From hot temperatures and outdoor adventures to bug encounters and injuries, there's a lot to think about when it comes to the safety of our kids. A local nurse practioner and mom-of-two provides some insights.
1. Keep your kids hydrated by having your child drink their height in water.
1. Keep your kids hydrated by having your child drink their height in water.
Meaning for every inch in height they should drink an ounce of water. (i.e. Jack is 44 inches tall he should drink 44 ounces of water daily) With sweating in the warm weather while playing hard it is important to maintain hydration.
2. Apply sunscreen to your kids about 30 minutes prior to attending your outside activity.
Applying sunscreen prior to sun exposure is good practice so it has time to soak in and work. Also people tend to put too little sunscreen on the skin so apply a liberal amount and use at least SPF 30.
3. Wearing a bike helmet reduces head injury by 85%.
Helmet safety is very important for both parents and children. Helmets must fit level on the head with 1-2 finger widths above the eyebrow. There should be minimal movement of the helmet when securely strapped. See NHTSA video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yzSwxWIJTk
4. The CDC recommends using DEET based insect repellents sparingly in children.
Do not allow children under 10 years of age to apply repellent themselves. Do not apply to young children’s hands or around eyes and mouth. The CDC recommends alternative non-toxic repellents such as those containing picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
5. Pesky Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac
Poison ivy/oak/sumac is caused from a resin called urushiol. It can be caused by direct contact with the plant, indirect contact with shoes, clothes or objects that have the resin on them and your airways can even be affected from breathing in fumes from a fire burning these plants. This rash is not contagious and the blisters from the rash do not directly contain the troublesome resin. It spreads often times if the affected person’s clothing, shoes or skin still has the resin present. It is important to wash the shoes, clothes and skin of the affected person as soon as possible to decrease the risk of spreading this rash to other areas of their body or to other people.
For more information about Village Pediatrics, visit www.villagepediatrics.biz or call us at 425.996.3396.
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