Whittington & Associates, LLC

North Florida Doctor (May 2008)
Enjoy the Summer, But Family Care Says Do it Safely

By R.P. Whittington

With school out comes the time for fun in the sun, swimming, more recreational activities and outdoor adventure.

But if you are not careful, it can bring with it skin damage from sunburn, ear infections, insect bites and injuries.

"We see a spike in many of those ailments and injuries in the summer months," said Diana Johnson, M.D., a pediatrician with Family Care Partners – which operates nine clinics in Northeast Florida with a focus on health care for newborns up to teenagers.

"Families should certainly enjoy their summers and get outside for exercise and fun," Johnson said. "But they should also keep an eye out to ensure their children do it safely."

When it comes to infants, Dr. Johnson says the major question from parents with infants is how soon babies can go out in the sun.

"Peditricians recommend that children not be exposed to the sun until they are at least six months old," she said. "When it can't be avoided, make sure they are covered up as much as comfortably possible and that sunscreen is liberally applied on any exposed areas – especially on the baby's face, neck and the backs of their hands."

Johnson reminds parents that sun damage to the skin of young babies may fade rapidly, but that early skin damage can result in major skin problems for them later in life. That's why sunscreen is recommended for children (and adults) whenever planning any outdoor activity.

Johnson offers these tips to keep your children healthy and safe this summer:

Sun Damage

Avoid sun exposure and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck. When adequate clothing and shade are not available, apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to exposed areas. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to affected areas.
For young children, apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or more) at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. For older children, the first and best line of defense is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for those that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Stay in the shade whenever possible and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours (10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).

Heat Stress

Intense play or activity that lasts 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.
At the beach, or when vacationing in an area with a warmer climate, the intensity and duration of exercise should be limited initially and gradually increased during a period of 10 to 14 days as children become acclimated to the heat.
A child should be well-hydrated – even if your child does not feel thirsty. During activity, periodic drinking should be enforced. (For example, each 20 minutes provide five ounces of cold tap water or a flavored sports drink for a child weighing 90 pounds/nine ounces for an adolescent weighing 130 pounds.)
Clothing should be light-colored, lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat. Replace sweaty clothes with dry garments.

Pool Safety

Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
Pools should have a fence at least four-feet high around all sides, with no openings that would allow a young child to get over, under, or through to the pool.
Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close/self-latch at a height children can't reach.
Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Use rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.
Don't rely on inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for life-saving devices and can give children a false sense of security. Whenever infants or toddlers are in or near water, an adult should be within arm's length providing "touch supervision."
Swim programs for children under four years old should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.

Mosquitoes and Bugs

Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
Keep children away from areas that attract insects, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
Avoid combination sunscreen/insect repellent products because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but insect repellent should not be reapplied.
Insect repellents containing DEET (from 10 to 30 percent) are most effective against ticks and mosquitoes. DEET should not be used on children under two months of age.

Finally, when it comes to swimming and ear infections, Dr. Johnson says pay attention to your children if they experience any ear discomfort – and keep "Swimmer's Ear" or other products in your beach bag and/or by the pool.

For more safety tips, visit the Academy of American Pediatrics Website at www.aap.org

Media Contact: Ron Whittington (904-563-0402)