It’s summertime and for many children and families this means more time spent outdoors swimming, camping, bike riding, and cooking out. For many parents, this season is a time to take the necessary precautions to make sure your child remains safe and injury-free while having fun. Lee Beers, MD, pediatrician at Children’s National, offers some helpful summer safety tips.
Bike Safety: Each year more than 275,000 bike injuries occur in children, and of that number, 140 children up to age 14 die from injuries sustained while riding their bike. What’s even more alarming is that it’s estimated that 75 percent of bike injuries are preventable. Parents should make sure that their child always wears a helmet when riding a bike.
Video: Bike Helmets and Safety Tips
Tips on bicycle helmet safety. Discussed by: Christina Johns, MD, and Leticia Manning Ryan, MD, MPH
Outdoor Safety: Many families will find themselves hiking or camping in the woods this summer. However, there are several things to keep in mind.
Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke: The CDC reports that about 400 deaths occur in the United States due to extreme heat. To prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, limit most activities to the early morning and evening, and drink plenty of water regularly.
Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac: Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are three plants that can cause contact dermatitis, which can easily spread on your hands and body. To prevent contact with these poisonous plants, wear long sleeves and pants if you’re in a wooded area.
Insect and Mosquito Stings/Bites: Mosquitoes, bees, and wasps tend to be more common during the summer months. It’s important to note that mosquitoes tend to come out in late afternoon where there’s standing water, so it’s wise to put on insect repellent containing DEET. Additionally, if you are stung by a bee or wasp, be sure to use ice or a cool compress to help reduce inflammation.
Fireworks: The Fourth of July is a holiday that many children like because of the fireworks. Unfortunately, while fireworks are beautiful and fascinating, they pose a serious risk, especially for young children. It’s reported that one out of every three people injured due to fireworks were age 15 and younger. To prevent a fireworks injury, Dr. Beers says, “Let the professionals do the fireworks.” She also warns parents not to let their children pick up leftover fireworks as they can still be active.
Water Safety: Many children and families flock to beaches,
pools, and boats to refresh from the scorching summer heat. All too
frequently, children drown, and lack of supervision is usually the
cause. “Drowning only takes a few minutes, and it’s irreversible,” notes
Dr. Beers. The CDC reports that more than a quarter of the 3,579 people
who accidentally drowned in 2006, were 14 years old and younger. To
prevent a drowning event, always supervise children in and around water.
In addition, Dr. Beers recommends that kids wear a Coast Guard-approved
life jacket.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "
