Summer Survival

guide

Kids’

Texas A&M Physicians

Dear Parents,

As summer approaches, so does the prospect of a wide range of fun outdoor activities. But these activities also bring with them certain health risks and hazards that parents can help their children avoid.

This guide, developed by the physicians and staff of Texas A&M Physicians, is designed to help you and your children through the summer safely and in good health. Keep our safety, preventive, and treatment tips on hand as the “expert at your side” to help you through your children’s adventures this summer!

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy summer,

Your friends at Texas A&M Physicians

TEXAS A&M PHYSICIANS is a medical practice comprised of faculty and staff from

the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine. Our physicians’ dual missions of medical care and education enable them to bring substantial expertise and cutting-edge technology and procedures into a unique practice setting.

• Family Medicine

• Internal Medicine

• Musculoskeletal Surgical Oncology

• Neurology

• Pediatric Orthopedics

• Psychiatry & Behavioral Health

• Sports Medicine

979.776.8440www.texasamphysicians.com

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Identify Poison ivy is a plant that grows in clusters of three leaves, with two smaller leaves on the sides and one larger leaf in the middle. Teach your children what poison ivy is, and the dangers of the plant. Show them pictures of the plant so they can identify it on their own. A good phrase for kids to learn is, “Leaves of three? Let them be!”

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“Leaves of three?

Let them be!”

Avoid Examine your yard and others areas where your children would be playing. If you find any poison ivy, take steps to have it removed or teach your children to avoid those areas when outside.

Treatment If you or your children are exposed to the plant, wash the affected skin and all clothes right away. When healing, the rash will itch, but avoid using antihistamine cream, which will only make the rash worse. Instead, try calamine lotion, oatmeal or baking soda baths, or cool compresses. If the rash covers a large portion of the body or if it is in close proximity to the eyes, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Poison Ivy

Take BreaksHave kids come inside to cool off periodically throughout the day. Prolonged exposure to heat and sun puts children at a greater risk for heat exhaustion.

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Stay HydratedMake sure children are drinking often and regularly. Do not wait until they are already thirsty. It is also good to drink more than just water. Kids playing outdoors are also losing electrolytes, so have them drink a sports drink in addition to water.

Protect SkinIt is always best to have your children wear sunscreen and/or a hat while playing outside. A sunburn makes it difficult for the body to keep itself cool.

Early SymptomsEarly symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, tiredness, weakness, nausea and lack of sweat.

TreatmentIf your child is experiencing these symptoms, take the child indoors or into an air-conditioned area immediately. A cool bath or shower might also help. Have the child rehydrate by drinking plenty of cool liquids the rest of the day, and keep them rested. It is best to avoid physical activity for a while after symptoms occur. If symptoms worsen or persist for over an hour, see a doctor.

Pool

Safe

Ty Pool Rules • Enforce a “no running” policy at the

pool.

• Never leave kids alone near the pool, no matter what their ages or swim capabilities. Supervise children around home pools at all times.

Lifesavers • Install fencing around pools with a

self-closing, self-latching gate. Pool alarms (which sound when pool water is agitated) and gate alarms add additional layers of protection.

• Learn infant and child CPR. Hospitals, community centers, and local chapters of the American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer CPR classes.

Helmet SafetyAlways have children wear a helmet that fits properly. Make sure it is not too small or too big.

Fitting your helmet properly

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

Position helmet on your head so that there are two fingers of space from your eyebrow to the edge of your helmet.

Tighten straps to allow for just two fingers to slide between chin and clasp. Yawn—open your mouth wide! The helmet should pull down on your forehead.

Adjust straps so that the side of the “V” is just below your ears.

Final adjustment. Helmet should be snug, low and level.

bike

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Bicycle Safety Rules• Check the brakes, tire pressure

and chain on your child’s bike periodically.

• Establish rules with your child about where it is okay to ride their bike. Have them avoid busy streets and intersections, ride on sidewalks if they are available, and be alert of cars and trucks around them.

• Ensure your child understands the need to obey all traffic laws such as stopping at stop signs, and to ride with the flow of traffic, never against it.

• Tell your child to never ride their bicycle at night.

Signs & TreatmentSymptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, neck and back stiff-ness, tiredness, joint pain, rash, swollen glands and other flu-like symptoms. However, most children and healthy adults will rarely show symptoms or will have very light symptoms such as a headache.

It is best to see a doctor if your child is experiencing visible symptoms.

PreventionApply a DEET- or Picaridin-based mosquito repellent to children’s skin, especially during late evening and dusk, which are mosquitoes’ peak biting times. Drain sources of standing water. This is where mosquitos breed and lay their eggs.

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Guard yourself!

ImmunizationsBefore sending children back to school, you need to know what shots your child might need, and what these shots protect them against.

KindergartenDTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis

MMR: Measles, mumps and rubella IPV: Polio

Varicella: Chicken pox

5th and 6th gradeHPV: A series of three shots

recommended for boys and girls to prevent human papillomavirus

Tdap: A DTaP booster MCV: Meningitis with a booster

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For an appointment, call

979.776.8440