When summer arrives you want to enjoy as much time in the outdoors
as possible, but you also want to keep your family safe. It's important to know
what the safety risks are in your area and what the weather will be. High
temperatures, thunderstorms, and insects
can all impact the health and safety of your kids. The following tips can be a
guide to take you through this summer comfortably.
When It's Hot
When the temperatures rise, parents must be concerned about
sunburn and dehydration. Technology has provided today's moms and dads with
apps to alert them to weather conditions that could be potentially harmful.
Just click here for an app to check out weather conditions in your area by the
hour and day. When your kids are playing outside on both sunny and cloudy days,
be sure exposed skin is covered in sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15. Wearing a hat or visor provides
extra protection for the face. kids sweat when they are playing, and it's
necessary to apply more sunscreen after a few hours. Sweating also increases
the risk of dehydration, which makes it important to give your kids plenty of
water. It's also important for children to take breaks every so often during
hot weather. They can sit under a shade tree, on a porch, or anywhere that it
is out of direct sun.
Bugs And Creepy Crawlies
Summer is also the time to experience mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, hornets, and bees. Always keep
some first aid supplies on hand. Check your children carefully for ticks after
a day of playing outside. If you find a tick, follow these Centersfor Disease Control removal
instructions. There are over-the-counter products to relieve the itch of
mosquito bites. If you live in an area where there are poisonous spiders, and
your child is bitten, clean the area and watch for redness and swelling. Ask
your child to describe the spider if possible. Don't take chances with unknown
spider bites. Take your child to the doctor as a precaution. Parents can't know
their child is allergic to bee stings until it happens. The first time your
child is stung, take them immediately to a clinic. He or she will probably be
just fine. For the child who is allergic, it can be a life-saving decision.
Water Safety
Every child should learn to swim. The National Safe Kids Campaign
cites drowning as a leading cause of accidental death in children from ages 1
through 14. Children need to learn when they are very young so they feel
comfortable in the water. Swimming is a sport that can actually save your
child's life in the event of an accident on the water. There are many health benefits associated with swimming. It builds
healthy hearts and lungs, increases stamina, improves flexibility, and
strengthens muscles. It's a sport that opens the door to other fun activities.
Once your child is a good swimmer they can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, surfing,
snorkeling, scuba diving, and other watersports
and activities.
Your children can enjoy a great summer when you follow these tips.
You can rest knowing your kids are safe.
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