Now that summertime is in full swing, we’d like to fill you in of how to be mindful of your family’s safety during this fun and adventurous season.
Here are 7 simple tips to make sure you and your kids enjoy a summer that’s as safe and accident-free as possible:
1. Safeguard against the summer sun.
Excessive sun exposure can cause serious consequences. Help shield your child from strong (ultraviolet) UV rays by dressing them in lightweight clothing and hats. Don’t forget to apply high SPF sunscreen on exposed areas like hands, feet and face. We recommend mineral- based, not chemical, blocks such as Suntegrity, which EWG rates a 1 and is available for purchase at GetzWell!
2. Stay hydrated with lots of fluids.
Sunburns aside, increased exertion under the hot summer sun can also put your children at risk of excessive dehydration and heat exhaustion. These conditions are easily prevented by setting time limits for outside play when the summer heat is greatest, and by keeping your kids hydrated with lots of water and/or coconut water (which contains important electrolytes without a lot of sugar).
3. Stay energized with a healthy diet.
Make organic fruits, vegetable and meats staples of your summertime cuisine. Sticking to healthy eating habits will help your family stay energetic during this active time of year. Try out fun organic recipes, like these 5 Summer Smoothies from Kiwi Magazine. Also, make sure to maximize safe grilling methods when you barbecue.
4. Protect those precious noggins!
Serious head injuries can occur even from the smallest of head bumps. This makes bike helmet safety very important. Be sure to strap a helmet on yourself and your child before embarking on a summertime bike ride. Check out this Mayo Clinic article to learn how to choose the right helmet and how avoid common helmet mistakes.
5. Splash with caution.
Be it at the beach or at the pool, keeping our children safe in or around water is critical. Keep a close eye on young children and consider swimming lessons which most kids love. You can never be too safe – here are some helpful water safety do’s and don’ts from healthyghildren.org.
6. Be kind to pesky bug bites.
Children often react more to insect bites than adults. To help reduce the itch, try cool compresses, calamine lotion or homeopathy (Ledum Palustre and Apis Mellifica – check with us for dosing specifics). For bite prevention try essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus or cedar. Homeopathic Ledum Palustre also works as bite prophylaxis.
7. Look out for heat rash.
Heat rash is caused by a reaction to one’s own sweat and can be quite itchy. Commonly affected areas are back, groin and armpits. There’s no need to treat, just keep skin cool and dress kids in light-weight, loose fitting clothing.
Have a happy and healthy summer!
Please feel free to give us a call at 415.826.1701 for more on keeping your family safe and sound this summer. We’d love to hear from you.
