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Welcome to SUMMER!
HOW TO ENJOY ALL THE ACTIVITIES UNDER THE SUN — SAFELY By Jessica Peck, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL
he long-awaited, glorious days of poolside lounging, dripping ice cream cones, beach walks and giggles under the stars are finally here.
T
The memories you make with your children this summer are sure to last a lifetime. During your
vacation adventures, keep these
practical safety tips in mind. Beat the Heat
Kids (and adults) need protection for all outdoor activities, whether poolside or not. Even one sunburn can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. In- fants and children under four years of age are most vulnerable to the powerful effects of the sun. Try to schedule activities for early morning and late afternoon, avoiding the peak sun intensity between the hours of 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. Practice the “shadow rule.” When
your shadow is shorter than you are, ultraviolet (UV) rays are high and you need sunscreen. If you are out in the heat, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella or a pop-up tent. Dress your kids in lightweight,
Ready, Set, Grow
light-colored clothing to stay cool. Long- sleeved swimwear offers better protection from UV rays. Wide-brimmed hats are easy and provide great protection and shade. It is a good idea to get your children into the habit of wearing sunglasses early to protect their eyes from UV rays, which can cause cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that block both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Never leave your kids in a parked car, even if the windows are open. Recognize the early signs of dehydration:
a dry or sticky mouth, no wet diapers in a 6- to 8-hour period for infants or a 12-hour period for older children, dark yellow urine, lethargy or irritability, fatigue or dizziness and eyes that look sunken into the head. Thirst is usually a late sign of dehydration. Muscle cramping can be the first sign of a more serious heat-related illness. Go to an emergency room or urgent care facility if your child shows any symptoms of heat- related illness (nausea, vomiting, weakness, fainting or rapid pulse). Move to a cooler lo- cation, apply cool, wet cloths and sip water while awaiting care. The best way to prevent dehydration is to make sure kids consume more fluids than they lose. Encourage them to drink water at regular 20-minute intervals during activities. Kids should drink water
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