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Tips on keeping your kids safe this summer
Contributed by: Tammy Stratton on 6/20/2008



DENVER - June 2008 - Each year when the clouds roll out and the sun rolls in kids across the State take their bikes to the pavement. Colorado's summer months offer a chance for children and their families to enjoy family bike rides. While it is important to have fun this sunny season, remember to stay safe as well. Before your child pulls their bike out of the garage make sure you've reviewed some basic bike safety tips with them. Besides wearing a helmet, there are countless other ways to make sure this summer is a happy and healthy time for all.

"Riding bikes is a fun and great way for Colorado kids to stay active," said Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien. "We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable summer, however, we know that accidents can happen. Child Health Plan Plus is a low-cost resource for parents, providing children with access to health care, including those unexpected visits to the emergency room."

Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) is the State's free-to-low-cost health and dental insurance program for uninsured Colorado children ages 18 and under whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance. CHP+ pays for many health services for children including physicals, immunizations (shots), medications, well-child check ups, vision and hearing care, behavioral care, visits to the emergency room and doctor visits. CHP+ also offers comprehensive health care benefits to pregnant women through the CHP+ Prenatal Care Program. With the CHP+ Prenatal Care Program, prenatal care visits are free.

Studies show that 74-85 percent of bicycle-related head injuries could be prevented with the proper use of a helmet. Here are some more tips from Kaboose.com on bike safety.
• Don't ride in high traffic areas.
• Make sure the bike fits the rider.
• Obey traffic rules and use hand signals.
• Watch for road hazards.
• Check your bike for safety.
• Wear reflective clothing.
• Ride on the right side of the road.
• Look left, right, left when entering traffic.
• Ride in single file.
• Walk your bike across an intersection.
• Pedestrians have the right-of-way.
• NEVER listen to headphones while riding.

Proper protection from the sun is also important this season. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics the following are some tips to remember about proper sun safety.
• The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

Help keep Colorado kids healthy! For more information in English and Spanish about CHP+ eligibility or to get an application visit www.CHPplus.org. Families can also call toll free at 1-800-359-1991.





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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Tammy Stratton

Denver , CO

Tammy Stratton has posted 403 stories and 0 comments since joining on 4/21/2008. Tammy Stratton 's average story rating is 1.5.
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