written by Rebecca Budde, SIU School of Medicine
Patios, picnics and pools mean summer is here! By the end of this week, the majority of kids will put the homework down and head outdoors for some fun in the sun. But with summer comes a higher risk of injuries, especially for children.
According to SIU emergency medicine physician Dr. Ted Clark, around 20 percent of emergency room visits involve patients age 17 and younger, and the ER doctors tend to see more of these patients in the summer. “We refer to this time of year as ‘trauma season’ in the ER; typically it’s May through August.” Summer sports and activities such as biking, swimming and camping can lead to broken bones, lacerations, sprains, concussions, dehydration, rashes and burns.
“It’s tempting to keep the kids inside to protect them from all these possible injuries, but I encourage parents to allow their children to be outside and to play,” Dr. Clark says. “In the long run, avoiding the sedentary lifestyle is going to do a lot more for a child’s health than the short-term risk of injury.”
Consider these tips to have a safe summer:
Bike/scooter/skateboard safety: Wear a properly fitted helmet. Many pediatric offices supply free or low-cost helmets, and most bicycle shops will help to help fit the helmet properly, even if the helmet wasn’t purchased there.  Keep your eyes open for community events that offer free or discounted helmets.
Swimming: About 10 people in the U.S. die of unintentional drowning each day, according to the CDC. Always be sure a lifeguard is on duty, follow the pool rules and pay close attention to younger children around water. Wearing sunscreen is a must, and be sure to reapply after a few hours in the pool. To protect the kiddos and yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection to shield against both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Also, keep kids hydrated by taking frequent breaks when it’s really hot.
Camping: Show young campers what poison ivy and other poisonous plants look like in the area you’re staying, and teach the basics of fire safety.  Bring a first-aid kit to treat sprains, stings or other minor injuries. Parents should also be on the lookout for ticks, which can cause Lyme disease. Use an insect repellent with 20-30% DEET and clothe your child in protective clothing, including boots, long pants and shirts, and socks if he ventures out into wooded or bushy areas.
Outdoor sports: Wear properly fitted clothing and shoes and the necessary safety equipment such as knee pads or helmets. Stay hydrated and take breaks to avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Copyright © SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois.