Summertime is always a “feel good” time for most everyone. School is out, and the weather is warm, and the great outdoors welcome us. In order to have a safe and enjoyable summer break, some guidelines are in order.Many families plan their vacation during the summer months. Most often an automobile is the travel means to a destination. First and foremost, every occupant in the car, truck or SUV should be safely and securely fastened with a seatbelt or approved car seat for infants and children. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently changed the recommendation for infant car seats. Now they should remain facing to the rear until age two years instead of one year. The usual check-list for a vehicle includes:
A. A clear windshield and windows with no obstructions hanging from the rear-view mirror.
B. Proper tire pressure and adequate tire tread, needed on wet roads with the sudden appearance of summer thunderstorms.
C. Proper engine oil and coolant levels.
D. New, (if needed), windshield wiper blades.
E. Up-to-date road maps or GPS.
F. Flashlight with new batteries, a jug of water and a roll of paper towels.
G. Trash bag for inside of car.
H. Spare tire is properly pressurized.
I. First aid kit.
B. Proper tire pressure and adequate tire tread, needed on wet roads with the sudden appearance of summer thunderstorms.
C. Proper engine oil and coolant levels.
D. New, (if needed), windshield wiper blades.
E. Up-to-date road maps or GPS.
F. Flashlight with new batteries, a jug of water and a roll of paper towels.
G. Trash bag for inside of car.
H. Spare tire is properly pressurized.
I. First aid kit.
Summertime means being around water, the beach, a lake or swimming pools. Safety always means:
A. Life jackets on everyone in any water craft.
B. Supervision of all children at all times when they are in the water or near water.
C. Proper application of sunscreen and, if necessary, re-application after water exposure.
D. Avoid sun exposure during the middle of the day – usually 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
E. Ear drops for ear canal after swimming. A mixture of half rubbing alcohol and half white vinegar can be used. Place a few drops in each ear canal after swimming. This will help decrease the chance of a painful ear canal infection. If an ear canal (swimmer’s ear) infection occurs, it is advisable to seek medical care.
F. Eye protection – Ultraviolet light is a major factor in the formation of cataracts. Children’s eyes are very sensitive to light and should be protected. Sunglasses which filter out UV light should be worn by all who are able to wear them. Infants and very small children should avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunburn can occur from reflected sunlight from sand and water even when one is under an umbrella or tent.
B. Supervision of all children at all times when they are in the water or near water.
C. Proper application of sunscreen and, if necessary, re-application after water exposure.
D. Avoid sun exposure during the middle of the day – usually 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
E. Ear drops for ear canal after swimming. A mixture of half rubbing alcohol and half white vinegar can be used. Place a few drops in each ear canal after swimming. This will help decrease the chance of a painful ear canal infection. If an ear canal (swimmer’s ear) infection occurs, it is advisable to seek medical care.
F. Eye protection – Ultraviolet light is a major factor in the formation of cataracts. Children’s eyes are very sensitive to light and should be protected. Sunglasses which filter out UV light should be worn by all who are able to wear them. Infants and very small children should avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunburn can occur from reflected sunlight from sand and water even when one is under an umbrella or tent.
One final point about driving: Be certain that the driver is not sleep-deprived and that cell phones are not used by the driver when the vehicle is in motion.
