HEALTH & WELLNESS
Tips for a Fun, Safe Summer
S
ummer is a time for playground fun, camping, boating,
swimming, biking and other outdoor activities. Longer days
mean more time outside and more physical activity, which
translate to increased potential for injuries. Playground
falls, lawnmower accidents, campfire and fire-pit burns are
common childhood injuries that can happen during summer months.
“Sustaining a serious injury can be a life-altering event for a child,” said
Chris Smith, chairman of the board of directors for Shriners Hospitals for
Children. “We see patients every day with injuries caused by accidents,
and we are committed to raising awareness about how to stay safe.”
The following tips from Shriners Hospitals for Children can help
your family enjoy a fun, injury-free summer.
Go Outside and Play
Outdoor play provides physical and mental health benefits, including
opportunities for exercise, creative expression, stress reduction and
access to sunlight - a free and natural source of vitamin D. Before sending
children out to play, make sure they are wearing shoes to protect their
feet from cuts, scrapes and splinters, and wearing sunscreen to protect
against sunburns and harmful ultraviolet rays.
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Playground 101
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that
emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children aged 14
and younger every year for playground-related injuries. Before your
children head to the playground, keep these precautions in mind:
• Choose parks and playgrounds that are appropriate for their age and
offer shock-absorbing surfaces.
• Teach children that pushing and shoving on the playground can result
in accidents and injuries.
• Remind children to go down the slide one at a time and to wait until
the slide is completely clear before taking a turn. Teach them to
always sit facing forward with their legs straight in front of them and
to never slide down headfirst.
• Remind children to swing sitting down. Encourage them to wait until
the swing stops before getting off, and to be careful when walking in
front of moving swings.
Make a Safe Splash
While playing poolside may be a blast, Safe Kids Worldwide reports
that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children
ages 1 to 4, and the third-leading cause of injury-related deaths among