Monday, April 20, 2009
Warm weather means its time to think outdoor safety
Although you wouldn’t know it by the current weather, temperatures are predicted to rise close to 80 degrees by week’s end.
Summer fun can’t be far behind, so it’s important that families take safety precautions to avoid the bumps, bruises and ailments that typically accompany the warmer weather.
One way to do this is to attend Backus Hospital’s Safety Camp, to be held Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Backus Hospital Parking lot. Children and parents can learn more about summer safety through games and activities. They will also receive free bicycle helmets that are properly fitted by experts, 911 training, fire safety training, learn about water safety and have the chance to climb aboard LIFE STAR helicopter and numerous fire apparatus. Free food and giveaways will also be available.
If you aren’t able to attend this fun-filled event, here are some warm weather safety tips that will help you as the sun gets stronger and the bugs more prevalent:
Fun in the sun
Sun burn is one of the common problems. Following a few general rules will help prevent some of the nasty sun burns I have seen in my office:
* Avoid exposure to sun and dress infants younger than six months with long pants and long sleeve shirts, cotton of course.
* Keep infants in shade at all times possible and avoid using sun screen. For infants older than six months and young children, use of sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15.
* Apply sun screen 30 minutes before going out if possible. Perhaps apply sunscreen before you start your trip to the beach rather than apply just before getting in the water. Remember to apply every two hours while you stay out especially after swimming.
* Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce for a young adult.
* Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and do not forget sun glasses.
Keep the bugs out
Another common problem is insect bites, including tick bites. Here are some tips to avoid them:
* Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in full bloom.
* Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child or yourself.
* Don’t where bright colors, which can attract insects.
* Don’t use a combination sunscreen/insect repellent products, because sun screen needs to be reapplied every two hours, and bug spray should not be reapplied. Choose sprays containing DEET, as it is one of the most effective insect repellent against mosquitoes and ticks. Please note DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months of age.
* If you are bitten by a tick or bee, gently scrape the tick or the stinger with a credit card or similar object. Start from where the tick buried its head towards the body and not the other way, if you want remove the tick in its entirety. Deer ticks are small and only one in three tick bites are at risk of developing Lyme disease. Always check your children for ticks after you have visited parks or wooded areas.
Ravi Prakash, MD, is a pediatrician on The William Backus Hospital Medical Staff with a private office in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Dr. Prakash and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org, or comment on their blog at healthydocs.blogspot.com.
Summer fun can’t be far behind, so it’s important that families take safety precautions to avoid the bumps, bruises and ailments that typically accompany the warmer weather.
One way to do this is to attend Backus Hospital’s Safety Camp, to be held Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Backus Hospital Parking lot. Children and parents can learn more about summer safety through games and activities. They will also receive free bicycle helmets that are properly fitted by experts, 911 training, fire safety training, learn about water safety and have the chance to climb aboard LIFE STAR helicopter and numerous fire apparatus. Free food and giveaways will also be available.
If you aren’t able to attend this fun-filled event, here are some warm weather safety tips that will help you as the sun gets stronger and the bugs more prevalent:
Fun in the sun
Sun burn is one of the common problems. Following a few general rules will help prevent some of the nasty sun burns I have seen in my office:
* Avoid exposure to sun and dress infants younger than six months with long pants and long sleeve shirts, cotton of course.
* Keep infants in shade at all times possible and avoid using sun screen. For infants older than six months and young children, use of sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15.
* Apply sun screen 30 minutes before going out if possible. Perhaps apply sunscreen before you start your trip to the beach rather than apply just before getting in the water. Remember to apply every two hours while you stay out especially after swimming.
* Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce for a young adult.
* Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and do not forget sun glasses.
Keep the bugs out
Another common problem is insect bites, including tick bites. Here are some tips to avoid them:
* Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in full bloom.
* Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child or yourself.
* Don’t where bright colors, which can attract insects.
* Don’t use a combination sunscreen/insect repellent products, because sun screen needs to be reapplied every two hours, and bug spray should not be reapplied. Choose sprays containing DEET, as it is one of the most effective insect repellent against mosquitoes and ticks. Please note DEET should not be used on children younger than 2 months of age.
* If you are bitten by a tick or bee, gently scrape the tick or the stinger with a credit card or similar object. Start from where the tick buried its head towards the body and not the other way, if you want remove the tick in its entirety. Deer ticks are small and only one in three tick bites are at risk of developing Lyme disease. Always check your children for ticks after you have visited parks or wooded areas.
Ravi Prakash, MD, is a pediatrician on The William Backus Hospital Medical Staff with a private office in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Dr. Prakash and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org, or comment on their blog at healthydocs.blogspot.com.
# posted by ----------------- @ 4:42 PM 
