Summer Safety Tips!

The long days of summer provide a much-anticipated break from day care, and school, and are often filled with swimming, cookouts, travel and outdoor fun. The summer can also carry danger for children as the hot sun puts kids at risk of sunburn, dehydration and heat-related illness. As you take part in summer activities be sure to:

Look for signs of heat exhaustion Cases of heat stroke spike

during the summer months and this can be life-threatening

in children. Prior to heat stroke, kids often show milder

symptoms such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Make

sure children take water breaks and wear lightweight clothing

when playing outside. See the sidebar for more information.

Check for car safety. Make sure your child’s car seat is

properly fitted before hitting the road for a family vacation.

Never leave a child unattended in a car. The temperature

inside a car can rise quickly, and just a few minutes can be the

difference between life and death. Establish a routine to check

the car before locking.

Protect skin from the sun. Wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting

clothing and apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever

your child is going to be outdoors. Reapply every three hours or

immediately after your child has been in or splashed by water.

Try to avoid outdoor activities during peak sunshine hours.

Avoid bug bites as the weather warms up, bugs come out

in full force. To avoid bug bites, apply insect repellant before

spending time outdoors, avoid using heavily scented soaps or

lotions and cover arms and legs as much as possible.

Wear a life jacket! If you’re heading to the lake to cool off

this summer, make sure to bring a U.S. Coast-Guard approved

personal flotation device. A properly fitted life jacket is snug

yet comfortable, and will not move above the chin or ears

when you lift it at the shoulders

Wear a hat! This protects your toddler/child from the harmful

effects of the sun. It also teaches them the value of protection

from the effects of sun exposure, a life lesson that can never

be learned early enough.

Drink enough water. Kids are more prone to dehydration

than adults, and their risk increases as temperatures rise. The

amount of water a child should drink varies by age, weight and

activity level. However, a general rule is to take half of your

child’s weight (up to 100 pounds) – and that’s the number of ounces of water they should drink everyday.

SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION IN CHILDREN

Before heat stroke symptoms appear, kids often show signs of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. This often occurs after a child has been exercising or playing in the heat and becomes dehydrated.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

· An elevated body temperature,

usually between 100˚ and 104˚ F

· Cool, clammy skin despite the heat

· Goose bumps

· Fainting, dizziness or weakness

· Headache

· Increased sweating

· Increased thirst

· Irritability

· Muscle cramps

· Nausea and/or vomiting

Children may be at a higher risk

for heat exhaustion if they:

· Are overweight or obese

· Are taking certain medications

· Have a sunburn

· Are sick

It’s important to treat heat

exhaustion immediately, as it can

develop into heat stroke.

If your child shows symptoms,

you should:

· Bring your child to a cool, shaded

place – preferably in an airconditioned

building or vehicle.

· Encourage him or her to drink

cool fluids that contain salt (like

sports drinks).

· Apply a cold wet towel or

sponge to the skin.

· Gently stretch or massage sore

muscles if your child complains

of painful muscle cramps in his

or her legs, arms or abdomen.

If your child is unable to drink

or seems to be losing alertness,

call your doctor or seek medical attention immediately.

To view our Summer Newsletter click here