Phone: 252-636-1919
Here you will find educational articles on topics relating to your family’s health. Click here for our articles archive.
Summer activities on land are fun and exciting, but safe habits still need to be implemented for your family. The summertime is meant for enjoying the outdoors, but understanding some safety guidelines can help protect your child while playing outside.
Your child should wear a helmet whenever they are on wheels, such as a scooter, bicycle, or roller skates. The non-profit global organization, Safe Kids Worldwide, states a helmet is the most important device available to reduce head injury and death from a bicycle crash. Encourage your child to ride on the sidewalk when possible. If they cannot ride on the sidewalk, they should ride in the same direction as traffic, as far on the right-hand side as possible.
Hiking is a popular summertime activity and an intense workout. Hikes can be long, so it is important to prepare properly. Pack more food and water on your hike than you think you will need. Water is important, and how much you need depends on the terrain, temperature and age of your child. A first aid kit is always a good idea to pack in case any unexpected injuries arise. It is also a good idea to give your child his own small backpack to carry. At a minimum, it should have an emergency whistle, a jacket or some kind of extra layer, a few snacks and water. If your child gets separated from you, he will at least have some survival gear.
A trampoline is a great form of exercise, as well as a satisfying source of entertainment. On the other hand, they can also be very dangerous if safety rules are not followed. According to the Foundation for Spinal Cord Injury Prevention Care and Cure, over 200,000 medically treated trampoline injuries occur annually in the United States and 75 percent of the injuries occur in children 14 or younger. Children age five and under should not be allowed on a trampoline, and only one child should be jumping at a time. When jumping on a trampoline, your child should have supervision, a net around the trampoline and safety pads on the springs. To avoid any potential injuries, gymnastic exercises, stunts, or flips should not be permitted.
Playgrounds are an interactive way to get your child out of the house, enjoy the fresh air, and play with other kids. While playgrounds are a popular source of fun for kids, they can also be a leading source of injuries. Take a short walk through the area before your child starts using any of the equipment on the playground. Make sure the playground is safe and free from hazards, such as broken glass or damaged equipment. Only allow your child on age appropriate equipment. If you are unsure, look for posted signs about the recommended age for each equipment piece. By keeping your eyes on your child and setting rules in advance, you can help ensure safe playground visits.
While teaching your child the importance of safety while participating in activities is critical, it is also valuable to teach them how to be street smart. Being street smart means your child is equipped to make decisions when alone or with friends and how to keep safe from strangers. Knowing your child’s whereabouts is important, even if it is just the other side of the park. Encourage the buddy system and teach them to avoid places that aren’t safe, such as the woods, dark streets, or isolated areas. Let your child know it is okay to be loud if they ever feel like they are in danger. Most importantly, teach your child what a stranger is and to always trust their instincts.
Speaking with your child and setting limits before any activity is crucial. Understanding how to play safely and how to be friendly while playing will help your child develop vital skills he or she will use throughout their lives. Explain to your children that the safer they are outside, the more they can play outside. Most importantly, stay safe and enjoy the summer!
Sources:
Safekids.org
Hikeitbaby.com
Nationwide.com
Froddo.com
Kidshealth.org
