School’s out and summer is here! Finally a chance for children to spend leisurely time outside, but each year thousands of children nationwide are injured while playing outdoors. Here are some tips from Habersham Medical Center to keep your children safe:
- Improper surfacing accounts for most of the incidents involving children who fall on playgrounds. So, make sure your children play on cushioned surfaces. Sand or mulch is much better than concrete or gravel.
- Do not dress your children in clothes that have strings because strings can get caught in bicycles, playground equipment or other devices and can cause injury.
- Make sure you and your children always wear helmets, knee and elbow pads and gloves or wrist guards when riding a bicycle or skateboarding. Helmets should be worn with the chin strap firmly buckled, flat on top of the head and not tilted back.
- Never let your children ride on lawnmowers or on pull behind trailers.
- Supervise children near water sources at all times. Whether it be a pool, lake or river, watch your children closely and make sure they are wearing life vests and are near an adult who can swim.
- Whatever the activity, it is important for everyone to drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and insect repellent. Have a first aid kit available and make sure your children are well-supervised at all times.
“Our team in the Habersham Medical Center Emergency Department treats an increased number of injuries during the summer months,” says Lynn Echols, RN and director. “Many of the injuries could have been avoided with preplanning and proper supervision.”
