Summer is a time for swimming, family vacations, playground adventures, sports, and spending more time outdoors. While these activities create lasting memories, they also bring an increased risk of injuries and illnesses for children.
Fortunately, many common summer health concerns can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Knowing what to watch for and when to seek medical care can help keep your child healthy and active all season long.
Water Safety Starts with Supervision
Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related death among young children, and it can happen quickly and quietly.
To help keep children safe around water:
- Never leave children unattended near pools, lakes, or other bodies of water.
- Designate a responsible adult to actively supervise swimmers.
- Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming lessons.
- Use properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or swimming in open water.
- Install four-sided fencing with self-latching gates around home pools.
Even children who know how to swim should always be supervised around water. To learn more about water safety and ways to help prevent drowning, visit the CDC’s Drowning Prevention page.
Playground Safety Tips
Playgrounds encourage healthy physical activity, but falls remain one of the most common causes of childhood injuries during the summer.
Help reduce the risk by:
- Choosing playgrounds with soft surfaces like mulch or rubber
- Making sure the equipment is appropriate for your child’s age
- Checking equipment for hot metal surfaces before use
- Teaching children to use playground equipment properly
- Supervising younger children while they play
If your child experiences a fall and develops severe pain, swelling, difficulty walking, or loses consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.
Protect Kids from Heat-Related Illness
Children are more susceptible to heat exhaustion because their bodies do not regulate temperature as efficiently as adults.
Keep children safe by:
- Encouraging frequent water breaks.
- Taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
- Dressing them in lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
- Never leaving a child alone in a parked vehicle.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, excessive sweating, headache, nausea, fatigue, or unusual irritability.
For additional tips on staying safe during periods of extreme heat, recognizing the signs of heat-related illness, and preparing for hot weather, visit the American Red Cross Extreme Heat Safety page.
Prevent Sunburn and Skin Damage
Too much sun exposure during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Protect your child by:
- Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
- Reapplying sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
- Wearing hats and UV-protective clothing.
- Seeking shade whenever possible.
- Limiting direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Watch Out for Bites and Stings
Summer also brings mosquitoes, ticks, bees, and other insects that can cause discomfort or transmit disease.
To reduce the risk:
- Use insect repellents recommended for children.
- Perform tick checks after spending time outdoors.
- Remove ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers.
- Keep children away from bee nests and standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Seek medical care if your child develops a spreading rash, fever after a tick bite, difficulty breathing after an insect sting, or significant swelling. For more information about preventing tick bites, safely removing ticks, and recognizing the signs of tick-borne diseases, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Tick Prevention page.
Bike and Scooter Safety
Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are favorite summer activities, but they can also lead to preventable injuries.
Help protect your child by:
- Always requiring a properly fitted helmet.
- Using elbow and knee pads when appropriate.
- Riding in safe, well-lit areas.
- Teaching children to obey traffic rules and watch for vehicles.
- Inspecting bikes and scooters regularly for maintenance issues.
To learn more about find a properly fitting helmet and helping kids stay active safely, visit the CDC’s HEADS UP Youth Sports Safety page.
When Should You See a Pediatrician?
Many summer illnesses and minor injuries can be treated at home, but it’s important to know when professional medical care is needed.
Consider scheduling an appointment with a pediatrician in Middletown, NY or one of Cornerstone Family Healthcare’s pediatric providers if your child has:
- A fever that doesn’t improve.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
- Signs of dehydration.
- A worsening rash.
- An infected insect bite.
- Ongoing ear pain after swimming.
- A lingering cough or illness.
- Minor injuries that aren’t improving.
Routine visits with a pediatric provider in Newburgh, NY or near you also help ensure your child stays up to date on vaccinations, developmental milestones, and preventive care throughout the year.
Pediatric Care Close to Home
Whether your child needs a routine wellness visit, treatment for a summer illness, or care for a minor injury, Cornerstone Family Healthcare offers compassionate pediatric care close to home.
You can find pediatric care at our locations in Middletown, Newburgh, New Windsor, Port Jervis, and Highland Falls, making it convenient for families throughout the Hudson Valley to access high-quality healthcare.
Help Your Child Have a Safe, Healthy Summer
Summer should be filled with fun, not unexpected trips to the doctor. By practicing water safety, protecting children from the sun and heat, preventing injuries, and staying current with preventive healthcare, parents can help children enjoy a healthy summer.
If your child becomes sick or injured this summer, or if it’s time for a routine wellness visit, Cornerstone Family Healthcare is here to help. Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric providers.
Important Notice: The information on this blog is provided for general informational purposes only. While Cornerstone Family Healthcare strives to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it is not intended to replace professional medical care, advice, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional with any questions regarding your health, wellness, or medical conditions.
