3 Tips for Kids' Summer Safety

Everyone looks forward to enjoying quality family time in the summer. To make the most of it, here are a few tips from James Davis, MD, a pediatrician at TriHealth’s Oxford Pediatrics:

Avoid Water Accidents

About one in five people who die from drowning are children ages 14 and younger. “Water accidents are one of the biggest risks during the summer,” says Dr. Davis. “To reduce the risk of drowning, give your kids swimming lessons and always be sure to watch them closely when they’re near water.”

Watch for Ticks

“This summer promises to be a big season for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases,” says Dr. Davis. “Check kids for ticks after they come inside and be on the lookout for fevers or unusual rashes.” A tick bite can lead to Lyme disease, which can cause fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. A rash may appear at the site of the bite; it expands gradually over days and may have a “bull’s-eye” appearance.

Steer Clear of Measles

Believe it or not, this is a timely safety tip this summer. At press time, 22 states had reported cases of the measles, a virus that causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a rash. This is the largest number of cases in the U.S. since 1994, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Make sure your kids are vaccinated,” says Dr. Davis. “They could contract the virus by being in the same room with someone who is infected—even if he or she doesn’t have symptoms.”