Parent Corner: Play It Safe Outdoors
By Rosana L. Go, M.D.
Cascade Valley Arlington Pediatrics Clinic
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While your children are busy exploring the world this summer, be sure to help protect them from outside hazards.
Sun Shields
Whether it's sunny or cloudy, UV rays can damage skin. Remember to apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on your children 30 minutes before they head outside. This not only helps prevent an uncomfortable sunburn today, but also protects against skin cancer in the future. Also, encourage children to play in the shade, wear hats and sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen every two hours or after water exposure.
Keep babies under 6 months of age out of direct sunlight. Try using an umbrella or stroller canopy. Dress babies in light-weight clothing, which covers arms and legs, and use wide-brimmed hats.
Safety Gear
As children race around on bicycles, skateboards or in-line skates, tumbles are bound to happen. To ehlp prevent serious injury, outfit children in protective gear (helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and/or shin guards) whenever they are on wheels. (See calendar for free bicycle fitting sessions. Also, make sure that your child's bike is the right size to make pedaling, braking and steering easy. Oversized bikes are particularly dangerous. If your children want to use ramps and jumps, take them to parks especially designed with these features, rather than letting them make their own.
All Creatures That Bite
From tiny bugs to big dogs, bites come in all sizes. But even the smallest bite can cause problems. Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your children. These may attract bugs and thus bites. Also avoid areas where insects nest, such as contaminated pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom. A child dressed in bright colored and flowery print clothing can also be an attraction to insects.
If your child is stung, remove a visible stinger by gently scraping it off with a credit card or finger tip.
Remind children that all dogs can bite if they feel threatened. Teach your children how to wisely interact with dogs:
- Never approach a strange dog, especially one tied or confined.
- Ask the owner for permission before petting a dog.
- Let the dog see and sniff you before trying to pet it.
- Approach dogs slowly and quietly.
- Never turn your back to a dog and run away. Remain motionless, hands at your side, and avoid eye contact. Once the dog loses interest, slowly back away.
- Don't disturb a dog while it's sleeping, eating, chewing a toy or caring for puppies.
If your child is bitten by a dog, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water immediately and contact your physician for additional advice. Then, report the bite to the local animal control agency.
Water Wise
Never leave your children alone in or near water at any time. This includes swimming pools, lakes, creeks, ponds and even bathtubs. Except for the bathtub, make sure your child wears a life vest when near water. Don't give them inflatable swimming aides, such as floaties. These give the children a false sense of security.
Always have a cell or portable phone handy for emergencies and practice "touch supervision" by keeping infants and toddlers within arm's length of an adult.
Also, make sure your children wear life jackets at all times when on boats or near bodies of water. Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should never be used in place of life jackets.
For more information about keeping your child safe this summer, contact your pediatrician.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.