Fun in the Summertime!

With the end of the school year, comes summer fun.  Families will travel to sun-filled vacation spots and children will spend more time outside of the home.  Various activities enjoyed by children of all ages include swimming in pools and at beaches, riding ATVs, attending cook-outs, and just running around exploring the great outdoors.  However, as much fun as all of that seems, there are dangers lurking around each corner.  Below are some common tips to keep you and your young, loved ones safe this summer.

ATVs, bicycles, and more safety: 

Children should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near traffic.  They should wear a helmet and other protective gear, e.g. wrist guards.  While in-line skating or wearing Heelys, be sure they wear appropriate protective equipment and only skate on designated paths or rinks and not on the street.  They also need to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. The helmet should be worn so that it is 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.  Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.  And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.

Off-road vehicles are particularly dangerous for children younger than 16 years who may have immature judgment and motor skills.  All riders should wear helmets, eye protection and protective reflective clothing. Appropriate helmets are those designed for motorcycle (not bicycle) use, and should include face shields for eye protection. Flags, reflectors and lights should be used to make vehicles more visible. Nighttime riding or street use of off-road vehicles should not be allowed.

Bug safety

You should avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens with blooming flowers.  Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.  Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied. Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks, which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age. Environment-friendly insect repellents are also available for those who wish to avoid traditional bug sprays.  Some are 100 percent plant derived with combinations of citronella, mint, and lemongrass.  You may also purchase plants that are natural insect deterrents, e.g. Venus flytrap.

Pool/water safety

Drownings and near-drownings represent a significant cause of preventable accidents.  Start by installing a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of pools. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a child could use to get over, under, or through.  Gates should open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children cannot reach.  Keep rescue equipment and a portable telephone near the pool.

Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.  Inflatable swimming aids are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give a false sense of security.  Children should never be left alone, not even for a moment. Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision." 
Ocean/open water swimming should only be allowed when a lifeguard is on duty.  Swimmers should stay within the designated swimming area and within the visibility of the lifeguard.  Even good swimmers need buddies -make sure your child knows never to swim alone.

Sun safety:

Approximately 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18 years.  In childhood and adolescence, melanocytes (cells responsible for pigment) may be more sensitive to the sun, possibly leading to the formation of unstable moles that may become cancerous.  Episodic high exposures to the sun sufficient to cause sunburn, particularly in children, increase the risk of melanoma.  With that in mind, there are ways to protect children of all ages. 

The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Try to keep out of the sun during those hours.  Also, most of the sun's rays can come through the clouds on an overcast day; so use sun protection even on cloudy days.

For infants under 6 months of age, avoiding sun exposure and dressing in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck are still the top recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to prevent sunburn.  When adequate clothing and shade are not available, apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands.

For those 6 months of age or older, choose sunscreen that is made for children, preferably waterproof and "broad-spectrum" –sunscreen will screen out both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays.  [Before covering your child, test the sunscreen on your child's back for an allergic reaction.]  Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors - it needs time to work on the skin.  Rub it in well, covering all exposed areas, including the backs of the knees, but avoiding the eyelids. Reapply it every 2 hours and/or after swimming or sweating.  Zinc oxide can be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and on shoulders. 

Clothing made of tightly woven fabrics, like cotton, can be cooling and protective.  A cap with at least a 3 inch bill is recommended, with the bill facing forward to shield the face. Sunglasses with 99-100% UV protection are a good idea for protecting your child's eyes.  Another important tip is to drink plenty of water and non-carbonated beverages, even if not thirsty.  If a child gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.  If the sunburn results in blistering, pain or fever, contact your pediatrician.

This is not an all-inclusive list of safety tips and some recommendations may not be practical for your family.  Additional information may be obtained by visiting the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  As with all recommendations, discuss any concerns with your child’s pediatrician and develop a summer safety plan that is best for you.