Summer is right around the corner and that means your kids are out of school and on the move. Between summer sports, programs, vacations, and just spending every waking second outside and on the go, kids need to stay healthy to stay active. Following are 5 tips for keeping your kids rosy-cheeked, healthy, and happy this summer.

Practice Sun Safety

Children’s tender skin can burn quickly in the hot summer sun. Sunburns are not only painful, but serious sunburns can blister and get infected. In addition, exposure to the sun’s UV rays leads to a higher risk of skin cancer later in life. Keep your kids safe by applying copious amounts of SPF 30 or greater sunscreen with both UVA and UVB ray protection. Reapply every 2 hours and after sweating and swimming.

 

Remember Quality Eye Care

In addition to keeping their skin safe from the sun, eye protection is important as well. Sunglasses protect eyes from sun glare and help them to see potential dangers such as oncoming traffic. Make sure that you are getting help from professionals such as those with It’s All About Eyes so that you can make sure that your kids glasses and contacts always have the most current prescription. That way you can make sure that they can always see what they are doing and avoid unnecessary danger.

 

Protect Against Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are considered the most dangerous animal in the world. More people die from mosquito related disease than any other animal. Malaria, Zika virus, dengue, and encephalitis are just a few of the diseases mosquitoes carry from person to person. Protect your kids from mosquito bites with a repellent that is safe for kids.

 

Helmets Are Not Optional

Every year about 300,000 kids go to the emergency room from injuries from bike accidents. Kids who don’t wear helmets when they ride are more likely to suffer head and brain injuries. Make sure your kids know that riding without a helmet is not an option.

 

Water, Water, and More Water

Practice water safety in the summer around pools, lakes, and streams. Make sure your kids always wear a life jacket when boating. Every child should know how to swim, so get them into lessons as soon as possible. In addition, make sure your kids are drinking enough water during the day. Little bodies can get dehydrated quickly in the hot weather.

 

With just a little planning ahead and some common sense, you will be able to keep your kids safe, happy, and healthy this summer season. Just make sure that you take the time to teach them how to stay safe and aware of their surroundings. That can really help them be prepared for just about anything.