Fort Bliss Monitor

Summer safety ensures happy days

Lyn Matsey
Army Community Servicer

Did you know that the months between May and August are the unintentional childhood injury trauma season? According to a Nations Safe Kids Campaign research study, 42 percent of all unintentional injury-related deaths occurred during the summer months when children are out of school, experience inadequate supervision, and spend more time outdoors.

This summer children ages 14 and under will be rushed to the emergency room nearly three million times for serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes, drowning, bike crashes, pedestrian incidents, falls and other hazards.

There are various safety tips that can be utilized to help children stay safe during the summer months. It is essential that parents and caregivers take precautions to help ensure that their child does not end up as one of the estimated 2,500 children who will die this summer as a result of an unintentional injury.

Sun safety

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the best and first line of defense against the sun is covering up. All children over six months of age should wear sunscreen while playing outdoors during the day. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days. The Sun Protection Factor should be at least 15 or greater. Also, stay in the shade whenever possible to avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Children should remain well hydrated throughout the day.

Pool safety

Never leave children unsupervised while they are in or near the pool. Make sure to keep rescue equipment such as life preservers and a shepherd’s hook near the pool area. Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security. Make sure self-latching or self closing pool gates are at a height children can’t reach. Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water an adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.” Children should not be allowed to run, jump, or play around pool area.

Bug safety

To protect children from bugs, do not use scented soaps, perfumes, or hair sprays on them. Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate. Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints. Utilize insect repellants that contain DEET, not to exceed 30 percent. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months old.

Bicycle safety

Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bicycle until he or she is ready, at about 5 or 6 years. old. Buy a bike that is the right size for the child, oversized bikes are especially dangerous. Make sure your child wears a helmet every time the he or she rides, no matter how long or short the trip may be. A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn.



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	July 15, 2004

<map name="boxmap-b4"> <area shape="rect" coords="0, 589, 120, 600" href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm/privacy-policy.html?o=1" > <area coords="0,0,10000,10000" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=&creative=92501&camp=8117&link_code=dl1&path=subst/misc/amazon-cobrand-cc/v3/marketing-from-associates-step1.html/ref%3Db1_assoc_29" > </map>	Summer safety ensures happy days Lyn Matsey Army Community Servicer Did you know that the months between May and August are the unintentional childhood injury trauma season? According to a Nations Safe Kids Campaign research study, 42 percent of all unintentional injury-related deaths occurred during the summer months when children are out of school, experience inadequate supervision, and spend more time outdoors. This summer children ages 14 and under will be rushed to the emergency room nearly three million times for serious injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes, drowning, bike crashes, pedestrian incidents, falls and other hazards. There are various safety tips that can be utilized to help children stay safe during the summer months. It is essential that parents and caregivers take precautions to help ensure that their child does not end up as one of the estimated 2,500 children who will die this summer as a result of an unintentional injury. Sun safety According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the best and first line of defense against the sun is covering up. All children over six months of age should wear sunscreen while playing outdoors during the day. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days. The Sun Protection Factor should be at least 15 or greater. Also, stay in the shade whenever possible to avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Children should remain well hydrated throughout the day. Pool safety Never leave children unsupervised while they are in or near the pool. Make sure to keep rescue equipment such as life preservers and a shepherd’s hook near the pool area. Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security. Make sure self-latching or self closing pool gates are at a height children can’t reach. Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water an adult should be within arm’s length, providing “touch supervision.” Children should not be allowed to run, jump, or play around pool area. Bug safety To protect children from bugs, do not use scented soaps, perfumes, or hair sprays on them. Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate. Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints. Utilize insect repellants that contain DEET, not to exceed 30 percent. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months old. Bicycle safety Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bicycle until he or she is ready, at about 5 or 6 years. old. Buy a bike that is the right size for the child, oversized bikes are especially dangerous. Make sure your child wears a helmet every time the he or she rides, no matter how long or short the trip may be. A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn.