Happy Memorial Day!
Here’s to the unofficial start to the summer season. A summer full of fun and safety!
Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made for our country. It’s also a time to renew our commitment to freedom and democracy. Most importantly, it reminds us to remember and be thankful to those families who have paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy freedom.
We are grateful for their service and their dedication to protecting our country.
As we celebrate this holiday at the end of May, it’s also during this time that many Texans are looking forward to the start of summer.
With the kids out of school and the weather getting warmer, it’s a time for fun and relaxation.
Here are a few ideas for activities that you can do with your kids:
- Go swimming. Swimming is a summer staple as the weather heats up. Memorial weekend kicks off the summer swimming season in Texas.
- Go to the park. Parks have playgrounds, swings, and other equipment that kids love to play on. Take advantage of the time outdoors before the equipment gets too hot for little bodies to contact.
- Go for a walk or hike. Getting some exercise is a great way to stay healthy and have fun at the same time.
- Have a picnic. Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Go camping. Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors.
However, it’s important to remember that summer can also be a time for danger. The hot Texas sun can be dangerous, and kids are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. It’s important to take steps to stay safe during the summer months.
Here are a few tips to keep both parents and children safe:
For Kids
- Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. I know you hate putting on sunscreen, but you will thank me later. Sunburns are painful and lead to all sorts of skin issues as you get older.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Limit sugary drinks and drinks with caffeine, which can dehydrate you. If you dislike plain water, you can add a squeeze of lemon or your favorite fruit for a low sugar way to keep it interesting.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. Summer is a great time for homemade fruit smoothies, snacking on veggies and hummus or enjoying a slice of juicy watermelon.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for cars, busy streets and people that you don’t know. Tell your mom or dad if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Swim with a buddy and make sure an adult knows that you are in the water.
- Use insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks. Bug bites are itchy and no fun. Insects also spread diseases that will put a damper on your summer fun.
For Parents
- Make sure you and your child are wearing sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more often if your child is sweating or swimming.
- Make sure your child is wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect their face and eyes from the sun.
- Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks and drinks with caffeine, which can dehydrate your child. Be a good example to them and drink plenty of water throughout the hot summer days.
- Make sure your child is eating plenty of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. Avoid processed foods and sugary snacks. Cut up fruits and veggies and have them ready for when the word “snack” is spoken.
- Be aware of your child’s surroundings. Teach your kids body safety and that they can always come to you if something doesn’t feel right.
- Supervise your child when they are swimming. Never leave them unattended while they are in or around pools, lakes, creeks or even bath tubs. Children (and adults) can drown in even a small amount of water.
- Use insect repellent to protect your child from mosquitoes and ticks. DEET containing bug spray is the best way to protect from biting insects and is safe for kids aged 2 months and above.
Additional Safety Tips
- Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for a few minutes. When a car is not running with the air conditioner on, the temperature inside a car can rise quickly. High indoor temperatures lead to heat stroke quickly.
- Teach your child how to swim and how to stay safe in the water. However, it is important to remember that swimming lessons are not a substitute for close supervision.
- Make sure your child knows body safety. It is important to teach your children correct terms for their body parts as well as help them to understand that their body belongs to them alone. Maintain an open and ongoing conversation with your kids so that they know to tell you if someone is making them feel uncomfortable.
- Be aware of the dangers of heatstroke. Heatstroke can be fatal. Symptoms of heatstroke include a high body temperature, confusion, and seizures. If you think your child has heatstroke, call 911 immediately.
- Be aware of the dangers of drowning. Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Be sure to assign an adult whose only job is to monitor children who are swimming.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that you and your child have a great Memorial Day and safe and fun summer.
© 127 Pediatrics; May 2023
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls-only concierge pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
