Summer Safety

Summertime!  Time to send the kids outside to wear themselves out!  For parents with younger children, which season takes more time to get the kids ready to play outside is debatable. In the winter little ones need help into their winter gear, but in the summer they need to be dredged in sunscreen. They may not easily comply, but sunscreen is a big deal.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, getting one blistering sunburn when you're a child doubles your chances of developing melanoma. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone apply a water-resistant sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays every day of the year. Choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.

Summer is also the season where scraped knees are inevitable. Ride-on toys, bikes, scooters, even running around, can lead to falling down and needing a Band-Aid. Make sure your first aid kit is stocked and ready with the perfect bandages to make it all feel better.

Helmets were not cool when I was riding my bike to school. However, when I began road biking as an adult, I found out the importance of helmets after a fall. My kids have not known any different. We put helmets on before we get the bikes out. It’s also important to find the correct size of helmet. If your child is a little resistant, have him pick one out with his favorite character or color.

In my experience, it’s nice to carry a first aid kit in the car and stroller. Perhaps it’s not filled to the brim for every emergency, but having a few bandages, wipes, etc. is helpful. When my daughter was about 15 months old, she was climbing up the stairs on a playground and hit her face on the last step, busting her lip open. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year more than 200,000 children go to hospital emergency rooms with playground-related injuries.

Along with more time outdoors comes more time to be pestered by those pesky bugs. If the bugs are out with a vengeance, make sure to apply a bug repellent with DEET. Also, wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing in softer colors and socks and shoes instead of sandals can help. It’s always a good idea to have periodic tick checks, especially if you are out near many trees or in grassy areas.

Since the July average high temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit for KC, heat illness and dehydration are also safety concerns. Try to have outdoor time during the morning and later in the evening. Keep plenty of water available and teach your child that it’s cooler to play in the shade. There are various symptoms to both heat illness and dehydration, including thirst, headache, irritability and dizziness. If you recognize that your child is not enjoying being outside or isn’t acting like himself, it may be time to find some AC and take a break for a while.

Summer isn’t summer without swimming pools and sprinklers, but we all know swimming pools can pose a real danger. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swimming lessons for most children 4 years and older, and for children 1 to 4 years of age who are ready to learn how to swim.  It’s important to remember that all children learn and develop at their own pace and that each child will be able to swim in his own time.

In this day and age, we’re distracted. But in regards to water safety, it’s absolutely critical to pay close attention to any child near water. Children can drown in very little water left in any kind of container. Even though it’s a pain to have to keep refilling the wading pool in the back yard, water play containers should be emptied after each use and stored upside down to prevent filling with rain water unbeknownst to you.

Stephanie Loux enjoys summer with her family at her home in Olathe.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.