Great Summer Tips from MommyDocs!

As a kid, I loved summer so much, and I still do. My kids are a lot like I was as a child, and as soon as the weather turns nice, they practically live outside whether it’s in the backyard or at the pool.

Since I have fair skin, I know a few of the dangers that can lurk in the summer sun. My husband thinks I’m crazy when it comes to summer safety, but this is a man who has never had a sunburn so bad that he blistered!

I am very happy to take part in Mom Central’s newest blog tour. Mom Central has teamed up with the Clorox Company and MommyDocs to help spread the word about some important summer safety tips that we can all use!

- Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. In addition, look for products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Also, a wide brim hat, sun protective clothing and sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection are also important in protecting your kids against those harmful rays.

- Keep Pests Off Your Child: My children get eaten alive when they go outside if I don’t use protection. To keep away the pesky mosquitoes and ticks, use a DEET containing insect repellant. Apply sparingly to exposed skin and/or clothing once a day (avoiding sensitive areas like eyes, mouth and backs of hands). Personally, I use the wipes – they work great for small kids! To prevent unnecessary exposure, use the lowest percentage of DEET that will last for your planned outdoor time. Never go above 30 percent or use on children under 2 months old.

- Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools are fun, but they can also harbor harmful germs and bacteria. To prevent unwanted germies, disinfect your pool after each use by cleaning it with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Remember to be safe around pools! Always supervise your children regardless of their age when they are around water, whether it’s a bucket, a backyard pool or a community pool.

- High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This is more prevalent in children because their body temperature rises faster than an adult’s. Prevent prolonged exposure by taking breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink!!! Make sure your child is getting plenty of fluids before he or she becomes thirsty!

- Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: I have a friend who has already contracted a severe case of poison ivy this summer. Although running around barefoot and taking nature walks can be fun, remember that outdoor activities can expose your child to plants including poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If your child experiences an allergic reaction, ask your pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine lotion. If the rash is extensive, looks infected or does not get better, call your doctor immediately.

Visit MommyDocs.com for more great safety tips and expert pediatric information!!
MommyDocs is a great educational site that features practical pediatric information for moms by moms (who also happen to be doctors). MommyDocs features a podcast, informational blog, videos, Q&A’s, and informative articles that give you access to expert medical information with the click of a mouse.