For families with children, the summer season always means a lot of time outside in the sun and heat. There are beaches to visit, parks to play in, and bikes built for riding, but all that summer sun poses certain risks. There are things like sunburn and dehydration to worry about, and every family should take these risks seriously. Extra precautions should be taken concerning health and safety, and we have the most important tips to ensure your family has the best summer yet.
1. Heat safety
It’s important for the whole family to be aware of ways to stay safe during the hot summer months. As a parent, it’s your duty to inform and protect your kids from dangerous weather outside. When it’s extremely hot outside, stay inside air-conditioned areas; this may be your home, a shopping mall, or a community center. Also, be sure to keep lots of water on you to stay hydrated. If you are a family that is normally on top of your water intake, that’s great! But when it’s really hot out, up your normal intake to make up for the hot weather.
2. Sun safety
No matter the temperature outside, sun safety is always important. Sunscreen is always a smart first layer of defense to protect you and your family. Proper application of sunscreen is crucial, so always cover yourself head-to-toe and reapply as needed. In addition to sunscreen, clothes are great protection from the sun. Sports performance clothing that is tightly knit is great at blocking the sun and keeping your skin dry from sweat. However, the best defense from the sun is seeking shade. If you plan to be outside for a long time like at a sports event or on the beach, come equipped with a sun umbrella or a place to stay safe from the sun.
3. Children’s eye health and safety
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month! This is a good reminder to take your child to the eye doctor to get a vision check. This is especially important if they’re spending a lot of time outside in the sun. UV rays can cause short-term issues like sunburnt eyes and long-term problems with vision. If you’re concerned about your child’s eyes while they’re in the sun, buy them sunglasses, a hat, or try to keep them in the shade as much as possible.
4. A tip for mom
National Breastfeeding Month is also celebrated in August! For all of the new mamas and mamas-to-be out there, take time this month to brush up on breastfeeding best practices for the well-being of you and your baby. There are so many areas to get support when it comes to breastfeeding, from a local hospital, your doctor, online forums, and even friends!
5. A tip for dad
Dads have to be aware of summer safety for health too! Many women have skincare routines to help protect themselves from the sun, but we have some skin tips for dad too! The summer heat may bring a desire to shave off any facial hair for cooling relief. When you shave, you’re exposing your skin to the sun, heat, and pollution of the summer air, so it’s important to shave with care. Always use trusted shaving products with high-quality ingredients to protect your skin. After you shave, using an SPF is vital to keep skin safe from the sun. You should apply some form of SPF every single day, all year long. You don’t have to apply body sunscreen to the face, but find a men’s moisturizer with SPF protection to use every morning.
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