As Memorial Day approaches, families across our community begin to gather for cookouts, travel, and outdoor fun to mark the start of the summer season. While this weekend offers an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, we also pause to reflect and honor the brave service members who have given their lives in defense of our country.
In that spirit, Anderson Hills Pediatrics encourages families to celebrate safely and remain mindful of seasonal health risks that can affect children during holiday weekends and throughout the summer months. Whether you are enjoying time at the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or heading out of town, these pediatric safety tips can help protect your child’s health and well-being.
Sun Protection for Children
Unprotected sun exposure can lead to painful sunburns and increase a child’s lifetime risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
To keep children safe in the sun:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin 15–30 minutes before outdoor activity. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
- Dress children in lightweight long-sleeved clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Limit direct sun exposure during peak UV hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Water Safety for Pools, Lakes, and Beaches
Drowning is a leading cause of preventable death among children, especially during summer months. Vigilance around water is critical.
Key water safety practices:
- Constantly supervise children near any body of water. Designate a responsible adult “Water Watcher.”
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for children when boating or swimming in natural bodies of water.
- Enroll children in swim lessons to help them develop age-appropriate water skills and confidence.
- Ensure pool fences are secure and self-latching to prevent unsupervised access.
Heat and Hydration
Young children are especially susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Their bodies do not cool down as efficiently as adults’, making hydration and rest essential.
Tips for preventing heat illness:
- Encourage regular water intake throughout the day, especially during outdoor play.
- Offer snacks high in water content, such as fruit.
- Dress children in breathable, light-colored clothing.
- Plan active play for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
Insect and Tick Protection
With increased time outdoors, children may encounter mosquitoes and ticks that can transmit illness.
Protective measures include:
- Apply insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (for children over 3 years old), as recommended by your pediatrician.
- Perform daily tick checks, focusing on the scalp, behind ears, and under arms.
- Dress children in long pants and sleeves in wooded or grassy areas.
- Shower after outdoor play to help wash off unattached ticks and pollen.
Fire, Grill, and Burn Safety
Grilling and outdoor fires are common during holiday weekends but can present serious hazards for children if not closely supervised.
Child-safe grilling and fire practices:
- Keep children at least three feet away from hot grills, fire pits, and cooking areas.
- Never leave grills or flames unattended.
- Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Avoid sparklers, which can cause serious burns—opt for safer alternatives like glow sticks or LED toys.
Pediatric Care Available Every Day — Including Memorial Day
Anderson Hills Pediatrics is committed to being there for your family when you need us most. We are open 365 days a year, including all major holidays such as Memorial Day. If your child is experiencing illness symptoms, call our office to speak with our clinical team on call to determine if an appointment is right for you.
Wishing your family a safe, healthy, and meaningful Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for continuing to trust Anderson Hills Pediatrics with your child’s health and well-being.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. Sun Safety for Babies and Kids. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx
American Academy of Pediatrics. Prevention of Drowning. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/143/5/e20190850/37949/Prevention-of-Drowning
HealthyChildren.org. Keeping Kids Safe in the Heat. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips.aspx
HealthyChildren.org. Insect Bite and Tick Prevention. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Tick-Bites.aspx
HealthyChildren.org. Fireworks Safety. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Fireworks-Safety.aspx