As the school days wind down and the thought of summer vacation draws closer, it’s important to have a game plan ready to stay healthy this summer. The warmer months are a wonderful opportunity to explore, play and learn outdoors. We’ve prepared a few tips to help you navigate your children’s health this summer:
June:
Camp brings a ton of kids together for fun, learning, and outdoor time. Make sure you have your needed vaccines ready prior to first day of camp. Vaccinations can help protect against diseases and conditions that pose higher risks in a camp setting. And if your child brings something home with them then the whole family may be at risk. Tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), meningitis, hepatitis a are typically recommended by camps.
July:
If your child hasn’t gotten their annual wellness check, summer is a great time to get this taken care of. Kids are out of school and schedules are a bit more free. At this exam, make sure to get any required vaccinations, asthma checks, epi pens, sports physicals, etc. for the upcoming school year.
August:
It’ll be that time to start thinking about getting back to school already before we know it. While your child is getting prepared for school, it’s also time for you to get prepared. Make sure your school immunization forms and medical records are complete prior to first day of school. In addition, make sure all medications/ADHD or other plans are prepared for the upcoming school year.
Water safety:
Water-related activities are popular, especially with access to such amazing lakes, rivers, and public swimming pools. Make sure your child has gotten in to swimming lessons to protect young children from drowning. Many area pools offer courses that are surprisingly affordable.
Beat the heat and sun:
Cover up and use sunscreen every time you and your child go outside to prevent burns. During especially hot months, dress light, schedule outdoor activities outside of the hottest times of day, morning and evening. Stay cool with cool showers or baths. Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car – even if the windows are cracked open.
Wear a helmet:
Always protect your noggin while you are on a bike, skateboard, or other personal wheeled transportation. This goes for parents too, be a great example to your children – plus, you never know when an unexpected bump in the road may come from.
Don’t forget the 5-2-1-0 rule:
5 – Try to eat at least 5 fruits, roots, & vegetables a day.
2 – Watch less than 2 hours of screen time.
1 – Play more! Get at least 1 hour of physical activity per day.
0 – Try to cut down sugary drinks to 0. Sugary drinks have little health benefit and a lot of empty calories.
We hope you have a wonderful summer this year! Take the time to build lasting family memories, get outdoors and have fun!
