Summer vacation for kids is well underway. Finding activities to keep the kids busy and destinations to visit can be on many parents’ list. There is one place Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Steven Maher hopes they don’t have to visit — and that’s the medical emergency department.
From wearing bike helmets to keeping kids hydrated, Maher said, there are a few things you can do to help keep kids safe during summer play.
Learning to ride a bike is something many kids look forward to. Ending up in the emergency room is not.
“Bicycle injuries are commonly seen among children. And one of our key preventive measures for that are bicycle helmets,” Maher said.
Wearing a well-fitted helmet every time is important. Riders of every age can reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash by wearing a bike helmet.
Consider sun safety as well. Put on the sunscreen.
“Kids also don’t like to put on sunblock, which is extremely important,” Maher said.
And don’t forget to keep the water flowing.
“They should drink lots of water, plenty of it,” Maher said. “And once they get into the second or third bottle of water, they can start adding in something like an electrolyte drink just to kind of keep the electrolytes up as well because you lose salts and water.”
Tips to keep kids safe
- Make sure everyone riding a bicycle wears a properly fitted helmet.
- Ensure that children of all ages wear sunscreen while outside.
- Have plenty of water available to help keep kids hydrated.
