This article was written by Jenny Coddington and Kylie Ross.
Great summer weather means lots of opportunities for fun activities with family and friends. But with these activities can also come some not-so-great summer issues for kids.
Here are some of the most common reasons for summer emergency room visits, and how you can avoid them by keeping these summer safety tips in mind.
1. Sunburn
Every child needs sun protection, either from sunscreen or by covering up. All kids, regardless of their skin tone, should wear broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply often, especially if your child is playing in water. For babies under 6 months of age, the best sun protection is shade and clothing.
Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your child’s medications increase sensitivity to the sun so that you can take extra precautions.
2. Bites and Stings
In most cases, bug bites and stings can cause temporary discomfort, but occasionally they can cause allergic reactions or infections that require treatment. To help your child avoid bites and stings, use insect repellent containing 10% to 30% DEET, which is approved for mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs. Repellants containing oil of lemon or eucalyptus are effective against mosquitoes. Follow the instructions and don’t overuse it – more repellant does not equal more protection.
Remind kids to stay away from areas where mosquitoes breed, like still pools or ponds, and to never go near bee or wasp nests. Avoid swatting at buzzing insects because they will sting if they feel threatened. Always check kids for ticks after being outside, especially in wooded areas. The most important places to check are behind the ears, on the scalp, on the back of the neck, behind the knees, and in the armpits and groin area.
3. Poison Ivy Rash
Poison ivy can grow anywhere and the leaves often blend in with other plants. Teach kids to identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac so they can steer clear (Leaves of three, let them be!) Kids should also be careful around plants with shiny leaves, as that can be a sign that the plant has released urushiol, the oil that causes the rash. Have kids wear long pants and long sleeves when hiking.
If your child does touch poison ivy, wash the area right away with lots of soap and water. And be sure to bathe pets that come in contact with poison ivy since they can spread the rash-causing urushiol from their fur.
4. Water Safety Issues
Whether kids are swimming in lakes, pools, or at the beach, they should be supervised at all times. Swimming lessons and flotation devices do not eliminate drowning risks.
For most kids, water temperature below 70oF is too cold. Body temperature drops more quickly in water, so it doesn’t take long for hypothermia to set in. Take a child who is shivering or experiencing muscle cramps out of the water right away.
No matter where your child is swimming, they should get out of the water immediately when bad weather occurs, especially with lightning.
5. Outdoor Sports Injuries
There are a few things your child can do to prevent most sports injuries, starting with wearing the right protective gear, like helmets, shin guards, and mouthguards. Encourage your child to properly warm up before practice or a game. Stretching is a great option for getting blood flowing to muscles to help avoid strains during play. Teach kids to listen to their own bodies when something doesn’t feel right. They should never play when they are injured, so encourage them to be honest with you and their coaches when they’ve been hurt.
6. Burns
Burns are a common reason for visiting the ER during the summer months due to the increase in firework use, camping, and bonfires. Children should never play with fireworks or try to make their own fireworks. Fireworks should always be used outside, and by an adult. Avoid coming close to anyone setting off fireworks, as they can sometimes backfire and shoot off in the wrong direction. If you allow your kids to use sparklers, be sure to keep them outside and away from their face, clothing, and hair.
When spending time around a campfire, teach children to keep a healthy distance from the fire. Create a 3-foot safety zone around the fire to remind young children to stay away. Never run or play around the fire, and always have one adult monitoring the fire and its surroundings. Remember that the coals of the fire can stay hot enough to burn skin up to 24 hours after the fire is out. Pour a bucket of cold water on the coals after you are finished with the fire and stir embers around with a stick to be sure the fire is out.
Questions about your child’s health?
In non-emergency cases, you can call the Family Health Clinic. Our Nurse Practitioners would be happy to help your family stay healthy this year. Make an appointment by calling (800) 321-5043.
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