NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2018 - 7

SUMMER/ FALL 2018

Feature

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE & HAPPY THIS SUMMER

hen the final bell rings and
the end of the school year
has arrived, summer presents
an entirely new set of challenges when
it comes to childhood safety. From sunburns and scraped knees, to securing
proper immunizations and physicals,
there is much to take into consideration
while school is out.
Here are a few suggestions to help keep
children safe and happy this summer.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN

* Purchase a broad spectrum sunscreen to
protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
* Be sure to apply sunscreen a half-hour
before going into the sun to ensure it
is absorbed into the skin. The most
important thing to remember is that
sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least
every two hours and immediately after
swimming or perspiring. Remember to
cover the sensitive areas like the nose,
tops of the ears, and top of the feet.
* Infants older than 6 months may use
sunscreen, but caregivers should wash
off the sunscreen immediately to avoid
any possible skin irritation. Hat and
protective clothing should also be
used and limitation of time in direct
sunlight is stressed.
* The strongest UVA rays occur from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. and it is important to
remember that you can be sunburned
on an overcast day.
* If your child does develop a sunburn, be
sure the child is adequately hydrated,
use lukewarm baths and cool aloe. If the
sunburn is concerning to you, contact
your pediatrician.

CUTS, SCRAPES AND OTHER
INJURIES

that drinks containing caffeine like soda or
iced tea can cause the body to lose water due
When encountering a cut, immediately to their diuretic qualities. Remember to pack
apply pressure and clean the wound. It's a a water bottle for all hikes, bike rides, trips
scary situation for the parent, especially to the park and any other outdoor activities.
if there is heavy bleeding. Stay calm and
remember these helpful tips.
EMERGENCY PLANNING
* If you have a landline, make sure to teach
Seek medical attention if:
your children how to use it correctly.
* The bleeding lasts longer than 15 minutes * It's also important to have a list of
* The cut was obtained by something rusty
phone numbers with important phone
or dirty that may easily cause infection
numbers (grandparents, neighbors,
* If the cut is deeper than ¼ inch
work numbers, primary care physicians
* If you can see fat, muscle or bone
and poison control).
* If the wound is over a joint, knee, * Teach your children how to call 911.
knuckle, elbow or deep in a finger
* Set up a family emergency plan so your
* If there are any cosmetic concerns
child knows what to do in an emer(facial wounds may need to be glued
gency situation.
or sutured for best results).
If the wound does not require medical
attention, be sure to keep area clean and
covered. If signs of infection develop
(redness, discharge), call your pediatrician.

PROPER HYDRATION

During the summer, children are expending a greater amount of energy due to
outdoor play, camps, sports programs, etc.
The warm temperatures increase loss of
water through perspiration which can result
in dehydration. Children may not feel the
need to drink as much as adults. The AAP
recommends children drink six glasses of
water on an average day. During activity, your
child may lose up to a half-liter of liquid per
pound. The AAP suggests about 5 ounces (or
two kid-size gulps) of water or sports drink
every 20 minutes for children and 9 ounces
for adolescents. Make water a fun flavor and
appealing to the eye by adding fruit. Sports
drinks, flavored water or lemonade are all
good choices during the summer. Remember
N E PA

VITAL SIGNS

STAY ON SCHEDULE WITH
REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS
AND PHYSICALS

The summer is a very popular time
for parents to take their children to their
pediatricians due to easier scheduling. The
target ages of those who need vaccines and
physicals are usually the ones that parents
are the most diligent about. However, it is
important to remember that children need
one well check per year even if they are
up-to-date on vaccinations. Yearly things like
weight management, healthy behaviors and
choices are all important aspects of health
and keep a child on track to healthy adulthood. Keeping children on schedule not only
helps their overall health and well-being, but
it also helps to build a positive relationship
with their primary care doctor.
MAGGIE SCHLUDE, CRNP,
is a School-Based Health Nurse
Practitioner with The Wright Center
for Primary Care.

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