It’s July and summer is in full swing! Kids are enjoying the warm weather and the opportunity to play outside with their friends and family.  From swimming and hiking to playing a little backyard baseball with the neighbors, your children have plenty of opportunities to be outdoors.

There are a few important things to remember when it comes to your child’s safety.Here are three particular threats that you should be aware of and some simple tips to keep kids safe.

Tick Bites

Ticks are the culprits of a variety of illnesses including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These diseases present a serious risk to your child’s health. To avoid exposure to ticks, try to dress your children in long sleeved shirts and pants if they are playing near high grass, leaf litter, or a wooded area. Another way to avoid ticks is to purchase a repellant spray and spray it on your child before they play outside. Lastly, keep an eye out for ticks that may have attached when your kids come in from playing.  Key spots to check are under arms, hair and ears, between legs and behind knees, and around the waist. If symptoms such as fever, aches, or a rash develop after a tick bite, contact your physician.

Sun Protection

While we all know that being exposed to too much sun can cause major skin damage and even lead to skin cancer, we neglect to take it seriously. Taking the proper precautions to protect your skin and your children’s skin from harmful rays is fairly simple.  Sunscreen is a must for both sunny and cloudy days and should be applied at least 30 minutes before going into the sun on a sunny day.  According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Association of Dermatology, you should be using products with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 15.

Dehydration

Staying hydrated is always important, but especially during the summer. Both children and adults must remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Playing in the hot summer means an automatic loss of fluids.  Don’t wait until a child says they are thirsty before offering water since at this point, they are already dehydrated.  It’s best for them to drink water before going outside and at least every 20 minutes during activity.  Try to avoid strenuous activity during the peak hours of 10 AM to 6 PM. Seek medical attention immediately for any signs of heat-related illness in you or your child.

While this was just a brief list of the safety precautions that need to be taken in order to keep your children away from summer danger, it is important to stay informed and aware of all summer safety concerns.  If you or your children show any symptoms of tick bites, sun damage, or dehydration, consult your physician in order to take the proper action.  Most importantly, have a safe and fun-filled summer!