Outdoor Safety Tips to Share with Kids
Nice weather is finally here! Take some time and talk about these safety tips with your kids before their next outdoor adventure. 1. Establish safe play areas. Let your kids know the street is not a safe area to be, even if their toy or ball goes there. 2. Never speak to strangers. No matter how friendly someone seems, children should never speak to or go anywhere with a stranger. If a stranger approaches them, they should run away or head inside. 3. Never wander off alone. Remind younger children to always stay within range of supervision. Older kids hanging out with friends
should remain with the group. 4. Be aware of surroundings. Common play areas like a field or a playground can hold hidden safety hazards, so it’s important to examine these areas for things like broken glass before playing in them. Proper shoes are also a must. 5. Be mindful of the rainy weather. Even sunny days can experience a rapid, unexpected weather change. If the weather does change drastically, children should return home or seek shelter. 6. Always wear sunscreen or protective clothing. Remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied often, especially if you’re at the
beach or pool, or if you’re sweating. 7. Remember to hydrate. Teach kids about dehydration and the importance of replenishing with water—not sugary drinks. 8. Wear proper clothing and equipment for the sport or activity. Thin-layered, long-sleeved clothing is ideal for outdoor activities. For bike rides, always wear a helmet. 9. Apply bug spray when needed. 10. Never consume anything found outdoors. Let them know that despite what they might have seen on TV, it’s not safe to eat anything they find in the wild. Tips provided by Gilbert Cho.
Ideas for Living a Healthy, Active Life There are lots of ways to grow healthy but you don’t have to do them all at once. Look at the list below and try to put one of the suggestions into place for your family. Once that is successful and part of your healthy routine, pick another to continue your journey to live a healthy active life.
5 2 1 0
Eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day. Keep screen time (TV, video games, computer) to 2 hours or less per day. Get 1 hour or more of physical activity each day. Drink 0 sugar-sweetened drinks. Replace soda pop, sports drinks and fruit juice with milk or water.
Tips for Understanding Your Health Information Many people find it hard to understand the health information they need to take care of themselves and their families. Not understanding can lead to fear and frustration. The National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness offers the following tips for families: XX Ask for help if you do not understand a health form or don’t know how to fill it out. XX Ask for handouts in the language that is easiest for you to read. XX Write down questions you have before you go on any health care visit. XX Tell your doctor if you do not understand what he
or she is saying. XX Go to the library and ask how to find accurate information about your health concerns and medicines. XX Ask your Head Start or child care program for information on health issues that concern you. XX Go to health workshops at your child’s Head Start program and in your community. When parents and caregivers understand health information and how to use it, children are less likely to miss school. They will also make fewer trips to the doctor or emergency room and generally live healthier lives.
