Summer Wellness for Families

Summer Wellness for Families 

As the hot summer season approaches, your family is eagerly preparing for outdoor adventures, pool parties, and, of course, the much-anticipated Fourth of July celebrations.  As a pediatrician, I want to ensure that this summer is not only filled with fun and excitement but also with safety and wellness. In this post, I will share some valuable recommendations to help you navigate the summer months and the Fourth of July holiday while keeping your children safe.

 

Top Summer Wellness Concern: Sun Safety

Not only can sunburns be dangerous, but even a slight sunburn can be uncomfortable and change the mood of a weekend trip or an entire week at the beach. Summer sun protection should take a multipronged approach. Here are a few ideas for protecting your delicate skin from harmful UV rays:

 

Apply Sunscreen Often

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, 50 for infants. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, neck, and arms. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if your child is swimming or sweating. 

 

Seek Shade from the Sun

Encourage your children to take breaks in shaded areas, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

 

 

Dress for Sun Protection

Dress your child in lightweight, light-colored clothing that covers their arms and legs. Additionally, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection can help shield their face and eyes. I've seen children get sunburned through light layers of clothing, so avoid the sun, if you can, or wear UV protectant clothing.

 

Protecting Your Kids from Sun Exposure on the Field 

 

Summer Wellness Strategy - Water Supervision  

Many of us consider our best summer memories to be in a swimsuit! Pools, beaches, and water parks are popular summer destinations. To ensure water safety, consider the following:

 

Constant Supervision Near All Water

Always closely supervise your child when they are near or in water. It only takes a few seconds for an accident to occur, so stay within arm's reach and remain vigilant. Drownings are most often silent. 

 

Put Your Family in Swim Lessons

Enrolling your child in age-appropriate swim lessons can provide them with valuable water safety skills and boost their confidence in the water. 

 

Consider the Color of Your Swim Suits

Even the color of your children’s suits can make a difference. Neon colors win! Alive Solutions has done a lot of testing in different kinds of water and you may have seen their graphics on news sites and other blogs. 

 

What are you wearing to the water?

 

Properly Fitted Life Jackets

When boating or participating in water sports, make sure your child wears a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. This applies to children of all ages and abilities.

 

Fireworks - a Serious Consideration in Summer Wellness

The Fourth of July wouldn't be complete without fireworks. However, it's crucial to handle them responsibly to prevent injuries. It is my opinion that children should not handle any fireworks. 


Keep these tips in mind: 

 

Attend Professional Firework Displays

Instead of hosting your fireworks, consider attending a public fireworks show organized by trained professionals. These displays provide a spectacular experience while minimizing the risk of accidents. 

 

Safety Distance

If you choose to use fireworks at home, ensure a safe distance from buildings, trees, and dry vegetation. Pay attention to the news for updates on dry seasons and burning hazards. Follow all instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer. 

 

Adult Supervision with Fireworks Always

Never allow children to handle fireworks. Even seemingly harmless fireworks, such as sparklers, can cause severe burns. It happened to me as a child, and I've seen it happen to many others.

 

Missouri Department of Public Safety: Fireworks

 

Insect Protection - A Growing Summer Wellness Concern

Warmer weather brings out various insects, including mosquitoes and ticks. While always an annoying part of summer, the rise in tick-related illnesses gives families more to be concerned about. Protect your child from bug bites with these measures: 

 

Apply Insect Repellent 

Use an insect repellent that is specifically formulated for children and contains DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Apply it to exposed skin, but avoid the eyes, mouth, and hands. If you're like me, you try to avoid all chemicals possible. Most essential oil companies have a natural insect repellent. We use Lemon Eucalyptus oil for our children. 

 

Wear Protective Clothing Outdoors

Dress your child in long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when venturing into wooded or grassy areas where ticks are prevalent.

 

Check for Ticks Carefully

After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your child's body for ticks. Pay close attention to the scalp, behind the ears, and under the arms. 

 

Missouri Department of Conservation Field Guide for Ticks 

 

Mosquito Nets for Babies

This is one of my favorite tips to share with my families. A mosquito net works great for infants. They make them with elastic so you can put them over car seats and strollers.

 

Tackling the Heat as Part of Your Summer Wellness Routine

All children handle the heat differently. My motto is 'baby is the boss'. If you know your baby is fed and changed, but is fussy, its likely time to get in from the heat. I always see babies at Cardinals game, no matter how hot it is. And i always see parents trying to soothe those fussy babies. The bottom line is, the babies don't care if it's their first Cardinals game. They are hot and need to get inside to cool off.

 


Hydration Matters

Infants don't need extra water since most of what they eat is liquid. Children over 1 should get extra water/electrolyte solution when hot. Children dehydrate faster than adults. Pack insulated water bottles for each family member and establish regular water breaks, especially during active days.

 

 

Consider Noise Protection in Your Summer Wellness  

As the summer season beckons with its vibrant outdoor activities, it's essential to remember that protecting our children's hearing is just as crucial as safeguarding their skin from the sun. From noisy concerts and fireworks to bustling water parks, summer activities can expose children to potential hearing damage. As a pediatrician, I want to emphasize the importance of summer hearing protection for our little ones.


Earplugs

Consider investing in high-quality, child-sized earplugs. These are available at most drugstores and are specifically designed to reduce noise levels while maintaining comfort. Earplugs can be particularly beneficial during events such as firework displays or concerts, where loud noises are expected.

 

Earmuffs 

Earmuffs are an excellent option for younger children or those who may have difficulty with earplugs. Look for earmuffs designed for children, as they provide appropriate noise reduction without causing discomfort.

 

Preventing Hearing Loss in Kids from Stanford Medicine
 

Summer is meant to be fun. It’s a lot more fun for everyone when we avoid sunburns, itchy mosquito bites, and trips to the emergency room. I hope that I’ve given you a few things to think about and a list of actionable things you can do to prepare! 


Don’t forget to schedule rest periods, especially for younger children who might become overwhelmed by continuous activity. Be sure to take pictures, but also balance it out with some time where devices and screens are put away so you can fully be present. 


If you are one of my Dr. Joe Concierge Pediatrics patients, I’m always available to you for concerns. Wishing your family a memorable summer full of adventures and wellness!

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