Archive for June 28th, 2008
Summer Safety
Summertime can bring lots of fun and excitement to your kids’ lives. There’s so many activities that can keep them (and you!) hopping!
The Mommy Docs @ www.mommydocs.com, together with Clorox, have compiled some really great tips for keeping the kids in your life (whether they’re your kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews) safe this summer and they’re encouraging bloggers to share them with their readers everywhere. They are:
- Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide “broad spectrum” coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don’t forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
- Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellent. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
- Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted “swimmers,” after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
- High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he becomes thirsty.
- Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicking in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.
Thanks for reading these great summer safety tips, brought to you by mommydocs.com! Are there any that you’d like to add?
Photo Hunter – Bright
perhaps not a typical interpretation of “bright”, but it worked for me.
Look at how bright my son’s eyes are. I simply can’t wait to see what he looks like when he’s a grown-up. *sniffle* Love me my boys!
note: the variations on the original are courtesy of the awesome new plugins on my Windows Live Writer 
I’ve also posted another interpretation of “Bright” over at my photo blog, reflections by dawn. Won’t you visit me there as well?
While you’re at it, go check out all the other cool photo hunter pics
Hey, have you entered my giveaways? They end on Monday!
REMINDER: If you leave a comment, please remember to click the box that says you’re a photo hunter participant, otherwise your link will not show up in Mr. Linky!
Quote of the Day:
So long as you rob Peter to pay Paul, you’ll have Paul’s support.
–Anonymous
