June 16, 2022
Summertime Tips
The sun is finally coming out and we should go outside! The warmer months are a wonderful opportunity to explore, play, and learn in the great outdoors. Here are a few tips to stay safe in the sun.
Bright Sun and Healthy Skin
- Keep your skin protected from sun damage to prevent sunburns, skin cancers, and wrinkles later in life. Remember that small amounts of sun exposure over time cause most sun damage—It is important to protect yourself every day, not just on long pool days.
- Use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, protects from UVA and UVB rays, and is water-resistant if you will be spending time in the water. Re-apply every 2 hours and after getting out of the pool.
- Fight heat exhaustion! It can start slowly but can become serious quickly.
- Drink plenty of fluids on hot days, especially during your time in the sun.
- Be very careful about moderate to heavy exercise at during the hottest time of day.
- If overheating, lie down in the shade and seek medical care immediately if concerned.
What to watch for:
Muscle cramps • Nausea • Irritability • Weakness • Headache • Confusion • May or may not be sweating
Hiking and Camping
- Poison Ivy can be around in Eastern Washington, including the Spokane area. Don’t forget: “leaves of three, let them be”
- Check for ticks! Lyme disease, which ticks can carry, is uncommon in Washington. It is still important to examine for ticks and remove them quickly if they are found. Tick populations have been increasing over the last few years. Don’t forget to check behind the ears, scalp, under the arms, and groin after hiking or camping trips.
- DEET-containing insect repellent is safe for children older than 2 months
- Use 10-30%, apply one time per day
- Do not apply to the face or the hands of young children
Water Activities
Swimming is fun and can be a lifelong healthy activity, but it is very important to know how to be safe around the water. When drownings occur, it is most likely to happen in a swimming pool.
- Life vests are very important for kids to wear whenever they are near water.
- Invest in putting a fence around a pool if there is one in the home.
- In an emergency, if there is a concern of drowning, pull the child out of the water, call 911, and if the child is not breathing start CPR if you have been trained.
- Consider swimming lessons any time after your child turns 4 years old.
