Article Contributed on: 6/16/2009 1:19:37 PM
The end of the school year means the beginning of summer, a time when kids trade in homework for outdoor fun. However, summer fun can increase the risk of injuries for kids. Whether your kids are young enough to require supervision or old enough to play on their own, make sure they are protected from summer's hazards. Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) would like to offer parents some tips to keep their kids safe while staying active and having fun this summer.
"Accidents can and do happen when kids are out and about during the summer months. While parents need to ensure their kids have health insurance - like CHP+ - they can also take the steps to prevent accidents from happening," said Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien. "For parents with young kids, proper supervision and equipment are integral to safe play. With older kids, teaching them good habits will carryover for when they are by themselves or with friends."
CHP+ is the state's free and 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 and doctor visits. And when those accidents happen, CHP+ even covers trips to the emergency room. CHP+ also offers comprehensive health care benefits to pregnant women through the CHP+ Prenatal Care Program.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following tips for parents to keep in mind and share with their kids to ensure a fun and safe summer:
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PRACTICE SUN PROTECTION
In order to prevent skin cancer later in life and to protect from serious burns, kids need to remember to respect the sun and prepare for its effects. Kids should wear a hat with a brim, sunglasses (preferably that block 99-100 percent of ultraviolet rays) and cotton clothing with a tight weave. Kids also need to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater, reapplying every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
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FIND THE RIGHT BIKE
Do not push your child to ride a two-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, usually around age five or six. Stick with coaster (foot) brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes. Take your child with you when you shop for the bike so that he or she can try it out. Oversized bikes are dangerous so make sure to buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into".
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ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride and when using skateboards or scooters. As many accidents happen on driveways, sidewalks and bike paths, this rule should apply no matter how close to home they may be. Helmets should be level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards, with the strap securely fastened. When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
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KEEP BUGS AWAY
To keep kids from getting insect bites, they should not use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays and avoid dressing in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints. Kids should also avoid playing in areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
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BE CAUTIOUS OF THE HEAT
Kids do not adapt to extreme heat conditions as well as adults and can develop heat stress very easily. The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels. Before and during prolonged physical activity, kids should be well hydrated even if they do not feel thirsty. Clothing should be light-colored, lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation of sweat.
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VISIT SAFE PLAYGROUNDS
Parents should make sure that where their kids play is as safe as possible. Playgrounds should have safety-tested mats or loose-fill materials (shredded rubber, sand, wood chips, or bark) kept to a depth of at least nine inches. Equipment should be carefully maintained, making sure kids cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part. Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent kids' legs from getting burned.
CHP+ wants to ensure that children in Colorado are covered by health insurance and stay safe this summer. Visit the CHP+ Web site at CHPplus.org or call toll free at 1-800-359-1991 for more information. English and Spanish customer service representatives are there to help you with questions about eligibility and to help you get an application.