By Gina Eich, MD, Pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo Maumee Pediatric Associates
After the end of the school year talent shows, class field trips, concerts and award ceremonies will be the long-awaited summer months. I, for one, am looking forward to a break from packing lunches and the dreaded school pickup/drop off lines.
Summer will bring fun in the sun, insects, water play and time on bikes and scooters.
A few small precautions and additions to your routine will make a big difference keeping your kids safe and healthy this summer.
Sun safety
The sun’s rays are the strongest right when most kids are out playing their hardest – between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Applying a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 before they go outside and every 2 hours will help prevent sunburn and its damaging effects. The hardest part is remembering to reapply. If your kids come in for a snack or a drink, that is a perfect time to catch them for more sunscreen!
Infants less than 6 months of age are best shielded by the sun by staying in the shade of a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy. Protective clothing, hats and sunglasses can help shield sensitive eyes and skin.
Heat safety
With the sun comes the heat! Children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses mostly due to long periods of active play. They often need reminders to keep drinking and stay hydrated. Having water bottles full and nearby can help remind them. Cool treats like popsicles are a good way for them to take a break, cool down in the shade and rest. Signs of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, nausea and fatigue. Monitoring for those signs and treating them swiftly with rest, cool environment and water will help prevent symptoms from worsening.
Water safety
With the heat comes an incredible desire to spend time near water! Water play is fun but drowning and near drownings can occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Even children who feel they are confident in the water can have accidents. Assign an adult to be the “water watcher” to monitor the children swimming and to enforce the safe water rules. There is no substitute for close supervision and don’t forget those life jackets!
Bugs, Bugs and more Bugs
Bugs are going to be attracted to fragrances, bright colors and stagnant water. Avoid all of those if you can. Insect repellents with 10%-30% DEET are effective but would recommend washing off at end of day of play. Picaridin is a good alternative insect repellant as well. Ticks are creepy critters so if you know you are going to be in a wooded area, wearing loose, light clothing to cover exposed skin can help limit those creatures from finding you. Checking for ticks (don’t forget the scalp) at the end of the day is a good idea as well.
Two, three and four wheels
There are so many ways to move on wheels – skateboards, bicycles, scooters, skates – but no matter how many wheels are under your feet a helmet is always needed on your head.
Try to get into the habit of wearing your helmet no matter how short the ride is. There are too many ways to get injured on wheels that kids don’t often realize. Keeping them away from traffic – sounds simple – but they can escape a watchful eye quickly. Close supervision is always needed when a young child is on wheels.
Summer is an exciting time that always goes by too quickly. Taking a few simple safety measures will help keep your kids’ safe, healthy and injury free.
Happy Summering!!
To schedule an appointment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo Maumee Pediatric Associates, call (419) 389-1444. Learn more at NationwideChildrens.org/Maumee-Pediatric-Associates.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo Maumee Pediatric Associates
500 The Boulevard, Suite 504 Maumee, OH 43537
