The summer months offer children and their families plenty of opportunities for fun activities like swimming, biking, playing with friends and parties, among many, many others.
While the focus is on fun for many, it’s important for both parents and children to remember the potential dangers that come with many summertime activities. Emergency Department Medical Director at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital Alexander Volkov, M.D., has some tips to help ensure a safe and fun summer.
“The summer months offer great opportunities for fun outdoor activities for families and friends,” Dr. Volkov said. “But there is just as much potential for danger. It’s important for both adults and children to be aware of what can harm them and how they can prevent that from happening.”
Water Safety
43 children have drowned in Texas this year, including 19 in pools, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates and that drowning remains the second-leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 14.
For tips to keep your children safe while they splash, click here.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused by exercising or playing in a hot, humid environment where the body becomes dehydrated. This is especially common in humid regions like the Greater Houston area, where water loss and dehydration can be extremely rapid. If heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke, it can be fatal.
Click here for tips to keep your children cool during outside play.
Bike Safety
In 2012, more than 270,000 children were seen in emergency rooms for injuries from riding bicycles. More bicycle accidents occur between July and September than any other time of the year and approximately 20 percent of all bicycle injuries are accounted for by children 16 and under, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Click here for tips to protect your kids while they pedal.
Sun Safety
Summer is a perfect time to soak up sunshine, but too much sun exposure can be harmful and can cause skin and eye damage, immune system suppression and even skin cancer. Follow the tips here to protect your kids while they have fun in the sun.
Dr. Volkov sees patients at the Emergency Center at Memorial Hermann Northeast. For more information, call 281.540.7700.
