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Enjoying Summer Safely
The Sun Is More Fun When Kids Are OK! Experts say that drinking too much fruit juice can contribute to several health problems in babies and young children, including malnutrition, tummy troubles and tooth decay. This doesn't mean that juice is a bad food. It isn't. Fruit juice can be a healthy part of a child's diet, if it's used appropriately. The problem is that some children drink inappropriately large amounts of juice. And since parents usually perceive juice as a natural, nutritious food, they may not realize that they need to keep an eye on their children's juice intake. Plain old water is the best choice to keep children hydrated during the hot summer months – and always!
7. Sun exposure during childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in adulthood.
True or False
7. True. Protection from sunburn is particularly important for children. In fact, recent studies show that excessive exposure to the sun during childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in adulthood. A young child's eyes are also susceptible to irritation from the sun's harsh glare.
A few things a parent can do to keep little ones safe during summer outings include avoiding sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; covering babies and children with a long, white shirt and wide-brimmed hat; keeping babies under large sun umbrellas at the beach; generously applying and reapplying sunscreen; and applying lip balm with an SPF of at least 15.
8. Swing sets and other play equipment can rust and deteriorate over the winter months.
True or False
8. True. Be sure to check all bolts, screws and fittings each spring before use. If you plan to buy a swing for a tree or swing set, be sure to buy lightweight plastic ones that won't hurt a child if it strikes him. Rope or tire swings in trees should be able to hold an adult's weight (if more than one child gets on the swing, it could be a problem) and should swing freely in all directions. To ease falls, consider placing 8 to 10 inches of wood chips under and around all play equipment.
9. More than 400,000 children were reported missing in the United States in 2001.
True or False
9. False.
