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Posts Tagged "Summer"

27Aug2021

How to Keep Your Child Safe at the Pool

While the summer months might not be around for much longer, it doesn’t mean that many parents aren’t looking for ways to take advantage of the weather. Of course, high heat means only one thing – time spent at the pool if you are like many parents. It’s essential, though, that you keep in mind some basic ways to keep your child safe at the pool so that a great day of play doesn’t turn into a medical emergency.

Important Steps to Pool Safety for Kids

The first and most crucial step to take is to make sure that your child is never in the pool area without supervision. Not only is drowning a genuine concern even in children who know how to swim, but there are always plenty of hazards around pools that an excited child might ignore. From broken glass to half-eaten food, it’s essential to keep an eye on your child so that they stay away from any of these potential dangers.

It’s also a good idea to remember that, as fun as it is to be in the water, your child will still need frequent breaks. Swimming is actually quite physically taxing, and the last thing you want is to let a child who’s tired overexert themself in the pool. Though the amount of time that a child can spend safely in the pool varies by personal fitness levels and age, having your child get out and rest for a few minutes every so often is always a good idea.

Finally, remember to bring waterproof sunscreen any time your child is in the pool. Though their body might be underwater, that doesn’t mean that they can’t still get skin damage from the sun. So apply sunscreen every time your child gets in the water, and make sure to reapply it regularly to keep your child safe.

The pool can and should be a safe and fun place for your child. However, keep an eye on them, be sure that you keep an eye out for signs of exhaustion, and make sure that your child’s skin is as protected from the sun as possible. If you can take these simple steps, you’ll be able to have a great time at the pool without worrying about your child’s health.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
20Aug2021

Keeping Your Child Safe in the Heat

The temperatures are rising, and the last days of summer break are here, leading many parents to want to make the most of the waning days of summer. It’s essential, though, to stop and think about the dangers posed by the record temperatures when your child is playing outside. Taking some time to look at how to keep your child safe in the heat is always a good idea.

Pay Attention to these Summer Heat Dangers

First and foremost, you’ll need to remember that it’s never a good idea for a child to stay outside in extreme temperatures for very long. You’ll want to use your best judgment, of course, but frequent breaks from playing outside are a must. Even if this just means sitting in the shade under an umbrella for a few minutes, giving your child’s body time to cool down and adapt will be helpful.

It’s also a good idea to make sure that your child is wearing light clothing that won’t further increase their body heat. Hats can do a great job of providing shade and protection, but make sure that you’re also using sunblock on your child when they go outside – the last thing you want to deal with is a sunburn, after all. Remember, sunblock does need to be reapplied, so pay attention to the labels on the products that you use.

Finally, make sure that your child stays well-hydrated when outside. Bring a large water bottle with you any time you go outside, and make sure that your child is frequently drinking. It’s also a good idea to consider bringing some kind of healthy sports drink with you as well, as your child will need to replenish their electrolytes after a hard day of playing and sweating.

While you certainly don’t need to feel like you should always keep your child inside, it is important to make sure that you’re keeping your child safe when the temperatures rise. The right clothing, the right amount of water, and frequent breaks during play can help your child stay safe while still giving them an excellent chance to make the most of these last days of their summer break.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
10May2021

What to Watch Out for in Warmer Weather

Not only is the weather beginning to change, but more people are starting to get out and about as vaccination levels rise. This means for this first time in quite a while, many kids will get a chance to go out and play. Before you allow your child to do so, though, you’ll want to take a few basic warm weather precautions.

Staying Safe During Outdoors Activities

The first step to take is always sun protection. Even if it’s not hot, the threat of sunburn and resulting skin conditions is very real. As such, it’s important to not only make sure that you protect your child by applying sunscreen as advised by the product’s directions, but also to ensure that your child is wearing proper clothing and a hat to reduce the amount of his or her skin that’s exposed to the sun.

It’s also very important that your child remains hydrated. Fortunately, this can be as simple as ensuring that you bring a water bottle with you to the park or playground and that your child takes regular breaks to drink. Remember, the harder your child plays, the more he or she is going to need, so don’t be afraid to bring backup water.

Finally, make sure that you give your child frequent breaks from playing outside when the weather finally starts to get hot. Playing outside is fantastic for your child, of course, but heatstroke is still a very real possibility for even the most outdoor-oriented of children. If your child is starting to get lethargic or slowing down, it might be a good time to come in and have a break.

While you should definitely take precautions, you should also remember to enjoy the sunny weather with your child. Not only is taking the time to get out and exercise good for your health, but it’s also a great chance for you to bond with your child. Take the same precautions, of course, but make sure to have fun while the pleasant weather is here.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
13Jul2019

Air Quality and Asthma

According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the most common condition that chronically affects children in the U.S. These children often experience flareups, which could occur from nearly anything, including allergens, chemicals, stress, excitement, and exercise. In the summer, one of the most concerning triggers that parents should be aware of is the hot outdoor air.

Factors Affecting Air Quality

Just when parents are finally able to let their children play outside, they may have to tell them to stay inside instead if the forecast is showing a string of particularly hot, sunny days. The reason for this is that the ozone in the air, which is produced by ultraviolet light from the sun, can increase exponentially on these sunniest of days. Those living in urban areas are particularly at risk, but wind can push the excessive levels of ozone nearly anywhere, including into more rural areas that are typically assumed to have clean and healthy air. 

Children who spend much time outdoors during weather like this may find that they have a harder time than normal with breathing, and they may cough much more frequently. However, this weather can be particularly harmful to children with asthma who may be forced to reach for their rescue inhalers or to take a trip to urgent care. This is because the ozone that they breathe in reacts with the tissues deep inside their lungs to create irritating toxins.

Pay Attention to Air Quality Reports

Parents of children with asthma should carefully monitor air quality. They may be able to do this through the newspaper or through a weather app on their smartphones, but they should know that not all poor air quality days make it onto official alerts. Instead, they may want to find a local app using information from the Environmental Protection Agency that will display up-to-the-minute ozone levels. 

In addition, parents will want to make sure that they keep their children inside during the hottest parts of the day, plan most outdoor activities for the morning, have children take plenty of breaks indoors and find plenty of fun activities for the indoors. In addition, they should be sure that they know exactly where their child’s rescue inhaler is and should know how to use it. 

If you are concerned about your child’s breathing or need a new inhaler prescription for your child, schedule an appointment with Kids 1st Pediatrics today.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
6Jul2019

How Concerned Should You Be about Mosquito Bites?

Now that summer is in full swing, you may notice your children coming back indoors with mosquito bite welts on their arms and legs. Although you probably grew up suffering through the same dilemma thanks to your hours of summer play outside, you have probably heard of the variety of diseases that mosquitoes may now carry. It is wise for you to understand more about mosquito bites and how you should care for them to ensure that your child stays healthy during the warm, brilliant days of summer.

Most mosquito bites will appear as small to medium-sized red welts on the skin. They will be raised and quite itchy. Typically, they are nothing to worry about, and they should disappear within a few days. You should instruct your child not to scratch at her bites so that she does not break the skin, and you may want to use an anti-itch ointment made with steroidal cream for a very severe bite or a case of multiple bites.

Of course, there are some times when you should worry about the bug bites on your child’s body. Call us for an appointment immediately or head to an urgent care clinic or a nearby emergency room if your child develops any of the following side effects:

  • An allergic reaction with major swelling at the site or around the face
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Infection due to excessive scratching at the site
  • Increasing redness or red streaks in the area
  • Body aches
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea

If any of the above side effects develop, your child may have been bitten by a different insect, may be allergic to the insect or may have developed a secondary illness or infection from the bite. Getting medical help quickly can help get your child back on her feet again so that she can enjoy the summer.

In the United States, the only disease that mosquitoes carry that could be harmful to humans is West Nile Virus. If your child has recently been out of the country to areas in Africa, South America or Central America, she could also be at risk for yellow fever, malaria or the Zika virus if she has not been properly immunized. 

For more information about how you can protect your child’s health during outdoor play, contact Kids 1st Pediatrics where our goal is happy, healthy children.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
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