Summer is here, and that means fun in the sun. With kids home from school, now is a great time to focus on your child’s health and wellness. Heart of Texas Healthcare System is offering tips to help families keep their children safe and healthy this summer.
“From staying safe from COVID-19 to avoiding excessive heat, there are a few steps that families can take to ensure a great summer,” said Jo Kitsmiller, PA-C, at Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “Summer is a fun time to be a kid, but it is important to take steps to ensure that your child is safe and healthy.”
Healthy Hygiene Habits
Although the warm weather is here and children are home from school, the novel coronavirus is still circulating. To help prevent the spread of illness, ensure that your child washes his or her hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Teach your child proper hand washing techniques so that you can stay healthy together.
It is also important to avoid close contact with other children who may be sick. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of an elbow. Families are urged to pay attention to state and federal guidelines in case of an outbreak of the illness this summer.
Another important aspect of good health is dental hygiene. Teach your child to brush and floss to prevent tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children. Making brushing and flossing part of your child’s daily routine can make a big difference.
An important way that you can help your children develop healthy habits is by setting a good example. The habits in your life can have a big effect on your child’s health.
Stay Cool
As the mercury rises, so does the risk of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a condition in which the body’s natural cooling system begins to fail. It most often occurs when victims physically exert themselves in hot weather, overwhelming the body’s ability to cope with elevated temperatures.
Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Avoiding the heat of the day and drinking plenty of liquids can reduce the risk of dehydration or heat stroke. Parents and children should take extra care during the heat of the day, which typically occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Limiting outdoor activities during this time can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Signs of heat exhaustion include weakness, nausea, headache, increased sweating, clammy skin, and fever.
If you suspect your child is experiencing dehydration or heat exhaustion, he or she should be taken to a shaded area or indoors. The child’s excess clothing should be removed, and he or she should be encouraged to drink fluids. A cool wet cloth should be applied and a doctor should be called for advice.
When left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
Good Nutrition
Nutrition is critical for healthy growth and development. According to the CDC, obesity now affects 1 in 5 children and adolescents in the United States. Childhood obesity can increase a child’s risk of developing many health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver disease and mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
According to Kitsmiller, children develop healthier food habits when parents involve them in cooking nutritious meals. Plus, cooking at home can ensure that you are using healthy ingredients such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Kitsmiller added that now is an important time to ensure that children are in optimal health. Summer is a great time to take advantage of a yearly check-up for their children. Annual visits allow a physician to monitor the growth of your child and to ensure he or she is caught up on important immunizations.
“Summer can pass by quickly, and the school year has a habit of sneaking up on us,” Kitsmiller said. “Scheduling a check-up now will ensure that your child is in great health for the summer and the upcoming school year.”
In McCulloch County, Brady Medical Clinic is a convenient choice for families with busy schedules. Healthcare providers are accepting appointments all summer long.
Learn more about healthcare services at https://www.heartoftexashealthcare.org or schedule an appointment by calling Brady Medical Clinic at 325-597-2114.
About Heart of Texas Healthcare System
Heart of Texas Healthcare System provides healthcare for residents of McCulloch County and the surrounding area. Founded in 2011, the system offers a wealth of medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced radiology services, a clinical laboratory, dialysis services, physical therapy, surgical services, patient education, sleep studies, and more. The system also owns and operates Brady Medical Clinic, which provides family medicine, preventive care, and acute care for minor emergencies. For additional information, please visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.