Swimming, camping, bike riding, and hiking are just a few ways to stay healthy and active during the summer season.  However, as your child prepares to participate in these activities, it is important to keep a few safety suggestions in mind.

Children should swim only with adult supervision, and age-appropriate floatation devices should be used at all times.  Ensure that your child showers or bathes both before and after swimming, in order to avoid the spread of germs.

Insect repellent is a necessary aspect of the summer season.  Itchy bites are not the only threat presented by insects – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives over 20,000 reports of insect-transmitted diseases each year.  The CDC recommends insect repellents with the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the concentration of the active ingredient should be at least 10%, but not more than 30% if the product will be used on children.  Do not apply insect repellent to the face or hands, and wash the entire body upon returning indoors.  Follow all instructions on the label, including age-restrictions and frequency of application.

In addition to wearing insect repellent, children should avoid darkly colored clothing as well as scented soaps and lotions, as these can attract more insects.  Finally, avoid products that combine sunscreen and insect repellent, as the former should be reapplied more often than the latter.  

Summer presents an increased risk for sun damage.  For children older than six months, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.  Check the label to ensure that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.  This also might be referred to as “broad-spectrum sunscreen.”  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that sunscreen be applied and reapplied liberally every two hours, beginning about 15-30 minutes prior to exposure.  Remember that most sun damage actually occurs during normal daily activities, and not solely at water-based locations.

Heat exposure also must be monitored during the hot summer months.  To avoid heat-related issues, encourage your child to drink plenty of water, limit sodium intake, wear appropriate clothing, seek shade, and take frequent indoor breaks to stay cool.  Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include excessive sweating, paleness, muscle cramping, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or fainting.  Should your child experience any of these symptoms, encourage him/her to drink cool water, take a cool shower or bath, and rest in an air-conditioned environment.  Contact your primary care physician for further instruction.  Licking Memorial Health Systems wishes you a healthy, safe, and relaxing summer.