
The warmer months of the year are a time most people like to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
And why not? Sunlight and blue skies are instant mood enhancers.
But along with the many up sides of long, hot days there are a number of extra safety risks that need to be taken into account - particularly for vulnerable groups like newborns, young children and expectant mothers.
So here’s a hit list of a few common dangers to keep an eye on when temperatures starts to soar.
Do “the five” and stay alive
Drowning is a major cause of accidental death in children and the risk is greatest for children less than 5 years old followed closely by kids aged 15 and over .
Although most young adults can swim, dangerous in-water behaviour may contribute to a heightened risk of drowning during the teenage years and is something parents should be mindful of.
Young children on the other hand can drown easily and without warning so when the sun is out and access to pools and waterways is great parents need to stay vigilant.
Olympic coach and swim safe advocate Laurie Lawrence’s “Kids alive do the five,” campaign is a good starting point to keep the family safe around the water, tips include:
1. Fence the pool
2. Shut the gate
3. Teach kids to swim
4. Supervise
5. AND (parents) learn how to resuscitate
And for older children, teaching them to understand limitations in water may decrease the chance of unnecessarily risky behaviour (i.e. swimming in a strong current or at an unpatrolled beach).
Sun safety, pregnancy and vitamin D
Skin cancer is an ongoing health problem in Australia and along with young children; pregnant women need to be particularly careful when it comes to sun exposure.
Expectant mothers’ skin is particularly susceptible to sunburn as well as to developing a skin pigmentation condition known as chloasma.
Applying a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen a critical safety measure for all the family (including mum and dad) when the UV index is high but it’s not the be-all and end-all of sun protection.
Particularly during peak UV periods kids and parents should also wear a hat and protective clothing such as a rash shirt (if in water) or long, lightweight protective clothing on land.
Infants should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. But when they are out in the sun, sunscreen is recommended. And while there have been concerns about using sunscreen on infants, The Australasian College of Dermatologists and the Cancer Council of Australia advises there is no evidence that its use is harmful. Sunscreens formulated for especially for infants and sensitive skin is less likely to contain ingredients that may irritate the skin.
But avoiding the sun altogether may not be the answer. Sunlight is the best natural form of vitamin D yet deficiencies are becoming more common.
Low vitamin D levels can leave mum-to-be at risk of osteoporosis and rickets in children so vitamin supplementation may be a good idea for anyone who may be worried or at-risk.
For nursing and soon-to-be mums a pregnancy multi-vitamin including vitamin D may be considered.
Be cool - hydrate
It’s important in hot weather to drink enough fluids to replace what the body loses in perspiration and to stay as cool as possible. Young babies in particular are at-risk of overheating and dehydrating in extreme heat so extra feeds should be offered while clothing and any bed linen or wraps should be kept to a minimum.
If breastfeeding, mums should make sure they also drink water with each feed to stay well hydrated whilst bottle fed babies should be offered cool, boiled water in addition to formula.
If pregnant or breastfeeding your risk of heat exhaustion and stroke is greater than the general population so extra precautions to stay cool - including avoiding physical exertion and staying out of the sun, should be taken.
For older children, fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelon and cucumber are healthy snack options that will help keep hunger as well as thirst at bay.
Family road safety
Being on the road can be particularly hazardous during holiday periods. Driver fatigue, speed, reckless as well as drink driving are all common causes of serious car accidents so if you are taking a road trip during the warmer months make sure you do all you can to protect yourself and your family.
Basic things like; check kids car seats are fitted correctly, don’t exceed the speed limit – even if running late or in a rush, take plenty of rest breaks and avoid drinking alcohol before long journeys.
And to avoid backseat bickering - as well as save paternal sanity, make sure kids are well catered for during long car trips. Pack a variety of healthy snacks and refreshments as well as plan out lots of in-car entertainment – to keep everyone happy.
References available on request