Summer Survival Tips for Families

Keeping the Family Healthy and Safe in Hotter Months

May 27, 2009 Wei Yin Wong

Keep the family healthy and safe from summer hazards such as sunburn, eye damage, mosquito bites, dehydration, sprains and bruises.

Summer months are filled with fun and outdoor activities. There will be numerous outings to the beach and lots of playtime at the park. Unfortunately, summer also comes with a wide range of health risks and injuries.

Some summer survival tips will certainly come in handy for families with young children. Here’s what parents can do to keep their kids healthy and safe from summer hazards.

Prevent Sunburn

Sun protection for young children is an absolute necessity, especially in hot summer months. To prevent sunburn, make sure kids wear wide brim hats and apply sunscreen with SPF30 or more. Avoid being in the sun for too long, especially between 10am and 4pm. Look for shade in the form of trees, buildings and umbrellas. For babies in prams, use a sun protector or drape a sheet over the pram.

If sunburned, take a cold shower and drink up lots of water. Then apply soothing after sun lotions. If a sunburned child starts to blister, get him to a doctor.

Avoid Eye Damage

Direct exposure to the sun can also cause eye damage. Parents should get their kids suitable sunglasses to protect their eyes when out in the sun. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests the selection of sunglasses that can block 97% to 100% of ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.

The sunglasses should also come with large lenses that wrap all the way around to the temples to prevent the sun’s ray from entering from the side. Teach the kids to put their sunglasses on around water or on sand, both of which reflect light.

Manage Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes will swarm many places when it’s hot and where there is still water. Mosquito-proof the house by making sure there are no puddles, old tires or old cans (that may store water) in the backyard for them to lay eggs.

Mosquitoes usually appear after dusk. Apply mosquito repellent and use light mosquito coils in the evening to avoid being bitten. Get the kids to wear loose clothing that covers their entire body when outside the house.

Deal with Dehydration

Dehydration and heat stroke are common in summer, and the very young and very old are most susceptible to it. Remind everyone to drink lots of water. Not sure how to drink more water? Make water easily available – in the handbag, picnic bag, car, bicycle, etc. Also, keep a big jug of water in the fridge so that the family always has chilled water to drink.

If a child appears to be having a heat stroke, get her to lie down somewhere cool with good air ventilation, loosen her clothing and cool her down with a wet sponge. Get medical help if there are symptoms like fast breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion and sweating has stopped.

Treat Sprains and Bruises

Summer is great time to indulge in backyard sports or football in the local park. This also increases the odds of getting sprains and bruises. Treat minor sprains and bruises by applying an icepack to the injured area. Wrap the area firmly but not too tightly with cotton wadding. Then raise the injured area to reduce blood flow to it. If the injury isn’t better in 24 hours, see a doctor.

Some basic summer survival tips will be handy to keep the family safe and healthy. Learn to prevent and deal with common summer hazards such as sunburn, eye damage, mosquito bites, dehydration as well as sprains and bruises. Seek medical help if self-treatments do not work well.

Found this article useful? Read also Smart Sunscreen Tips for Children.

Reference:

Dr. Stoppard, Miriam. Family Health Guide. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2005.

The copyright of the article Summer Survival Tips for Families in Early Childhood is owned by Wei Yin Wong. Permission to republish Summer Survival Tips for Families in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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