Simple safeguards for summer

Many of summer’s pleasures cause health risks for children. You can help them avoid these risks by taking these simple safeguards.

Bugs

Serious reactions to bee and wasp stings are shown by hives, dizziness or shortness of breath. These need medical attention fast. Call 911 if your child has these symptoms.
Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus, which can be fatal. To stay safe:
- Consider keeping children indoors during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Put on an insect repellent that contains no more than 30 percent DEET.
Ticks can cause Lyme disease and other infections. To protect your kids:
- Have them wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when walking in the woods or tall grass.
- Check their hair and skin for ticks after they spend time outdoors.

Make sure your children wear helmets that fit right. Helmets reduce the risk for brain injury by up to 88%. Make sure they also wear wrist, knee and elbow guards.
Make sure their bicycles are the right size. Adjust the seats to the right height.

Have your children avoid tiring activity during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Be sure they drink plenty of water, especially before, during and after doing physical activities.

Limit your children’s time in the sun, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Put sunscreen on your children, even on cloudy days. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Have them wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

Teach your children to swim. If you can’t teach them, enroll any child age 4 or older in swimming classes.
Put in a fence with a locking gate if you have a home pool.
Watch your children at all times when they are in or near water (including bathtubs).
Let them dive only in areas labeled for diving, where the depth of the water is known.