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Avoid the Emergency Room - Put Safety First on the Fourth
Filed under: Holidays, Health & Safety: Babies, Opinions, Health & Safety: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Health & Safety: Big Kids, Health & Safety: Tweens, Health & Safety: Teens, Family Time
For years I dreaded sunset on the Fourth of July. You see, after a day of fun and good food with family and friends, when our three boys pulled out their arsenal of fireworks they'd purchased at a roadside stand (are all boys pyromaniacs?) my stress level spiked to the red zone.
Bill said I was over-reacting. He reminded me that fireworks must meet consumer safety standards and promised to make sure the boys followed safety precautions. This never relieved my angst. So I did what I always do when a fun activity is also a potentially harmful activity: I take precautionary measures -- and I pray (a lot). Whether your day includes a cookout, camping, a parade or a day at the lake, here are some good things to know and do to avoid the Emergency Room this weekend.
Leave fireworks to the professionals. One out of three people injured by fireworks are under 15 years of age. Sixteen percent of fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, and they account for almost half the injuries to children less than 5 years of age.
Avoid dehydration. High heat and increased activity cause people -- especially children and the elderly -- to lose more water than usual, so pack plenty of beverages if you're picnicking or heading to the lake. According to Dr. Erika Schwartz, Medical Director of Cinergy Health, the human body needs 4 to 6 ounces of fluid per hour to stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Urinating every 2 to 3 hours indicates that you are sufficiently hydrated. She suggests drinking sports drinks like Gatorade replenish fluids and staying away from alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, as they cause dehydration. Also avoid drinks with sugar substitutes, as they cause chemical imbalances and may precipitate blood-sugar level fluctuations.
Respect the sun. Re-apply sunscreen on your kids if they will be outside all day. Make sure your sunscreen has a high effectiveness rating. Dr. Schwartz suggests that parents keep children out of the sun between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. when the sun is strongest and UVB may cause serious burns.
What will you do differently this year to put safety first?
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
7-01-2009 @ 4:40PM
LS said...I respectively disagree with your suggestion that dumping Gatorade down our children's throats is a good idea.
Directly from the side of a Gatorade Bottle: "Ingredients: Water, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, sucrose syrup, citric acid, natural flavor, salt..."
High fructose corn syrup is one of the worst things you can eat, drink, etc.
If you ensure that your children are eating well, and drinking plenty of good old fashioned WATER, they'll be fine.
Keep them away from the sweets, and instead offer fruit (watermelon is awesome this time of year). That will take care of part of their need for hydration, as well as the SIMPLE SUGARS their bodies need.
Reply
7-01-2009 @ 8:23PM
LS said...oops, that should have been, "I respectFULLY disagree...."
*blushing* sorry.
7-06-2009 @ 5:22AM
buddi said...http://www.buddi.co.uk/index/
Reply
7-06-2009 @ 5:26AM
buddi said...Talk to your kids before a family outing. Make a rule that you must always be able to see them and they must always be able to see you.. It may sound simple, but keep reminding them periodically, especially if you think they're getting restless.
Use the "two giant steps" rule -- your kids can never be more than two giant steps away from you. It's a fun and easy way for young children to remember not to wander away.
Teach your kids that if they ever become separated from you, they should look for a "safe stranger" for help. Some examples include a mom with kids or a cash register person. With older children, agree on a "meeting place" ahead of time, in case you become separated.
Tell you child never to leave the mall or store to go looking for you, no matter what anyone tells them. Remind your child that you would never leave until you are reunited.
Dress your child in brightly colored clothes to make him easy to spot.. Be sure to remember what they are wearing.
http://www.buddi.co.uk/index/