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DR. ERIC STREET: Prevention better than cure for summertime blues

Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - 5/25/2018

May 25--Children look forward to getting out of school for summer break. While parents may or may not be quite as excited, we need to be wary of many threats to children's health and summertime fun.

Every year, one in four kids under age 14 sustains an injury that requires medical attention. Forty percent of all injury-related emergency room visits happen between May and August, as do 42 percent of all injury deaths. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives us several great tips to keep in mind:

--Don't let falls and injuries spoil your summer fun. Make sure surfaces around playground equipment are soft, safe and well-maintained. Supervise young children at all times around playground equipment and other fall hazards. Be sure children wear protective equipment and helmets when riding bicycles and other riding toys, whether or not you wore a helmet while riding your bike as a child.

--Water safety is important as kids go to pools or lakes. Drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4. Be sure that children use properly fitted life jackets when on or in the water, and make sure that pools are surrounded by a fence. Formal swim classes are great to teach kids how to swim.

--Heat-related illness can affect anyone. Take special precautions to never leave infants or children in a parked car. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration, and remind kids to take breaks periodically on hot days. Mild symptoms of heat exhaustion may include feeling thirsty, fatigue and cramps. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke.

--Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, being careful to protect your child's skin from sun exposure. For kids over 6 months of age, choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 and use it liberally to all exposed areas (don't forget the ears!). Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply at least every two hours, more often if sweating or swimming. If possible, schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the most direct sunlight during the middle of the day. Be sure to use sunscreen even on a cloudy day.

--Don't let bugs and other insects bug you this summer. Use an effective insect repellent while playing outdoors; up to 30 percent DEET is approved down to age 2 months. Be sure to check for ticks and other insect bites that may need attention. Parents also need to help kids avoid poison oak and ivy while playing outside or near the woods.

Summer is also a great time to schedule a wellness visit for your child. Regular checkups can help uncover minor problems before they become major issues. To find more reliable health tips for kids, see the American Academy of Pediatrics parent website, healthychildren.org, or call your health care provider. Have a fun and safe summer!

DR. ERIC STREET is a board-certified pediatrician who practices at the Children's Clinic of Tupelo.

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(c)2018 the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (Tupelo, Miss.)

Visit the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (Tupelo, Miss.) at www.djournal.com

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