While school is just around the corner, we still have many weeks left to play in the HOT, HOT summer here. Here are some tips to help you stay cool and healthy while still having fun!!

1. Never forget sun-screening yourself.

2. It is recommended to wear loose-fit clothing, preferably cotton material.

3. Wear a hat or a baseball cap.

4. Drink plenty of liquids all day. It is not recommended to drink soda because the sugars would make you thirstier. Water, fruit drinks, and iced teas are recommended.

5. Limit your outdoor activity in 30-60 minutes at a time. Have water breaks A LOT.

6. Try to do your outdoor activities in the morning before the heat begins or in the evening, when the sunset has begun.

7. Play in the shade, if possible

8. Take time to smell the flowers, chase the butterflies and enjoy the last weeks of summer you have left!!!!

Summer time is now here. For most children, this means more outdoor activities (swimming, camping, bike riding, etc…) For all parents, this means being extra vigilant to keep your child safe and healthy. Here are some tips to keep your child safe this summer.

Safe Swimming!

The first steps in keeping your kids safe when swimming are adult supervision and an age appropriate flotation device.

Most parents understand (or they should understand, since about 250 kids under age 5 drown in swimming pools each year) that their kids need some sort of floatation device until they are older and have learned how to swim well. To be safe, you want a floatation device that keeps your child from going under the water and keeps his/her face out of the water and his/her head upright.

Protect Your Skin!

WEAR SUN SCREEN! It is now well known that exposure to sun puts people at risk for skin cancer and premature aging and that most of that exposure comes during childhood (80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before they are 21). Regular use of sun screen in children can lower their risk of skin cancer by almost 78%. There are many sun screens available for safe use in children over six months old. Pick one that offers UVA and UVB protection and that has a SPF of 15 or higher (especially if your child has light skin). Apply the sun screen in a thick coat at least 30-45 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours (or more often in he is swimming or perspiring heavily).

For more information go to www.keepkidshealthy.com

Have a GREAT summer!!!