Health Beat - Summer 2017 - 5

TRY THIS WITH
YOUR FAMILY
Visit heart.org and
search "Healthy Challenge
Scavenger Hunt" for
a fun way to get your
kids moving inside
your home.

A SAFER

Summer
Simple steps can help your
family get active-and stay
out of the ER

S

ummer is a great time to get your family members
moving together in the great outdoors. After all, if
you're aiming for the recommended 150 minutes of
exercise a week, you might as well do something fun.
Lisa Asta, M.D., of the American Academy of Pediatrics,
offers tips for staying safe while enjoying the summer.

©THINKSTOCK

Swimming
Sign your children up for swimming and water safety lessons
as early as possible. Make sure everyone wears sunscreen, and
give kids scheduled time out of the water for bathroom visits,
water breaks and mealtime.
"Children should be supervised by an adequate number of
adults who can swim to watch the children the way a lifeguard
would," Asta says. "Delegate grilling to someone else and stay
off of distracting social media."

Hiking

Bring a paper map, know the terrain and plan your route.
Remember that mobile phones aren't always dependable on
some trails. Adults and kids should use sunscreen and insect
repellent (you can use repellent with up to 30 percent DEET
on children). Don't forget to bring enough food and water.

Biking
Parents should teach their children to ride safely on protected
trails or routes, and make sure bicycles fit each child's size.
Cyclists of all ages should wear sturdy shoes to avoid foot
injuries and proper helmets and reflective gear. And again-
don't forget sunscreen and water.

Jogging
Long runs should be reserved for older kids; after puberty is
a safe bet. If you go out with your teen, leave the headphones
at home and be aware of your surroundings, including
pedestrians, cars and bikes. 1

srhc.com

5
http://www.heart.org http://www.srhc.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Beat - Summer 2017
