The summer period invites us to spend many hours outside the house with the children, enjoying the sun, walking in nature, at the beach and at the pool. However, it is important to remember that this period also brings with it quite a few dangers.
Dr. Yael Polak, specialist in general pediatrics, Haifa and Western Galilee district, warns parents of the dangers in the summer and offers important tips for maintaining the health and safety of children, especially at the young ages:
water!
All year round it is important to drink water and especially in the summer when the days are hot and we tend to lose fluids faster. That's why you should equip the child with a water bottle, you can suggest that the child choose a color and model of a bottle that will encourage him to drink often and instruct him how to fill the bottle when it's empty.
Sun protection:
In order to protect ourselves and our children from the sun, we should wear light and loose clothing to prevent excessive sweating, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid exposure to the sun during the hot hours (between 10:00 a.m. and 16:00 p.m.). A sunscreen with a protection factor of at least SPF 30 should be used on all exposed skin, including the lips, and be sure to reapply every two to three hours, especially after sweating or swimming. Sunglasses help protect against the sun, in order to protect your vision you must make sure that you wear sunglasses that are resistant to UV radiation.
Home safety:
On hot days we like to let the children play with water, fill bathtubs and make homemade pools. It is important to remember to keep an eye on the children at all times, even if the water level is not high and it seems to us that it is not dangerous, you must make sure that they do not stick their heads in or trip. It is important to make sure that the home is a safe environment for children.
Keep dangerous and sharp objects out of the children's reach, closed windows and cabinets, the electric kettle or the water device will be out of the children's hands. It is recommended to lock the hot water button on the device in order to prevent the child from turning on the boiling water.
Hot pots should be placed close to the wall so that the child cannot pull the hot pot. Children are curious by nature and like to touch and taste things they do not know, therefore it is very important to store medicines, cleaning materials, pesticides, etc. in a place inaccessible to children and to keep the original packaging of the product.
Car safety:
Everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt. Do not drive without a seat belt and, of course, before getting out of the vehicle check that we have not forgotten anyone. Forgetting children in the car is a tragedy that can be easily prevented. You can place an essential object in the back seat such as a bag, cell phone, wallet. Or ask another person to verify that the child has been removed from the vehicle such as: a conversation with the spouse, a message, etc. Avoid distractions, do not talk on the phone while driving and maintain eye contact with the children throughout the journey.
Water safety:
In the summer it's fun to spend time in the sea and the pool, but even there don't forget that children up to the age of 5 must be under close adult supervision at all times while bathing. It is recommended to teach the child to swim from an early age so that he knows how to handle the water. Appropriate means of rescue such as buoys or a sea wheel must be used.
How do we prepare?
- Talk to your children about sun and water safety.
- Teach your children emergency phone numbers.
- Prepare a first aid kit for children.
- Be prepared for emergencies, such as extreme weather or injuries.
it's important to remember!
Children are curious by nature, and it is important to provide them with a safe environment both at home and outside. Follow the instructions given in this article to ensure a safe and fun summer for our children.