As the weather begins to warm, the kids want to get outside to play. Here are a few tips on how to keep your children safe during the spring and summer.
Sun and Fun
As the sun begins to shine and we increase the activity outside, remember your sunscreen. Rule number 1- Do not use expired sunscreen. If you are unable to find an expiration date on last years sunscreen, throw it away and buy new.
For babies under 6 months, it is best to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts, and a brimmed hat. When unable to prevent exposure, a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least SPF 15 may be applied to small areas such as the face and hands.
For children greater than 6 months old, apply sunscreen with at least 15 SPF and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside and use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
For all children. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen- about 1 oz per sitting for a young adult. Be cautious of reflective surfaces such as water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly. It is best to remain in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during peak times- between 10 am and 4 pm. Sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays are important. Clothes should be light weight and breathable such as cotton clothes.
Heat Stress
Activity and exercise is important for all children. Within that, a few things can be done to reduce the stress of the heat. High intensity activity lasting more than 15 minutes should be limited during high heat and humid times. At the beginning of strenuous exercise, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and gradually increased during a period of 10-14 days to accomplish acclimatization to the heat. Hydration is very important. During activity, periodic drinking is important. For children about 90 lbs, 5 oz every 20 minutes is encouraged, adolescents about 130 lbs, 9 oz every 20 minutes even if they are not thirsty. Clothing should be light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material. Sweat saturated shirts should be replaced by dry clothes.
Bug Off
As the weather improves, the bugs begin to hatch. To avoid bugs, avoid scented soaps, perfume, and hair sprays. Combination sunscreen/ insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied. Children under 2 months old should not use products containing DEET. Children over 2 months old should use 30% DEET. The concentration of DEET can range from 10% to over 30%. Ten percent DEET only protects for about 30 minutes, which is inadequate for most outings. Children should wash off repellents when back indoors. Avoid areas where insects nest and congregate (stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods, and gardens where flowers bloom). Avoid clothes with bright colors and flowery prints.
Outdoor Play
As the weather warms up, getting your children outside and active is very important. It is also important to keep your children safe at play.
Bike Safety
Your child should wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveway, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just streets. Children learn by observing you. Whenever you ride, put on your helmet too. It is important even for infants in bike carriers to have helmets. When buying a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet has met CPSP safety standard. A helmet must be worn properly in order to be effective. It should be level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards. The strap should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction. If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit. Borgess Trauma Services offers helmets at cost for all sizes for $8.00. Ski helmets are also available. Please call 269-226-6917 for more information or contact Jodie Vining at 269-226-5981.
Skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, and Heely’s
They should never be used in or near traffic. Helmets and other protective gear us as knee, wrist, and elbow guards are very important. Skateboard parks are more likely to be monitored for safety then ramps and jumps constructed at home.
Pool Safety
Never leave a child alone in or near a pool, even for a moment. Whenever infants and toddlers are near water, an adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.” Keep rescue equipment (a shepard’s hook- a long pole with a hook on the end- and life preserver) and a telephone near the pool. Choose a shepard’s hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other material that do not conduct electricity. All pools should have fences with a minimum of 4 feet high fence on all four sides. Gates should open out from the pool with self close and self latch at a height children can’t reach. Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after 4 years old. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
Open Water Swimming
Never allow children to swim alone. Even good swimmers need buddies. Young children should be closely supervised with “touch supervision,” keeping no more than an arm’s length away. Make sure children know never to dive into water except when permitted by an adult who knows the depth of the water and who has checked the underwater depth. Never let your children swim in canals or any fast moving water. A lifeguard (or another adult who knows about water safety) needs to be watching children whenever they are in or near water. Ocean swimming should only be allowed when a lifeguard is on duty.
Boat Safety
Children should wear life jackets at all times when on boats. The life jacket should be the appropriate size and fit, not loose. All straps should be belted. Adults should wear life jackets for their protection and to set a good example. Adolescents and adults should be warned against boating when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and some medications.
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