Summer Safety for the Family
The beauty of summer includes sunshine, time outside, open water and grilling. It also comes with UV rays, skateboards and scooters, open water and open flames. While summer can be nothing but fun in the sun, it can also be dangerous. The following tips are designed to keep you and your family safe and sound all summer.
Protect yourself from:
- Sunburn. Apply and reapply sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher every couple hours – sunburns are not only painful, but can lead to skin cancer. Make sure kids are covered from head to toe, and reapply after swimming.
- Bug bites. Wear long pants and sleeves or insect repellent if you’re going to be outside for long periods of time and/or near wet, swampy areas.
- Accidents. Be a good example and always wear a bike helmet. If your kids skateboard, scoot or rollerblade/skate, they should also wear elbow and knee pads.
- Dehydration. It can come on fast and make you feel weak, dizzy and sick. Stay hydrated by bringing a bottle of water with you on the go. Ensure family members drink up as well.
- Water. Children should always be attended when near pools, lakes or rivers to prevent accidental drownings. Swimming lessons and flotation devices are also a good addition to your summer plans.
- Fireworks. Enjoy a community display by all means, but keep kids well aware from dangerous fireworks.
In addition, make sure that you always have a first aid kit on hand and that you and/or summer babysitters and nannies are trained in CPR.
“Safety isn’t the first thing people think of when it comes to summer, but a few simple steps can ensure that your season is as safe as it is sunny and sweet,” said Dr. Amy Hammers.
