Parkland experts offer summer safety tips
Keep your kids healthy, happy during outdoor season
The best thing about summer for many children is having more time to spend outdoors. Whether riding bikes, swimming, going to camp or just playing in the backyard, summer spells fun time for kids. But health and safety experts at Parkland Health & Hospital System say parents need to be mindful of, and try to prevent, potential injuries and illnesses related to summertime outdoor activities.
Tip 1: Prevention and education are key
“In our hot, humid climate, bugs are as happy as kids when summer arrives,” said Mike Yudizky, Poison Specialist at the North Texas Poison Center (NTPC) at Parkland. “From fire ants to mosquitos, wasps, spiders and snakes, there are plenty of biting and stinging critters active in the warm weather. Parents need to patrol areas where kids are playing and eliminate breeding and hiding areas for pests if possible. Apply mosquito repellant, especially at dawn and dusk. Teach your kids to recognize and avoid poison ivy, oak and sumac. And keep the Poison Center’s phone number handy in case of emergency.”
To receive free expert advice on any type of poisoning, drug overdose, chemical exposure, insect bite or sting call the NTPC, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800.222.1222.
Tip 2: Drink plenty of fluids
Dehydration and heat-related illnesses are another risk for outdoor-loving kids. “Don’t wait for your child to ask for a drink before you offer fluids,” advised Donna Persaud, MD, Chief of Pediatric Community Medicine at Parkland. “Keeping kids hydrated is very important. Provide plenty of fluids before, during and after outdoor activities when it’s hot.”
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous, Dr. Persaud said, so parents should know the signs and seek medical help immediately if their child shows any symptoms of heat-related illness.
Tip 3: Don't forget the helmet
“A helmet is an essential piece of equipment for kids on wheels,” said Shelli Stephens-Stidham, Director of the Injury Prevention Center of Greater Dallas at Parkland. “Helmets protect children from serious brain injuries and can be life-saving,” she added, “so they should be worn whenever kids are on bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, skateboards and skates.”
Tip 4: No water is "drown proof"
Water safety requires 100 percent focus for parents of young children. According to Stephens-Stidham, no water is “drown proof” and even wading pools and buckets pose a risk to toddlers. Make sure your child is constantly supervised when swimming in a backyard or community pool, creek, lake or ocean.
Tip 5: Never let children near the grill
Another backyard summer hazard is the family grill. Sue Vanek, Burn Program Manager at Parkland, stated, “People forget that a grill remains very hot even after it’s no longer being used. Never let children near the grill,” she advised. “Kids can sustain a severe burn from a hot grill long after the hot dogs have been eaten.”
Tip 6: Watch out for food poisoning
And speaking of food, Parkland Registered Dietitian Sharon Cox said barbecues and picnics often have an unintended consequence – food poisoning. “Be sure to check the internal temperature of meats and other foods on the grill to ensure they are cooked to the appropriate safe temperature,” Cox said. “And avoid leaving foods out on the picnic table or in the car that require refrigeration. In our Texas heat, foods can spoil very quickly.”
Tip 7: Have fun!
Although summer comes with outdoor risks, Dr. Persaud wants parents to encourage their kids to be active and have fun, as well as stay safe.
“Exercise and outdoor play are the best preventive medicine for kids, along with good nutrition,” she said. “So turn off the TV and electronic gadgets. Go to the park or the pool with your kids and enjoy. Just be sure they’ve got on plenty of sunscreen to protect their skin.”
For information about health services at Parkland, visit www.parklandhospital.com/toyourhealth.
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