Warm Weather Well-Being
Summer is finally here! As Minnesotans, we long for warm weather all winter. We look forward to boating, barbecuing, gardening, camping, berry-picking, swimming, biking, hiking,or just sitting outside and basking in the sunshine. Summer can be a happy, fun time for kids and parents, but it’s also when parents need to do the most to keep their children safe and well. Summer is the peak time for injury.
There are some tips to remember to help kids stay healthy and safe. One of the most important is to know your neighborhood. Know where children are and with whom they’re playing. Check on them or have them check in with you at regular intervals. Go over your “yard” rules. Are children allowed to leave the yard? Are they allowed to leave the neighborhood? Go over when or if this is allowed.
Make sure that playgrounds are safe. Keep kids off equipment that’s broken, unstable or corroded and look for ground material that is shock-absorbing, like sawdust or sand. Supervise children when they are playing on equipment.
Make sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) a must in all outdoor summer activities for both parents and children. Reapply it often if swimming or participation in outdoor sports. Also, remember to use bug repellent in wooded areas. Check labels to see which repellent is safe for children.
Always supervise kids when they are near water. Accidental drowning happens all too frequently when an adult is not around or is distracted. A proper-fitting life jacket allows a child to play safely while being supervised.
Warm weather brings all kinds of possibilities for parents and children to have fun together, but don’t forget to stay safe and well. Enjoy your summer! —submitted by Jill Phillips, Early Childhood Family Education, Parent Educator, Virginia School District