By Crystal Schwalger
Summer is finally here, and if you are like most moms I know, you are ready to plan some summer fun with the kids. In case you didn’t know, June has been declared National Safety Month by the National Safety Council. Before you head out and enjoy those lazy days of summer, it might be good to review some basic safety tips provided by The Learning Community and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make sure your summer is safe as well as fun.
Kids love the long, hot summer days. Just don’t forget that. here in southern Utah, hot is an understatement. The temperature has already almost hit 100 degrees, and summer has just begun. As we southern Utahans know, the temperature will only climb higher as the summer progresses. Don’t forget that the temperature doesn’t have to be 115 degrees for it to be dangerous. Did you know that you can be at risk for heat stroke or heat exhaustion anytime you or your kids are outside? Children or the elderly are especially at risk, but anyone can come down with symptoms if they are not careful.
The Learning Community recommends that if you do have plans to go outside, consider going in the morning or late in the evening when it is relatively cooler. You should also consider drinking more fluids than you normally do. Don’t wait for kids to tell you they are thirsty. Experts say that if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Kids rarely want to take a break when they are having fun, but doctors say that you should make kids stop and drink, even if they don’t want to. Water, sports drinks, or fruit juices are all good options and can help beat dehydration—and they’re good for busy moms, too.
Experts also say that you should keep an eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps, and cold, clammy skin. If these symptoms are not addressed immediately, they can lead to heat stoke, which can be deadly. If you notice any of these signs, you should move the person into a cooler place, spray them down with cool water, and give them fluids. Signs of heat stroke include dizziness, faintness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a lack of sweat. If you suspect heat stroke, you should move the child to a cooler place and call 911 immediately. The CDC says that, on average, 675 people die each year in the US from heat-related illness, so it’s imperative that parents are aware and watch out for these symptoms.
Prevention is always key when thinking about sun safety. You should consider wearing hats with wide brims, sunglasses, and light, loose-fitting clothing. Of course, try to stay indoors where there is some kind of air conditioning. Consider inside activities somewhere that is cool and fun to visit, such as a movie theater, museum, or even the mall.
Because the sun’s rays are always present, even on cloudy days, the CDC recommends applying sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside with an SPF of at least a 15 or even higher. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours—and even sooner than that if swimming, sweating, or toweling off—and make sure to apply sunscreen on those small, exposed areas that you might not usually think of, such as the ears, lips, or even on the tops of the feet and any toes that are exposed. Remember that even a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s potential for skin cancer later in life. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
It should go without saying, but never, ever, leave an infant, child, or pet inside a parked car, even if the windows are cracked and you think it will be for just a minute. On average, 38 children die each year in hot cars. Tragically, one of those deaths occurred last year in our area.
I once heard a wise person say that you should think about the fact that your children are worth more than a million dollars. You wouldn’t leave a million dollars just sitting in your car unattended would you? Aren’t your children worth at least that, or more? It should also go without saying that you should always be aware of where your children are. Several of those children who died last year had evidently climbed into a parent’s car looking for a toy and were unable to escape. Consequently, they all perished from heat-related symptoms. Each of their parents hadn’t realized that their children were even gone until it was too late. The worst part about these terrible accidents is that these types of heat-related deaths were completely preventable, if only the parents had realized the danger ahead of time and known where their children were.
Summer is a great time to reconnect with your kids and make fun memories that can last a lifetime. Just remember, while you are enjoying the lazy days of summer, that with a little preparation and information, those days can be safe as well as fun for you and your family.
Crystal Schwalger has loved writing ever since she could remember. Her love of learning led her to Dixie State University where she graduated with a degree in English and Communications. She is passionate about writing and believes that you should never give up on your dreams. She is happiest when she is at home enjoying her backyard green spaces with her family. She currently lives in Washington, Utah, with her husband, her children, and her dog, Kali.
