Sun exposure puts you at risk for skin cancer and the majority of damage is done in childhood. Limit sun exposure between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. Have your kids play in a shady place. Choose a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection that has at least 30 SPF protections. Apply liberally to childs skin.
If your child does get burned, keep him inside until healed. Bathe in cold oatmeal baths and apply topical ointments with menthol.
Keep your child out of the driveway. Many children are run over in the driveway when parents thought they were in the house or elsewhere. When you start the car either have them in the car or standing where you can see them.
A child can drown when you step away from the pool for only a minute. Be sure an adult is always by the pool when children are playing in the water. If your child is missing near the water always look there first.
Be sure your child wears a helmet when riding a bike. Helmets can reduce head injuries by 85 percent. The helmet should cover the forehead and the strap should be tight enough to fit one or two fingers between the strap and the chin.
If there are bugs use a repellent that contains DEET or two percent soybean oil. Apply sparingly to exposed skin only.
If you see a stinger in your Childs skin, use a credit or your fingernail to scrape it out. Avoid pinching as this will release more poison.
Teach your child to be careful but don't over do it. Let them have fun and enjoy their childhood. Don't over protect and make them afraid of everything. A few bug bites and a scraped knee or two is to be expected, and most likely they will come through with flying colors.
