Essentials for Keeping Kids Safe This Summer

Expert shares tips for injury-free outdoor play

By Robert Preidt

Friday, June 10, 2016

FRIDAY, June 10, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Some simple measures can keep your children safe this summer, a pediatric expert says.

"We see a lot of kids in the emergency department during the summer with injuries and accidents that could have been prevented," said Dr. David Walker, director of the pediatric emergency department at NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens.

"It is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure our children remain safe while having fun," he said in a hospital news release. He offered the following tips:

Sun safety: Apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater and provide a hat and sunglasses to protect kids' eyes from UVA and UVB rays. Teach children to stay in the shade during the middle of the day and to drink water often.

By the water: Make sure children know how to swim. Also, insist on constant adult supervision when children are around any body of water. Adults should also know CPR, as the sooner it's performed, the better the chance of survival, Walker said.

At the playground: Before allowing children to use a playground, inspect the equipment to ensure it is well-maintained and safe. The playground surface should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials. Adult supervision is important so that immediate action can be taken if a child falls or gets injured, Walker said.

Safety on wheels: Kids should always wear a helmet when using a bicycle, skateboard, scooter or skates. Other protective gear, such as shin guards and knee and elbow pads, is also recommended when appropriate. Make sure bicycles are the appropriate size.

SOURCE: NewYork-Presbyterian/Queens, news release, May 31, 2016

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