A message from Aron Burke, M.D., Atchison County Health Department, and Community Hospital-Fairfax

Hot weather provides opportunities for kids to enjoy the outdoors. Take steps to keep them safe and healthy, both indoors and outdoors.

Master Water Safety

Swimming and other water activities are excellent ways to get the physical activity and health benefits needed for a healthy life. Get the most from these activities while helping everyone stay safe and healthy.

• Parents and caregivers play a key role in protecting children from drowning. When kids are in or near water, closely supervise them at all times. Kids can drown in seconds and in silence.

• Be aware and be in the present moment with your children.

• Drowning risk varies by a child’s age and location:

– Children less than a year old are more likely to drown at home in a bathroom or bucket

– Children 1-4 years old are more likely to drown in a pool

– Children ages 5 years and older are more likely to drown in natural water, such as ponds, lakes and rivers

• Learn CPR and rescue techniques.

• Help prevent recreational water illnesses, which is illness caused by germs and chemicals found in the water we swim in. Keep the pee, poop, sweat, and dirt out of the water. Take kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers every hour, and change them in a bathroom or diaper-changing area – not poolside – to keep germs away from the pool.

• Stay safe while boating by wearing a life jacket. Properly fitted life jackets can prevent drownings and should be worn at all times by everyone on any boat.

Be Sun Smart

Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s risk of skin cancer later in life. Adults and children need protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors. Learn how to protect your child from sun damage:

• Seek shade when necessary. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it’s best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.

• Never ever leave kids or pets unattended in a car or other vehicle, even if the windows are cracked open.

• When possible, cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts to provide protection from UV rays.

• Wear a hat that shades the face, scalp, ears, and neck. If your child chooses a baseball cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.

• Wear sunglasses. They protect your child’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life.

• Use a sunscreen with at least SPF30 (sun protection factor) every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet.

Be Safe at Home, Work, and Play

Injuries are the leading cause of death in children aged 19 and younger, but most child injuries can be prevented.

• Play it safe on the playground. Read playground signs and use playground equipment that is right for your child’s age. Look out for things in the play area that can trip your child, like tree stumps or rocks.

• Children should always wear a helmet for all wheeled sports activities. A properly fitted bike helmet is just as effective when riding a scooter, roller skating or in line skating. It is extremely important to make sure your child has the right size helmet and wears it every time when riding, skating or scooting.

• Protect yourself and your family by preventing bug/tick bites and diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Use an insect repellent containing DEET and check yourself and children for ticks.

• Stay smart around the house by following tips on fire prevention, microwave use, and living with pets.

• Help working teens learn about safety and health on the job.

Every pool, every lake and every warm summer day holds the possibility of new, fun summer experiences. All you need to add is your undivided attention.

(Information taken from www.cdc.gov.)

Atchison County Health Department has bicycle helmets available for anyone in need. Stop by 421 Main, Tarkio, Missouri, to get fitted for a free bicycle helmet.