- Sunscreen
Most parents know that it is important to use sunscreen, but kids still end up very tanned or getting sunburned at least once or twice a year.
Why?
It usually isn't because parents are forgetting to use sunscreen, but instead, they often aren't using it correctly. This how to on using sunscreen can help you avoid sunburn and that "healthy tan," which, of course, isn't very healthy at all.
Here's How:
- Get ready to apply sunscreen on your child about 30 minutes before your child is going to be outside. If you wait until your child is already outside, then you will leave your child unprotected, as it takes time for sunscreen to work. If you apply sunscreen before your child goes outside, you can also do it before he gets dressed, being sure to get all areas of his body that might be exposed to the sun.
- Be prepared to apply a generous layer of sunscreen all over your child's body. In general, parents often don't apply enough sunscreen on their children.
- Start with one body part, such as an arm, and apply a thick layer of sunscreen all over, rubbing it in thoroughly (or spraying it on) before moving on to another area.
- Go from area to area, being sure to include the back of your child's neck, his shoulders, ears, feet and the back of his arms and legs. It is usually a good idea to apply sunscreen on your child's face last, since kids often don't like that part. Use the same system each time you put sunscreen on your child, that way you will be unlikely to make a mistake and miss an area of your child's body.
- Re-apply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially if your child is swimming or sweating.
Tips:
- Choose a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, is water resistant, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
- Don't forget to apply sunscreen every day that your child is going outside, even when it is cloudy, since you can get a sunburn even when it isn't very sunny.
- As a general rule, a handful of sunscreen should be the right amount to cover your child's body -- larger kids have larger hands, so that helps you adjust the amount for different-size kids.
- Choose a form of sunscreen that you and your child are most likely to use, whether that means it is a gel, lotion, spray, continuous spray, etc.
- Even when using sunscreen or sunblock, try to avoid or limit sun exposure when the sun is at its strongest, from about 10 a.m. to 4p.m.
What You Need:
A broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to 30.Water Safety Tips
Many families try to escape the summer heat in a pool or nearby lake. To keep your kids safe around the water be sure to:- childproof your pool by enclosing it in a fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
- supervise your kids around the pool, even if they know how to swim.
- have children who don't know how to swim wear a life vest instead of "floaties" when they are in the pool.
- always have your child wear a life vest when on a lake or river, even if they know how to swim.
- take your child to swimming lessons once he or she is four to five years old, the age when most kids can learn to swim.
- Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are a summer tradition for many families. Unfortunately, injuries from fireworks are another tradition that often seems to follow when kids are allowed to play with fireworks.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that:
- most injuries from fireworks occur in the few weeks around July 4th
- almost half of the injuries were to children under age 15
- firecrackers caused the most injuries, followed by rockets and sparklers
- burns are the most common injuries from fireworks
Are Sparklers Safe?
Parents who understand that firecrackers, bottle rockets, and roman candles, etc. can cause injuries, often let their younger kids play with sparklers because they think they are safe.Sparklers, which can reach about 2000°F, cause half of the injuries to children under age five though, and 10 percent of fireworks-related injuries overall.
So even sparklers should be avoided.
Fireworks Safety Tips
Although the CPSC offers some fireworks safety tips to 'help consumers use fireworks more safely,' such as providing adult supervision, keeping a bucket of water nearby, and observing local laws, etc., the American Academy of Pediatrics offers much better advice, that:children and their families should be counseled to attend public fireworks displays rather than purchase fireworks for home use.So this year, skip buying fireworks that you would plan to use at home, and the biggest risk for injuries from fireworks, and instead, take your family to see a public fireworks show.
- Avoiding Mosquito Bites
Here are some tips for avoiding mosquitoes:
- Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar or mammal flesh. When outdoors, wear light clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much skin and hair covered as practical. Avoid bright, floral colors. Khaki, beige, and olive have no particular attraction for mosquitoes.
- They are also attracted by some body odors, and for this reason they choose some individuals over others in a crowd. Avoid fragrances in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.
- Many species of mosquito prefer biting from dusk until dawn. The problem is worse when the weather is hot or humid. Avoid playing outdoors during the peak biting times in your area.
- Try to stay away from still water.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an insect repellent on exposed areas of skin. The most effective compounds are DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide), picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (Repel) I prefer the safe, non-toxic, plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus. It does cause irritation if it gets in the eyes, but has otherwise proven safe. It has not been tested, though, on children under age 3. DEET-containing products should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
- Don't apply insect repellent under clothes, or too much may be absorbed. Also, avoid applying repellent to portions of the hands that are likely to come in contact with the eyes and mouth.
- Avoiding Foodborne Poisoning in the Summer
Typical signs of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. In serious cases, high fever, bloody stool, and prolonged vomiting may occur. Young children, pregnant women, older people, and those with compromised immune systems are hit hardest.
Bacteria, whether in food or in the air, grow faster in warmer weather. Don't just worry about the potato salad or egg dishes. "You have to be careful with any food, including melons and lettuce,"
What You Can Do
- It seems so basic, but not everyone does it. Wash hands well and often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before cooking or eating.
- Also wash surfaces when cooking, keep raw food separate from cooked food, marinate food in the refrigerator, cook food thoroughly, and refrigerate or freeze food promptly.
- The FDA suggests never leaving food out for more than one hour when the temperature is above 90 F. Any other time, don't leave food out for more than two hours. "Keep hot food hot and cold food cold,".
- "Wash off fruits and vegetables with cool running water." Also, scrub fruits with rough surfaces like cantaloupe with a soft brush.
- When you are packing food for a picnic, place cold food in a cooler with plenty of ice or commercial freezing gels. Cold food should be held at or below 40 F and the cooler should be stored in shade. Hot food should be wrapped well, placed in an insulated container, and kept at or above 140 F.
- Those hit by a foodborne illness must stay hydrated so they could try chewing on ice chips or sipping clear fluid after vomiting has stopped. In the next day or so, eat only light foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers, and soup.
- Seek emergency treatment if severe pain accompanies the illness, if vomiting doesn't stop in a couple of hours, or if bloody diarrhea is experienced.
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