Summer Health Guidance for Children: A Pediatrician's Health Recommendations for the Summer Season, Covering Sunscreen Use and Digital Screen Time Management
As the summer season approaches, parents and caregivers are reminded to take extra precautions to ensure the wellbeing of children. Here are ten strategies, along with expert advice from Dr. Olga Acosta, a pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente Southern California, to help keep kids safe, healthy, and active all summer long.
1. **Foster Independence and Responsibility**: Encourage children to take on age-appropriate responsibilities around the house or while participating in summer activities. This not only builds confidence but also supports self-sufficiency and a sense of accomplishment.
2. **Choose Engaging, Varied Activities**: Plan a mix of activities to keep children engaged and avoid boredom or restlessness during long, hot days. Alternate between outdoor adventures and indoor activities to maintain children’s interest and support both physical and mental well-being.
3. **Prioritize Safety Gear**: Always ensure children use appropriate safety gear for specific activities. Choosing fun, comfortable safety gear increases the likelihood that kids will use it consistently, reducing the risk of injury.
4. **Connect with Nature and Wildlife**: Encourage children to learn about local plants and animals through guided hikes or nature walks. This fosters a love for the outdoors and teaches important lessons about environmental stewardship and safety around wildlife.
5. **Teach Outdoor Skills**: Summer is an ideal time to introduce and practice outdoor skills such as navigation, shelter building, fire safety, and knot tying. These skills not only keep children active but also help them develop problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and respect for nature.
6. **Support Social Interaction**: Help children build friendships and social skills by organizing playdates, joining summer camps, or participating in community events. Positive social experiences contribute to emotional health and resilience.
7. **Adapt to Extreme Weather**: On days of extreme heat, have a plan for indoor or shaded activities, and identify cool public spaces like libraries or shopping centers for relief. This helps prevent heat-related illnesses and keeps children comfortable.
8. **Encourage Physical Challenges at Home**: Set up simple physical challenges or obstacle courses indoors or in shaded outdoor areas. These activities can be fun, promote movement, and help children burn off energy without exposure to extreme heat.
9. **Manage Environmental Hazards**: Stay aware of local risks such as insect bites, ticks, or poisonous plants. Teach children how to recognize and avoid these hazards, and always check for ticks after outdoor activities.
10. **Maintain Routine and Structure**: While summer allows for flexibility, maintaining basic routines—such as regular meal and bedtimes—supports healthy habits and well-being.
In addition to these strategies, it's essential to take special precautions to protect children's skin during prolonged sun exposure to reduce the chance of skin cancer. Water safety is crucial, especially when children are swimming or playing near pools. Always designate a specific water watcher, review pool safety rules with the family, and ensure strong swimmers receive proper supervision.
Establish regular water breaks during outdoor play and avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. if it is hotter than 90 degrees. Be creative and have a plan for indoor activities when it is too hot. Create a summer schedule balancing outdoor time and indoor activities, and reapply sunscreen every hour if swimming.
Drinking water frequently is key during hot months, and kids should be encouraged to drink water frequently. Stock up on broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or 80) and apply it 15 minutes before going outside, reapplying every two hours, and don't forget often-missed spots like ears and feet. Watch for signs of dehydration like decreased energy or dark urine.
If participating in outdoor activities during Memorial Day weekend, follow safety tips to ensure a fun and safe holiday. Make hydration fun by trying fruit-infused water or freezing water bottles. Keep emergency numbers handy for peace of mind during summer adventures.
By incorporating these strategies, you can help ensure that children stay safe, healthy, and active all summer long. For more information about pediatric care or to schedule an appointment with a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician, visit [kp.org](http://kp.org) or call 1-833-574-2273.
The local news in the community might highlight the importance of prioritizing health-and-wellness during summer events, such as Memorial Day celebrations, by encouraging water safety and frequent hydration to prevent heat-related illnesses. To maintain children's physical and mental well-being throughout the summer, it's valuable to plan a variety of engaging events, from outdoor adventures to indoor activities, that promote physical activity, social interaction, and creative play. When organizing such events, remember to discuss safety measures, including the proper use of safety gear and environmental hazard awareness.
