Thursday, June 26, 2008

Summer Safety Giveaway



We are teaming up with MommyDocs.com to bring you these important summer safety tips. MommyDocs.com is a website with Practical Pediatric informaition for Moms by Moms (and Doctors). If you leave us a comment here, we will choose someone to win a cool beach bag with sunscreen, bug spray and more! (contest ends July 31st)
  • Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child--daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don't forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
  • Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
  • Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it's a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
  • High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
  • Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.
All safety tips can also be found on MommyDocs.com.

13 comments:

Melissa E said...

Thanks for posting this, Jennifer. It is a good reminder to drink, drink, drink -- a tip I need to heed. I should know better than to go too long w/o drinking water while out in the sun. When I was a teenager, I got heatstroke and was taken to the emergency room with 108 fever!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting these tips. I'm sure I'll be back for a refresher over the next few months!

~Robin
http://robinredd.typepad.com/american_girl/

Kierstin said...

What a great idea! And such great tips!

Mistress Meeyee said...

I could really use all this stuff because I live way down south where it is hot and buggy!

hiscrappergirl said...

great tips!!

Desert Scrappers Weekend Retreats said...

great tips but what about all those darn wasp who keeping landing in the pool while we are trying to swim?? Hubby can not even drown them and I am scared they have a mean bite!

Alicia said...

These are great tips and are so helpful since I am in FL! Thanks for posting these.

I'm Alicia from Momdot.com and I wanted to let you know that your listing is up! We have a button to give you that we'd appreciate you putting in your sidebar so please email me at momdot at live dot com and I will get it to you!

Keep up the great work, I love the things you all do for kids- its so important.

juno81 said...

Great sun protection ideas. Also, Avon carries a great bug spray/ sunscreen, too!

Kat Baker said...

What a great article. Excellent tips. It seems like we can't be reminded enough about this stuff. Take it from me about the sun screen. I have always been a sun worshipper and I have big ugly sun spots all over my face and body to prove it. I have a girlfriend who never goes in the sun and her skin is soft and gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

the hydration one is probably the one i forget about the most. drink...drink...drink! moms too!

michele candelaria

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great tips! :)
Shari :)
________________________________
www.ShariSuzuki.typepad.com

scrapnchat said...

What about rash guards? I found some at Old Navy that have SPF in them....I was wondering if they were as effective as sunscreen for the parts that they covered...anyone know? Heather, canedy@pacbell.net

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info. :)
Monica monica.robinson72@yahoo.com