It’s summer and whether your family is out by the pool, playing in the backyard or hanging out at a nearby park, one thing is for certain — you’re taking advantage of this beautiful weather. But being outdoors puts your skin at risk of being overexposed to the sun. And if you’re looking to the water to help beat the heat, you need to be aware of some of the safety hazards when there isn’t land underneath your feet.
Here are some tips from Moriah Specht, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, at Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Bethlehem on how to play it safe this summer:
Block the sun, not the fun:
- Sunscreen. Always use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and reapply it every two hours. Make sure you cover all exposed areas of skin, including the tips of the ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of the feet. If your child goes into the water, reapply sunscreen as soon as you towel them off—even if it’s been less than two hours since you applied it.
- Shade. Try to find places where your child can play in the shade, like under a tree or umbrella.
- Hats. Whether your baby is bald or has a full head of hair, a hat is a must. Choose a hat with flaps in the back for neck protection and a brim that’s wide enough to shade the face. A brim that protects the ears is better than one that protects only in the front.
- Sunglasses. To protect your child’s eyes and the sensitive skin around them, encourage your child to wear UV-protective sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation, not toy models. If your baby is willing, try a pair of UV-protective sunglasses.
- Clothing. Cover your child’s arms and legs in lightweight, light-colored clothing. When possible, dress yourself and your children in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body.
Play it safe at the pool or the lake:
- Watch your kids – without distraction – when they are in and around water. Remember, there is no substitution for active supervision.
- Swim lessons are essential. Enroll them in swim classes as soon as you feel they are ready. Fitness Plus offers year-round, indoor swim lessons for children as early as 6 months old to adults.
- Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a life. Catawba Valley Medical Center is hosting a CPR Certification class on July 30th. Click here to sign up.
- Make sure backyard pools have four-sided fencing that is at least four feet high, with a self-closing, self-latching gate, to prevent children from wandering into a pool area unsupervised.
Have more questions regarding sun and water safety, or your child’s health? Your primary care provider is a great resource and your first line of defense when it comes to their health. Not established with a primary care provider? Moriah Specht, FNP-C, is now offering same-day and next-day appointments for patients aged newborn and up. To make an appointment with her at Catawba Valley Family Medicine – Bethlehem call 828.495.8226.
Publisher's Note: Hickory-W Piedmont Macaroni Kid is grateful for the continued partnership of Catawba Valley Health System. The support of Catawba Valley Health System allows for resources, like the Macaroni Kid Events Calendar, Newsletter, and Fun in the Foothills Passport, to remain cost-free to the community.
