Sunscreen

Summer is the season for sunscreen! When the sun is out, everyone should be protecting their skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation has found that children who have gotten severe sunburns have higher chances of developing Melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs in about 200,000 people per year in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is the best.

Sunscreen should be applied every 30 minutes and skin should be dry before applying. Regardless of age and skin type, always apply sunscreen to you and your children.

Poison Ivy 

If your children are playing outside, make sure you and your children are aware of what poisonous plants look like. Let’s say a ball has been kicked into a grassy area and your child wants to retrieve it. Teach your child to check the area before walking through it. If they cannot tell or feel unsafe walking through the particular area, tell them to grab an adult.

If you or your children have been exposed to poison ivy, here are some symptoms of an on-coming rash:

• Small bumps or hives
• Itchy skin
• Redness or red streaks
• Blisters that drain fluid when popped

Not all symptoms are severe and need medical assistance. For minor cases, home remedies like cold showers will help the symptoms to dwindle. If home remedies are not working and the rash continues to spread, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Bicycles

Bicycle accidents are common among children in the summer, especially those just learning how to ride one. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission states that at least 300,000 children in the United States make a trip to the emergency room due to bike-related injuries.

The best way to keep your children safe on his or her bike is to make them wear protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads and shoulder pads. If a child does get into a bicycle accident, minor injuries can be treatable at home. For major accidents, like those that result in broken bones, must seek medical help immediately.

Swim Safety

Summer is the best time for laying out by the pool and swimming all day! Whether it is a public pool or a private pool, the same rules apply to each. To ensure that your children are safe at any pool, go over the safety rules with them.

Many rules like no running and no diving in the shallow end apply to almost any pool. If your child is not a very good swimmer, provide a life jacket to ensure their head is always above water. If there are no lifeguards on duty, watch your children at all times or swim with them. If there are lifeguards, provide the right swim gear necessary!

Hydration

Make sure you and your children are drinking plenty of water when being outside. Dehydration can happen to anyone, especially children. It is important to eat and drink frequently throughout a summer day. Here are some symptoms of dehydration that everyone should be cautious of:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Excessive sweating
• Dark yellow urine

Bee Stings

Bee stings are painful for anyone. Bees and insects are known for being practically everywhere during the summertime. Beehives can be located anywhere from trees to outside toys. Usually, hives are located in small areas where they are not always visible.

To make sure that your children are safe from getting a bee sting, check the area they are playing in for hives. Bug spray can help; however, it will not kill bees. In case of a bee sting, check if the stinger is not in the wound. Once removed, apply ice to relieve some pain and to shrink swelling. Once the area is less inflamed, wash the area and place a bandage if necessary. If your child is allergic to bee stings, seek medical assistance immediately.