious injuries, making proper landing technique an essential part of any training routine.

Examples of plyometric drills are:

• Box jumps
• Lateral bounds/skater lateral hops
• Depth jumps

Turf Burn Prevention & Treatment

These raw, red friction burns can be very painful, says Cook Children’s physical therapist Jessie Fernandez, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, of Cook Children’s Rehabilitation (South).

If you have turf burn:

• First, be sure to clean it with soap and water to rinse out any dirt or debris and help to prevent infection.
• Next, treat the burn with an injury ointment, such as Neosporin.
• Cover it with a dressing or bandage. Waterproof bandages can help prevent the bandage from falling off during exercise.

Players can wear tighter-fitting, sliding shorts underneath their regular shorts to reduce the risk of skin damage when sliding on the field. Staying hydrated and keeping skin moisturized can also help reduce the risk of turf burn.

Whether your child plays on a natural grass field or turf, it’s important to continue practicing on the same surface so the athlete can get used to controlling their body on it. Turf fields absorb shock less effectively than natural grass, so running, jumping and playing on them will feel different.

What to Know About Concussions and “Second Impact Syndrome”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines a concussion as “a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.”

This sudden movement can cause the brain to move or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. 

A concussion can sometimes be hard to spot. After all, it’s an internal injury.

There are times when a concussion is more easily identified, such as if an athlete loses consciousness. But it’s important to know that anytime there is a blow to the head, a concussion is possible.

“Monitor the athlete immediately after but be aware that sometimes it can take one to three days for symptoms to come on,” Fernandez said.

Immediate symptoms to watch out for and not to delay emergency medical treatment:

• Severe headache
• Blurred vision
• Trouble walking
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Unresponsiveness

Symptoms to watch after one to three days:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sleep changes, like sleeping too much or not enough
• Changes in mood or emotions
• Difficulty concentrating

Symptoms often resolve on their own, but one extremely important thing for parents to know about is second impact syndrome, which is when a person has a second concussion occur prior to resolution of symptoms from a previous concussion. This is the reason children and teens must sit out of a sport while recovering from a concussion.

“Playing through something like a knee injury is not ideal, but playing when you have concussion symptoms can be extremely dangerous, and can cause permanent brain damage or even death,” Fernandez said. “It’s just not something to mess around with.”

This is why Fernandez says that if there are any symptoms or concerns, the athlete should wait to return to play until they resolve. Usually, return-to-play protocols are overseen by a physician, athletic trainer, or physical therapist to work on the step-by-step process.

While neck strengthening and stability exercises can help prepare players for planned contact, like heading the ball, Barb notes that many concussions are harder to prevent because they stem from unexpected collisions that a player can't brace for.

“If you go up for a ball and someone hits you on the side of the head, you’re not prepared for that or it’s likely that you’re not stabilizing your neck muscles and that’s when the problem arises.”

A moment tweleve Cook Children patients will never forget. 

At the June 14 match, these young soccer fans stepped onto the pitch as Coca Cola Flag Bearers at the FIFA World Cup 2026, helping set the stage for kickoff and bringing the spirit of the tournament to life. Coca Cola, in collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network is proud to celebrate these fans.

Every single flag bearer has overcome significant medical challenges. Representing unity, pride, and the global spirit of the game, Cook Children's is grateful to Coca-Cola and Children's Miracle Network for bringing these resilient young fans to the pitch for an experience of a lifetime.

Twelve Cook Children’s patients will take the global stage on June 14 at Dallas Stadium for the inaugural FIFA World Cup 2026™ game in North Texas. The teenagers will not just be in attendance; they will serve as official Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup 2026 Flag Bearers, carrying the national flags for Japan and Netherlands onto the pitch.

 Cook Children’s Health Care System made it official on June 1 during a “Flag Bearer Signing Day”. In front of friends, family, and hospital staff, the teens signed the Peaks the Dragon soccer ball to commemorate the milestone.

Two Brothers, One Unforgettable Call 

“I'm going the World Cup!” said Christian Meza. “I’m going to watch some of my favorite players play. It’s just a lot of emotion for me.”

Christian’s mother, Margarita Fuentes, received the call for the pitch while he was undergoing treatment at Cook Children’s. Christian noticed the phone call was lasting longer than usual. When he asked about it, his mother delivered the once-in-a lifetime news.

“I'm literally talking to the phlebotomist like I'm going to the World Cup,” recalls Christian, “I'm just really spilling my heart out to them.” 

Attending the match was once a distant dream for Christian and his brother, Landon Meza, especially after they previously looked up ticket prices and realized it felt unattainable. The brothers have played the FIFA video game for as long as they can remember. Now, they are transitioning from the virtual game to the actual field. 

Through a partnership between Children’s Miracle Network and Coca-Cola, Cook Children’s Health Care System was chosen to provide all 12 Flag Bearers for the opening FIFA World Cup 2026™ match at Dallas Stadium on June 14. The official pre-match ceremony requires 12 youth participants (ages 13–17) per match to carry national flags onto the pitch. Cook Children’s is a proud member of the Children’s Miracle Network and receives 100% of funds raised through its corporate partnerships and initiatives.

While these brothers share a passion for soccer, every single flag bearer chosen has overcome significant medical challenges. Representing unity, pride, and the global spirit of the game, Coca-Cola is bringing these resilient young fans to the pitch for an unforgettable experience.

Meet the 12 inspiring Cook Children’s flag bearers heading to the World Cup:

Name: Christian Meza

Age: 15

Hometown: Arlington

Superpower: One of my greatest skills and talents is barbecuing and smoking food. I enjoy learning different cooking techniques, managing the smoker and making meals to enjoy outside. I am also really good at gaming on my PS5.

Medical goal: My goal is to achieve full remission from ulcerative colitis and support healing and recovery of my kidney health.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: I love the service the staff and care team provide. Everyone is always so nice.

Favorite soccer players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Gigi Buffon

Name: Cristo Hernandez

Age: 17

Hometown: Fort Worth

Superpower: Be able to build things quickly and focus on my goals.

Medical goal: To finish my treatment and be happy with myself.            

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: Seeing the dogs that help in the hospital and Peaks.                                                                                                        

Favorite soccer player: Alvaro Fidalgo

Name: Dylan Gross

Age: 13

Hometown: Fort Worth

Superpower: Confidence

Medical goal: To not have my hemoglobin below 8-9

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: They make me feel safe and comfortable.

Favorite soccer player: Messi

Name: Emily Avila

Age: 17

Hometown: Fort Worth

Superpower: Kind, sympathetic, attentive and compassionate

Medical goal: Being medicine free.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: I like the snacks, staff, care teams, AYA Careteam.

Favorite soccer team: Club América

Name: Jaden Lowery

Age: 16

Hometown: Grand Prairie

Superpower: Bringing positivity and encouragement to the people around me, even during difficult situations

Medical win: Beating leukemia lymphoma at the age of six.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: The inviting staff and the way they make everyone feel welcome

Favorite soccer player: Alejandro Balde
 

Name: Kian Francis

Age: 16

Hometown: San Angelo

Medical Goal: Remission in 2 months.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: People and popcorn at Goodies to Go.

Name: Landon Meza

Age: 14

Hometown: Arlington

Superpower: Being creative, building things and figuring out how stuff works. I really enjoy robotics and STEM activities because they let me solve problems, think outside the box while creating cool projects.

Medical goal: Be healthy overall and continue to manage my asthma.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: The game room, the nice care team and the café.

Favorite soccer players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Landon Donovan

Name: Gunnar Stovall

Age: 17

Hometown: Grandview/Alvardo

Superpower: Powerlifting

Medical Win: I feel like my win is learning that my diagnosis (all of them) are life long and that I have to take it day by day and push through. 

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: Nurse and doctors are nice and always want to help.

Favorite soccer player: Messi

Name: Molly Hipple

Age: 13

Hometown: Abilene

Superpower: Playing the trombone.

Medical goal: For my hair to grow back.            

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: Seeing Steve and Bianca.

Name: Noa Davila

Age: 17

Hometown: Euless

Superpower: Goalkeeper skills

Medical win: Beating Cancer

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: The loving staff.

Favorite soccer player: Federico Valverde

Name: Sergio Herrera

Age: 17

Hometown: North Richland Hills

Superpower: Reading

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: Everyone’s very nice.

Favorite soccer player: Vini Jr.

Name: Wesley Duncan

Age: 16

Hometown: Weatherford

Superpower: I’m proud of my ability to be able to understand computers and coding.

Medical win: Being alive right now, I consider myself lucky to be living day after day, and I treat every day as if it’s a treasure.

Favorite thing about Cook Children’s: My favorite thing about Cook's is the friendly nurses that take care of us as patients, my nurses are more like some of my best friends than people who take care of me.

Related Stories:  

• Navigating Pediatric Emergency and Urgent Care During the Tournament
• Prepping Little Fans for Major Crowds
• Big Game, Big Responsibility: Water Safety

Navigating Cook Children’s Health Care System

Quick Facts:

• A Fully Integrated System: Cook Children’s Health Care System is a comprehensive, not-for-profit pediatric organization encompassing two full service hospitals, physician network, home health care, surgery centers, a health plan, and a dedicated health foundation.
• Cook Children's: Within our network, our two full-service pediatric hospitals are officially named and referred to as Medical Centers (located in Fort Worth and Prosper).
• Urgent Care: For non-emergency medical needs that still require prompt attention, the system also operates seven Urgent Care Centers across the region.

An unexpected visit to the doctor can be stressful, especially when traveling. Cook Children’s Health Care System ensures that families can access health care at any time through its seven Urgent Care Centers (UCCs), or its two 24-hour emergency departments. With help from the Cook Children’s Language Services Department, families can receive care in their native language. 

Know before you go 

Whether visiting the emergency room or urgent care clinic, being prepared will help ensure care is timely and the child is back in action as quickly as possible. 

To be able to treat a child, a parent or legal guardian must be present or provide permission for treatment. If a parent or legal guardian is unavailable, a written letter of permission or immediate phone access to obtain verbal consent from the parent or legal guardian is needed. 

The adult accompanying the child should bring:

• A form of identification.
• Traveler’s insurance information (if available).
• A list of the child's medication. 

When to use the Cook Children’s Emergency Department 

With full-service medical centers in both Fort Worth and Prosper, Cook Children’s provides emergency care for children across North Texas.  

“We are always happy and prepared to help,” said Julio Castillo, M.D., medical director of emergency services at Cook Children’s Medical Center – Prosper.  

Cook Children's cares for more than 300,000 children every year through urgent care and emergency room visits, providing care in more than 200 languages.  

“We have local Spanish translators and multilanguage computerized access,” explained Dr. Castillo. 

Caregivers should take their child to the Emergency Department if their child is unconscious, not responding, a bone is sticking out, or the situation seems critical. For immediate assistance, dial 911. When a condition is sudden, life-threatening, or risks causing permanent harm, transport by ambulance is safest for the child. 

Take the child to the emergency department if your child is experiencing:  

• Severe bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of direct pressure
• Severe allergic reactions
• Difficulty breathing
• Bluish tint to the lips
• Coughing up or vomiting blood
• Sudden severe joint pain with swelling
• Insect stings accompanied by breathing difficulties
• Accidental swallowing of medications, chemicals or other substances
• Not being able to move or speak
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Gaping wound (edges won’t come together)
• Head injury with loss of consciousness, vomiting or causing dizziness/confusion
• Visible broken bones or dislocated joints
• Fever higher than 100.4 F in infants under 8 weeks old
• Diabetes/blood sugar issues 

Urgent Care 

“For simple fever, cough, and congestion, your child can be seen in urgent care or by their pediatrician,” said Taylor Louden, M.D., medical director of emergency services at Cook Children’s Medical Center- Fort Worth. 

When a child needs same-day medical attention for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries such as X-rays or stitches,a Cook Children's urgent care clinic can provide the necessary care.

“Cook Children’s Urgent Care Centers are available to see patients needing routine or urgent care while visiting our city for the event,” said  Kara Starnes, D.O. medical director of Urgent Care at Cook Children’s. 

Not all urgent care centers are the same. Cook Children’s Urgent Care clinics are not just kid-friendly; they are kid-only. Because childhood injuries and illnesses require specialized pediatric expertise, families must make an appointment prior to ensure a smooth, efficient visit.

When to use Cook Children’s Urgent Care 

• Ear infections/pain
• Strep/sore throats
• Cold symptoms
• Flu
• Mild dehydration
• Respiratory illnesses – including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and asthma without severe breathing difficulty
• Sprains and possibly broken bones
• Minor cuts
• Prolonged vomiting
• Persistent diarrhea
• Infected bug bites
• Foreign body removal (marbles, beans and other interesting things)
• Urinary infection symptoms
• Pinworms, ringworm, rashes and pink eye
• Painful muscle strains
• Head injuries without loss of consciousness or vomiting 

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• Cook Children’s Shares Expert Advice About Norovirus 

• Invisible Barriers in ADHD Detection for Children 

• How to Spot a Counterfeit Car Seat 

Big Crowds Anxiety

Excitement and anxiety can sometimes look similar in children before a major event. A child with “excited jitters” may still eagerly talk about the game and respond well to reassurance, while a child experiencing genuine anxiety may become consumed by worry or even try to avoid attending altogether.

Physical symptoms can also appear in anxious children, including headaches, stomachaches and trouble sleeping leading up to the event.

“Excited jitters usually come and go, but anxiety tends to stick around and interfere with daily routines,” said Amanda Jordan, PsyD, psychologist with the Cook Children’s Psychology Department.

Preparing children ahead of time by showing them videos or photos of the stadium, discussing what they can expect and creating a clear game-day plan, can help prevent anxiety symptoms. Parents can also use “first-then” language to help children mentally organize the experience.

For example: “First we’ll find our seats, then we’ll get a snack.”

Families can also benefit from creating a safety plan before arriving at the venue, including identifying meeting spots and teaching children how to find stadium employees for help. Creating a funny family code word for moments when a child feels overwhelmed can also ease stress and remind children it’s okay to ask for a break.

Stadiums Sensory Impact

For many children, sport venues can overload the senses with bright lights, loud music, strong smells and tightly packed crowds. Dr. Jordan says sensory overload can trigger the body’s “fight, flight or freeze” response, making emotional regulation difficult. Children experiencing sensory overload may become irritable, restless or emotional. Others may withdraw, stop talking, cry or struggle to make decisions.

Several sport venues, especially the newest stadiums, now feature dedicated sensory rooms or quiet spaces designed to help guests decompress. Dr. Jordan encourages parents to research venues ahead of time to learn what accommodations are available and where they are located.

Even if a stadium does not offer a formal sensory room, quieter areas such as patios, hallways or less crowded sections may provide children with a chance to reset before returning to the event.

“These spaces can help lower anxiety and give children a place to regulate during stressful moments,” Dr. Jordan said.

Behavioral Challenges

Emotional outbursts during games can happen when children become overstimulated or overwhelmed. In those moments, Dr. Jordan says parents should focus less on discipline and more on helping children feel safe and calm. Getting down to the child’s eye level, speaking in calm tone and validating the child’s feelings can help them decompress and rebalance their emotions.

Parents can also use grounding techniques, such as deep breathing exercise or offering simple choices to help restore a sense of control.

For example: “Would you like to sit with me for a minute, or would you rather go walk around for a little bit?”

Dr. Jordan also encourages families to discuss coping strategies before the event so children know what support may look like if emotions escalate.

The emotional energy inside a stadium can also affect how children interpret social situations. Aggressive reactions from adults or fans may increase a child’s anxiety or sense of insecurity.

“Kids learn how to respond by watching the adults around them,” Dr. Jordan said.

Parents can help by calmly explaining emotional reactions happening around them, such as cheering after a goal or frustration following a penalty call.

Practical Advice

It is recommended to pack a few “mental health essentials” before attending a major sporting event with children.

Some of these items can include:

• Noise-canceling headphones, or earplugs
• Comfort items like a soft blanket or a plush toy
• Sensory or fidget toys
• Snacks

 These items can help children self-regulate and make the big game day more enjoyable.

Parents should also recognize when it might be time to leave early. If a child cannot recover emotionally after taking breaks or using calming strategies, it is time to prioritize the child’s wellbeing and step away from the event.

It’s also important to emphasize that sensory sensitivities are not limited to children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or trauma histories may also struggle in overstimulating environments.

“Sensory overload can affect many different children – and sometimes even parents too,” Dr. Jordan said.

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“Cook Children's is really invested in prevention in our community, and it's written into our promise,” said Jillian Mitchell, program coordinator for the injury prevention team at the Center for Community Health. 

Drowning is the leading cause of injury for children ages 1 to 4 at the highest risk. According to the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment, Cook Children’s Medical Centers in Fort Worth and Prosper treated 224 drowning-related injuries from 2021 to 2023. These incidents occurred in bathtubs, open water (lakes, rivers, and ponds), and pools or hot tubs.  

Cook Children's Health Care System shows a slight decrease in drownings in the last five years: 

Mitchell notes that as summer vacation and hot weather arrive, families will be looking to cool off, but months may have passed since the last dip in the pool. 

“As we're heading out to any kind of open water or to a pool, it's important to have preparation top of mind,” said Mitchell. 

Lifesaving Access: Loaner Life Jacket Station 

To help protect swimmers in open water, Cook Children’s supports more than 60 Loaner Life Jacket Stations across North Texas. The stations provide five different sizes of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, ranging from infant to adult, which families can borrow and return free of charge. Each station features educational graphics detailing how to properly fit and secure the vests. 

Local officials at Lake Worth report that the stations are heavily utilized, with life jackets consistently borrowed and safely returned by the end of each weekend day. 

“We want to make sure that that resource is available for families that maybe don't have the opportunity to get a life jacket for their child,” said Mitchell. In 2025 alone, the program distributed more than 1,800 U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets to area lakes across Tarrant, Denton, Rockwall, and Stephens counties.  

Water Safety Tips 

• Transition time
  • Make sure to put a life jacket on children before you get out of the car.
  • If a child goes missing, check the water first.
• Designate a Water Watcher to ensure constant visual supervision.
  • A Water Watcher should be in-reach of the children in the pool.
  • A 10-15 minute shift rotation is recommended. During that time, Water Watchers should not be distracted by conversations, cell phones, reading, etc.
• Keep backyards and bathrooms safe.
  • Dump all water buckets and empty kiddie pools when they are not in use.
  • Install multiple barriers in areas leading to pools and spas: pool fences, self-closing, self-latching gates and door alarms.
  • Keep the pool area picked up and clear of toys and other items which might attract an unsupervised child.
  • Never leave children unattended in the bathtub.
• Wear “U.S. Coast Guard-Approved” or “USCG approved,” life jackets
  • As your child grows, the life jacket needs to meet their new weight.
  • Get a new life jacket if there are rips and tears or if the straps are fraying.
  • Do not rely on floats or other toys to keep children safe.
• Sign up for CPR and swim lessons.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting children in swim lessons as young as 12 months old to reduce the risk of drowning.
  • The National Drowning Prevention Alliance provides parents with a printable questionnaire to help identify the right swim program for their children.
• Have a safety plan in place.
  • If an emergency does happen, remember that seconds count. Call 911 immediately and then begin CPR while EMS is in route.
  • Know water conditions before you get into open water. Water conditions in lakes and oceans can vary on a daily basis.
  • Sit near a lifeguard if there is one present. 

"Combining swim lessons, life jackets, dedicated water watchers, brightly colored swimsuits, and pool fences creates multiple layers of protection," Mitchell said. "The more layers of safety you put in place, the lower the risk of drowning."

Related stories: 

• Big Game, Big Safety: Preventing Hot Car Tragedies 

• Make a Splash: Why Swim Lessons are Essential This Summer 

• The Power of Prevention: Cook Children's Reports a Drop in Drownings 

• Lifeguard Your Child: 6 Tips for Keeping Bathtime Safe in Every Season 

Texas spring is an early indicator of summer. While mornings may begin at a mild 60°F, temperatures often quickly rise into the 80s by midday. To ensure the community stays safe as the heat intensifies, Cook Children's Health Care System experts Viviana Esparza, program coordinator for community health, and Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager, are urging families to stay informed.  Their goal is simple: preventing

“Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a second,” said Evans.

The first hot car death in the nation this year was reported in late March. A 1-year-old in Florida was left in the vehicle while the outside temperature was 86 degrees.

“In just 10 minutes temperatures can rise 20 degrees in a car,” explained Esparza.

In 2025, Texas recorded eight hot car deaths, nationwide 31 hot car deaths were reported according to noheatstroke.com. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shows the state surpassed the number of hot car deaths in early July with four fatalities. These figures make vehicular heatstroke the second-leading cause of vehicle-related deaths for children under 15, trailing only car crashes.

“A child's body heats up about three to five times faster than an adult and so the heat really takes a toll on them,” explained Evans.

The data behind the danger

According to Kids and Car Safety, 52.9% of hot car child deaths occur when a child is forgotten. Parents or caregivers can suffer from exhaustion due to lack of sleep, stress, and changes in their normal routine. Any one of these can cause a parent or caregiver's memory to fail at a time when it’s least expected.

Additionally, 23.8% of these deaths are due to a child gaining access to an unlocked vehicle or a child getting the keys. Evans recommends teaching toddlers and preschool-aged children to honk the horn if they become trapped, enabling them to draw attention to the vehicle.

Esparza noted the third most common cause is knowingly leaving a child in a vehicle for a quick errand. DSHS emphasizes a cracked window does not protect a child or pet from heatstroke.

Prevention is Key

Evans and Esparza encourage families to remember the acronym ACT to prevent a hot car death.

• A: AVOID heatstroke and other heat-related injuries by never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute. When the vehicle is at home, keep the doors locked and keys or key fobs out of a child's reach.
• C: CREATE reminders. Place an item you need in the back of your car or next to your child, such as a bag, wallet or cellphone. This is especially important if you're not following your normal routine. If your child is with a care provider, ensure vehicle-related procedures are in place, such as vehicle searches or locking vehicles when not in use. Use technology to your advantage and use apps or other communication methods with your childcare provider.
• T: TAKE action. If you see a child alone in a car, call 9-1-1. Emergency personnel want you to call, and they are trained to respond swiftly to these situations. One call could save a life.

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• Preventing Hot Car Tragedies: Experts Offer Vital Tips as Texas Sees Spike in Child Deaths
• How to Spot a Counterfeit Car Seat
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