Kids Can Have Fun And Be Safe in the Summertime

Don't shed bicycle helmets during summer heat

In the race to stay cool, make sure one thing stays securely in place - your child's bicycle helmet.

"One way to lessen the possibility of injury is to ensure that your child wears an appropriate bicycle helmet," says Dr. Jerald Zarin, medical director of Texas Children's Health Plan at Texas Children's Hospital. "If parents also ride, they need to set an example by always wearing a helmet themselves."

When looking for a helmet, make sure it is approved by either the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Make sure it fits correctly and use the adjustable pads to make the helmet stay in place.

Always place the helmet on properly and fasten the chin strap. Adjust the strap so it holds the helmet securely in place, but is still comfortable. Decorating the helmet with stickers may make it more appealing to your child, but do not allow any changes to the helmet's design or structure.

Preventing heat illness

Heat illness can occur at any time and in any environment where it is hot.

"Mild forms of heat illness can cause fatigue and an elevated temperature," says Dr. Joseph Chorley, a pediatric sports medicine specialist at Texas Children's Hospital. "Heat stroke is a very serious form of heat illness and may even cause death."

To prevent heat illness, become acclimated to the heat in small doses. Plan outdoor activities during the early morning and early evening, and take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.

Adults and children need to drink plenty of cool fluids before, during and after activities to prevent dehydration. Water is the best choice. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, like cola soft drinks.

A brimmed hat and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing work best for the heat.

Monitor the amount of time spent outdoors and call a "time out" during the hottest part of the day.

Think protection and avoidance for sun safety

Overexposure to the sun can be damaging for all ages, but the damage sustained in childhood can have serious implications down the road.

"Studies show that cumulative sun exposure beginning in childhood can lead to increased risks of skin cancer in adulthood," says Dr. Moise Levy, a dermatologist at Texas Children's Hospital.

To keep your child safe, think protection and avoidance. Keep children out of direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Select a gentle, waterproof sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Opaque creams that contain zinc oxide can protect the nose, cheeks, ears and lips. Do not apply sunscreen to infants less than 6 months old or expose them to direct sunlight.

Cover up when in the sun. Select sun visors and wide-brimmed hats that protect the face and neck, and sunglasses labeled "100 percent UV filtration" to protect eyes and eyelids.

Remember, even dark-skinned children can get sunburned.

Fun activities for the dog days of summer

It will soon be summer - a time children love and some parents may dread because it means finding suitable activities to keep children occupied.

"Parents may find this time of year challenging, especially if they work outside the home and have school-age children," says Dr. Diane Treadwell-Deering, a psychiatrist at Texas Children's Hospital.

Check your local newspaper, or contact area schools, churches, neighborhood health-care facilities or the YMCA for camp ideas and schedules. Also consider swimming, art or music classes, or perhaps a children's cooking class.

Ask your caregiver to take your child on an outing at least once a week, whether it is to a movie, story time at your local library or book store, the park, ice-cream shop, museum or zoo.

Limit TV time. Instead, challenge your child to complete a summer project - sewing a quilt, organizing family photos, compiling a scrapbook or building a bird house. Offer a reward for the completed project.

Older children and teens can benefit from finding appropriate volunteer or employment opportunities.

Preparing tasty treats that are safe to eat

When planning outdoor barbecues and summer outings, remember to serve hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

"Foodborne illnesses can make children extremely ill, and, in some cases, can even be fatal," says Dr. William Klish, chief of gastroenterology and nutrition at Texas Children's Hospital.

Keep foods in the refrigerator or cooler before cooking. Thoroughly cook hamburgers and chicken, making sure there is no pink in the center of the patty or at the bone of the chicken. Carefully wash hands, plates, utensils and work surfaces after handling raw meat.

When packing lunch for an outing, use an insulated cooler filled with ice or an insulated bag with frozen gel packs to transport foods that would normally be kept in the refrigerator: items made with meat, chicken, fish or eggs; salads; dairy products; dips; opened cans of fruit or pudding; and peeled or cut fruits and vegetables. Frozen juice boxes can also be used to help keep items cold.

Items such as cookies, chips, candy, cereal bars, peanut butter and unopened cans of fruit do not need to be kept cold, but are best stored in shaded areas.

Serving age-appropriate snacks and not allowing children to eat while playing will lessen the likelihood of choking.

Staying cool and safe in the water

Frolicking in the water is one of the best ways to stay cool during the summer. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most dangerous.

"All children who are left unsupervised are at risk of drowning," says Dr. Michelle Anderson-Lyn with the emergency medicine department at Texas Children's Hospital.

Never leave children unattended when they are playing in or near water. Even a bucket of water or a small pool can be dangerous for toddlers who fall in head-first.

Ensure that children swim with buddies and that dunking and rough-housing are kept to a minimum. If your child doesn't know how to swim, consider enrolling him or her in swimming lessons.

Instruct your child to enter the water feet first to avoid head injuries. Also point out the danger of pool drains and water jets - small fingers and toes can become stuck in these fixtures.

Ensure that pools and spas are fenced on all sides and have self-closing and self-latching gates.

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmc-info@tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/06_01_99/page_13.html