Sun Safety

It is well known that exposure to sun puts people at risk for skin cancer and premature aging. Eight percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 21. Regular use of sunscreen in children can lower skin cancer risk by seventy-eight percent. THINK PREVENTION & REMEMBER:

SLIP- on a shirt

SLAP- on a brimmed hat & sunglasses

SLOP- on sunscreen (Choose one that offers both UVA & UVB protection and has an SPF of 15 or greater, put sunscreen on 15-20 minutes before going outside & follow reapplication directions on bottle)

Seasonal Allergies

 In the spring, outdoor allergens such as trees & grasses can trigger your child’s allergies. The most common symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose with clear drainage or congestion, repeated sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, sore throat and a cough that may be worse at night or in the morning. Although we can’t completely avoid things that trigger seasonal allergies, here are some tips you can take to help minimize
 your child’s exposure to allergens:

v  Keep windows closed in the car & at home to avoid exposure to pollen.

v  Limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are high.

v  Do not hang clothing outside to dry.

v  Take a daily bath at bedtime, which will help wash off allergens and prevent nighttime allergy problems.

Ticks

A tick is a small insect that likes to hang out in bushes, plants, & tall grasses. One of the diseases ticks can carry is Lyme disease.  The majority of Lyme disease cases are caused by tick bites acquired around the home. To help reduce the risk of tick exposure: THINK PREVENTION & REMEMBER:

Before going out:  Wear light-colored, tightly woven clothing to make it easier to spot ticks; tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks; wear closed shoes/sneakers rather than open sandals; use a tick repellent as directed.  Products should contain DEET (for clothing OR skin) or Permethrin (for clothing ONLY).  Remind children to ask an adult to apply the tick repellent and DO NOT apply to hands or face.  Use products with less than 10% DEET and always follow manufacturers’ directions carefully.  Do not use repellents on children under 3 years of age.  Pay particular attention to tops of shoes and lower portion of pant legs, as ticks are most likely to attach here.

While outside:  Stay in the center of trails; avoid low bushes and leafy brush; periodically check clothing and skin for ticks and remove. 

Upon return:  Check clothing, skin, and hair for ticks (take special note of your child’s navel, underarm, groin area, and behind the ears).  If a tick is found, remove it carefully with tweezers.  If it is attached, note spot of attachment, mark calendar, and save tick in a jar for later identification.  Should symptoms such as an expanding “bull’s eye” rash, flu-like symptoms, or painful joints develop, contact your physician.