Summer safety tips from the desk of Nurse Allen

Summer officially starts on June 21, Father’s Day, but now is the time to think about safety tips. For most children, summer means more outdoor activities such as swimming, camping, bike riding, 4th of July celebrations and fireworks. For parents it means being extra vigilant about keeping your child safe and healthy. Here are some tips to follow this summer:

Life Jackets

Learn why you should use a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket or personal floatation device, instead of a simple swim suit or arm floaties, to keep your kids safe when swimming.

Sun Block Mistakes

Learn to avoid common mistakes that parents make when using sun block to help you avoid painful sunburns.

Insect Repellents

Insect repellents can protect your children from insects that commonly bite children, including mosquitoes, gnats, chiggers, etc. Safe and effective insect repellents include those with deet, citronella and soybean oil. Learn to keep your children safe from insect bites.

Summer Camps and Summer Vacation

A summer camp, whether it is a local day camp or an overnight sleep away camp, can be a great way to keep your kids occupied over the summer. But instead of overscheduling your kids with camps all summer, be sure to allow some time for free play.


Sun Screens to Prevent Sun Damage

Sun screens can help to protect your child from damage from sun exposure and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Learn to pick a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and which offers UVA and UVB protection, plus other tips to keep your kids safe in the sun.


Summertime Food Safety

Foodborne illness and food poisoning do increase in the summer months, when the weather is warmer, allowing bacteria to grow faster, and more people are having picnics, barbecues and camping trips. Learn food safety tips to keep your children safe this summertime.

 

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