How to use this Page

Summer is here. Yeah! And after the brutal winter most of the US experienced this past year, now is the time to celebrate the sun! But with an increase in outdoor activities there often comes an increase in visits to doctors’ offices and emergency rooms. Here are tips to keep your kids safe and healthy outdoors:

http://www.free-clipart-pictures.net

• Having a sunburn is no fun and can even be dangerous. Apply sunscreen on your children liberally when they are outdoors, and repeat the application every few hours. Wearing a hat is always a good idea when playing outside for long periods of time. Know that you don’t have to live in the tropics to get a sunburn, and yes, you can indeed get a bad burn even on a cloudy day.
• Dehydration often accompanies hot weather. Kids, like adults, need extra water when outdoors or exerting extra energy. Know the signs of dehydration.
• Avoid head Injuries by making sure your child is wearing a properly fitted helmet when riding a bike.
• Make sure your child knows how to swim. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of death among children, so never leave children of any age unattended for a minute while they are near a pool. Safety fences should be professionally installed around all pool where young children live or visit, and pool owners should consider getting certified in CPR.
• Insect bites are uncomfortable, and bee and wasp stings in particular are painful and can cause serious allergic reactions. Be armed with Benedryl spray for skin irritations and the liquid oral form for allergic reactions. If your child has been stung and shows any sign of hives or breathing difficulties, get him to the ER immediately. Click here for more info.
• Falls from playground equipment and trampolines are among the most common summer injuries. Playgrounds covered with mulch or recycled products, rather than concrete, often help protect children from injury. Overcrowded playgrounds are the least safe, and many injuries are sustained from kids who walk in front of moving swings.
• Food borne illnesses can occur at any time of the year, but leaving food outside for extended periods of time can cause serious problems. It’s especially tricky to keep foods safe while hiking, camping and boating.