It isn’t a secret that during the summer most children and teens want to be outside. The sun is the body’s main source of vitamin D, which helps to absorb the calcium that bones need. However, it does not take long to get the amount of vitamin D we need. As we get deeper into the summer months, the sun’s heat becomes less fun and kids are at risk for dangerous heat-related illnesses. Typical heat-related illnesses are dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heatstroke is the most extreme and life-threatening heat-related illness. The body loses its ability to regulate temperature and can reach temperatures as high as 106 Fahrenheit and beyond, which could lead to brain damage or death. Avoid heatstroke and its side effects by seeking medical attention when a child becomes "disoriented, dizzy, nauseous, cold, clammy or has cramps," according to Drew Ferguson, the director of Sports Medicine at Children’s of Alabama. Ferguson said the best way to beat the heat this summer is to ensure that children are, "well-hydrated prior to the event, hydrate during the event and after the event." He suggested avoiding drinks high in fructose, because they are prone to make children nauseous. Kids should be constantly drinking water because nothing has the ability to replenish thirst like water.
Help your kids beat the heat this summer with these tips:
Teach kids to always drink plenty of fluids before and during an activity in hot,
sunny weather — even if they're not thirsty.
Make sure kids wear light-colored, loose clothing.
Make sure your kids only participate in heavy activity outdoors before noon and
after 6 p.m.
Teach kids to come indoors immediately whenever they feel overheated.
For more information about keeping your kids cool and avoiding heat-related
illnesses, visit www.childrensal.org.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
KEEP KIDS COOL WITH POOL SAFETY
The following article is from Rachel Olis with Children's of Alabama.
When school is out and the summertime heat arrives, kids of all ages will be
clamoring to spend their time at the pool. While the pool can be a fun and relaxing
retreat for families, in the blink of an eye it can turn into a nightmare. Nearly
1,000 kids die every year by drowning and it is the second leading cause of
accidental death for people between the ages of 5 - 24. It is important to remember
that drowning is preventable if people take the time to learn and utilize the proper
safety precautions.
Supervision for swimmers is the most important element of pool safety. “There really
isn’t an age for someone to swim unsupervised, even when you’re an adult, it is
always best to swim with a buddy,” said Karen Cochrane, RN, patient health and
safety expert at Children’s of Alabama. “In case something happened, there would be
somebody there to help you.”
Here are just a few safety measures that will help keep your family’s time at the
pool enjoyable and safe:
1. Invest in proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life vests) and
use them whenever a child is near water. Check the weight and size recommendations
on the label, then have your child try it on to make sure it fits snugly. For kids
younger than 5 years old, choose a vest with a strap between the legs and head
support — the collar will keep the child's head up and face out of the water.
Inflatable vests and arm devices such as water wings are not effective protection
against drowning.
2. If you don't already, it's a good idea to learn how to swim, and kids older than 4
years should learn, too (check the local recreation center for classes taught by
qualified instructors). Kids who are younger (but older than age 1) also might
benefit from swimming lessons, but check with your doctor first. Don't assume that a child who knows how to swim isn't at risk for drowning. All kids need to be supervised in the water, no matter what their swimming skill levels. And infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm's reach to provide "touch supervision."
To learn more about how to keep the pool safe for your family, visit
www.childrensal.org.
When school is out and the summertime heat arrives, kids of all ages will be
clamoring to spend their time at the pool. While the pool can be a fun and relaxing
retreat for families, in the blink of an eye it can turn into a nightmare. Nearly
1,000 kids die every year by drowning and it is the second leading cause of
accidental death for people between the ages of 5 - 24. It is important to remember
that drowning is preventable if people take the time to learn and utilize the proper
safety precautions.
Supervision for swimmers is the most important element of pool safety. “There really
isn’t an age for someone to swim unsupervised, even when you’re an adult, it is
always best to swim with a buddy,” said Karen Cochrane, RN, patient health and
safety expert at Children’s of Alabama. “In case something happened, there would be
somebody there to help you.”
Here are just a few safety measures that will help keep your family’s time at the
pool enjoyable and safe:
1. Invest in proper-fitting, Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life vests) and
use them whenever a child is near water. Check the weight and size recommendations
on the label, then have your child try it on to make sure it fits snugly. For kids
younger than 5 years old, choose a vest with a strap between the legs and head
support — the collar will keep the child's head up and face out of the water.
Inflatable vests and arm devices such as water wings are not effective protection
against drowning.
2. If you don't already, it's a good idea to learn how to swim, and kids older than 4
years should learn, too (check the local recreation center for classes taught by
qualified instructors). Kids who are younger (but older than age 1) also might
benefit from swimming lessons, but check with your doctor first. Don't assume that a child who knows how to swim isn't at risk for drowning. All kids need to be supervised in the water, no matter what their swimming skill levels. And infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers should have an adult swimmer within arm's reach to provide "touch supervision."
To learn more about how to keep the pool safe for your family, visit
www.childrensal.org.
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