Play it Safe to Avoid Common Illness & Injuries in Children
8/2/2022
Even with summer vacation winding down, the warm weather of late summer and early autumn still allows for plenty of family time spent playing outside and on trips to the park.
So Lutheran Health Network’s RediMed urgent care team wants to remind parents and caregivers to play it safe and guard against more common outdoor injuries and illnesses in children to prevent ruining family fun.
“With more time spent outside being active, cases of injuries from play, outside elements and heat-related illness in kiddos increases during the warmer months,” said Jennifer Myers, physician assistant for RediMed. “It’s definitely not a reason to keep kids cooped up inside. But with some simple preventive tips and knowing when at-home treatment or medical attention is appropriate, families can ensure safe, healthy play for all.”
Some common illnesses and injuries seen by medical staff at RediMed locations include:
- Heat exhaustion/heat stroke – August is often the hottest month of the year. Prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke by ensuring children stay hydrated with water and take frequent cooling breaks in hot weather. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. If those symptoms persist, people may develop confusion, further dizziness and even become unconscious. Medical attention should be sought immediately if heat exhaustion symptoms do not improve after moving your child to a cooler area, loosening clothing and having them sip cool water.
- Sunburn – Just because summer vacation is ending doesn’t mean sunburns aren’t still a risk. Apply sunscreen with at least a 15 sun protection factor (SPF) to a child’s exposed skin every two hours, even on cloudy days. Remember to apply to their ears, noses, lips and tops of feet. Hats that cover the face, scalp, ears and neck are good sun protection as well. If a sunburn occurs and covers a large portion of the body with blisters or is accompanied with a high fever, headache, severe pain, dehydration, confusion, nausea or chills, medical attention may be required.
- Cuts & bruises - Most children’s cuts and scrapes can be treated by cleaning with mild soap and water and applying a clean bandage. Cuts more than a quarter-inch deep, deep enough to see yellow fat cells or with bleeding that doesn’t stop within 15 to 20 minutes will likely require medical attention. Bruises and mild swelling can be treated with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation) and an over-the-counter pain reliever. Bruises with very painful swelling that doesn’t go away after a few days may require medical attention.
- Head injuries - Protect your child’s head (and your own) with properly-fitted helmets when rollerblading, bicycling, skateboarding or riding scooters. Children are also more likely to get a head injury on playground equipment like monkey bars, climbing equipment and swings. Be sure to watch children and ensure they’re on playground equipment appropriate for their age. If a head injury occurs and leaves more than a light bump, medical attention is recommended. Emergency medical attention should be sought if unconsciousness, confusion or disorientation occurs from a head injury.
Visit lutheranhealthphysicians.com/pps-urgent-care for more information on nearby Lutheran Health Network urgent care locations and services.
Back