MIND & BODY: Summer safety tips
Published 10:25 am Friday, May 1, 2020
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With warm weather approaching, you are probably already excited about getting your children outside to play.
There are endless amounts of fun that can be had and many benefits for children who play outside.
Some of those benefits include being physically healthier, increased sensory skills, increased attention spans and better immunity from disease.
Children love to be outside, and it’s important for their parents and caregivers to provide a safe environment for outdoor play.
Here are a few tips to make sure you have a safe summer outdoors.
First, many families enjoy spending time by the water when the weather gets hot.
It’s important to take extra precautions when allowing your children to play in water:
— Always supervise children who are in and near bodies of water. Children should never be allowed to get in the pool, lake or river without an adult watching close by.
— Teach children how to swim, as this will decrease the risk of drowning.
— Learn CPR as it can help save a life
— Home pools should have a four-sided fence around to prevent children from getting too close to the pool without proper supervision.
— Always wear a life jacket when boating or on or near a large body of water.
Summertime means a lot of sunshine. Protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illness such as sunburns and heat exhaustion.
Never leave a child in an unattended car, even when the windows are cracked. This could lead to serious injury or death.
It is also important to apply sunscreen at regular intervals to avoid burns and skin cancer later in life.
Be sure to dress your children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to avoid over-heating.
It can be hard work preventing injuries while your children are playing outside. Falls are common when younger children are playing outdoors, especially on playground equipment.
Make sure to take your children to parks and playgrounds that are well maintained so they are safe. Even then, accidents still happen, so it is imperative children are always supervised by an adult when playing on a playground or at the park.
Call your health care provider if you suspect that your child may be injured or has symptoms of a heat-related illness.