It's that time of year again....Spring fever has hit and the kiddos are trying to BURST out the doors and windows virtually to get out and play. Well, while they are playing, lets remember to keep them safe at the same time as having fun. No one likes having a cast on for 6 weeks or longer....no matter what cool neon color they can choose from...
- HELMETS: If your munchkin is on anything with wheels or with speed, honestly, put a helmet on their noggin. It is one of the #1 ER/ED visits seen every year. The fit is critical! It should be just above their eyebrows and under their chin. It shouldn't move when they shake their head or have more than 1 finger in room between the chin and strap. Also, make sure it has the American Standards Testing Materials (ASTM) label on it!
- With spring here, make an appointment with your pediatrician to make sure your kiddo has strong bones and joints if they are to partake in any kind of sports activities. This can help avoid particular serious injuries.
- Protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun with SPF 30 or higher no matter what. Have a sunscreen that has UVA and UVB protection and put it on every 30 minutes. Even on cloudy days, you can get a bad sunburn and be exposed to harmful sun rays.
- Stay hydrated! Not only Gatorade gives you the electrolytes and hydration your body craves. Try water and a banana...Mom bonus=less sugar! Be mindful of symptoms of dehydration: dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, belly pains, muscle cramps and lethargy.
- Ok, teeth: yes, we want them to brush...however, back to the sports topic. Get them a mouth guard. Even an inexpensive one found in most Walmarts and Targets nationwide in the sports and outdoor sections to protect their smiles.
- Padding: Whether it's riding a bike, learning to roller blade/roller skate or playing soccer; place proper fitting padding protection on your kiddos. It can honestly mean the difference between a summer of continued fun or a summer on the sidelines with that neon cast I mentioned before.
- Lastly but not least and probably not last, shade. Always encourage your kids to seek the shade when they are outside and warm. Also, dress them in light weight, loose clothing. Heat exhaustion can hit kids hard and fast compared to adults. Common signs are: weakness, fatigue, nausea, headache, vomiting, pale skin, dizziness, impaired judgment, cramps, fever and sweating.