On this year’s Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means people in the country are to expect six more weeks of winter. However, as if casting some doubt on Phil’s weather-forecasting prowess, AccuWeather meteorologists are saying that atmospheric signs are showing quite the opposite. The weather professionals forecast that severe weather season is likely to ‘ramp up’ as warm air becomes more widespread, and a milder start to spring compared to last year is to be expected.
Regardless of whose prediction you believe, there’s no denying that spring is just around the corner, and with the return of warm weather comes the opportunity for more outdoor activities. For parents, however, it’s time once again to be extra vigilant when it comes to keeping their children safe from springtime injuries. Scrapes, bruises, splinters, and cuts—children can easily sustain these while playing outdoors. It’s important for parents to be cautious and work hand in hand with a Westminster pediatrician in order to prevent and address these injuries.
Water safety
Never leave your children unsupervised around water. To ensure their safety, make sure they know how to swim, and warn them about the dangers. Don’t allow any running or rough play, and have them wear a safety-approved life jacket if you plan on taking them to any body of water.
Sun safety
Overexposure to the sun’s rays puts your kids at risk for skin cancer and premature aging. Make sure to apply and frequently reapply sunscreen on their skin if you plan to be under the sun for extended periods. Moreover, if your child has sensitive skin, consider using sunscreen with active ingredients, like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which can effectively prevent most of the sun’s UV rays from penetrating the skin.
Playground safety
Supervise your children at all times while they are at play, and don’t hesitate to step in when things get rough. Make sure the playground equipment they use is age-appropriate and made of plastic or rubber. Equipment made of metal or wood should be avoided. Likewise, avoid playground equipment placed on asphalt, concrete, and other solid surfaces.
Springtime can bring great fun for your whole family; just be sure to keep in mind the above safety tips. In case of injury, take your child to a Westminster pediatrics facility like Indian Crest Pediatrics immediately.
(Source: US Spring Outlook: Milder Air to Fuel Uptick in Severe Storms From Past Three Years, AccuWeather.com, Feb. 8, 2015)
