Before you send them out the door, keep a few safety tips in mind to make sure this summer is a fun one for everyone!
Water Safety is No Joke!
The local pool, lake or stream is a fantastic place to cool off, but it can also be a dangerous one. Always be diligent around the water. Drowning is silent, and it happens faster than you think. The rule for water safety for children who can’t swim is “always within arm’s reach,” even in very shallow water. If the child is a strong swimmer, they still always have to be in your sight. When out on a boat, it’s a good idea to adopt a “life jackets for everybody” policy.
Ensure Prescription Doses are Still Correct
Now that school is out and the schedule may have a little more flexibility, it’s a good time to book a child’s annual checkup to make sure the dose for any prescription medication is still correct, as your child has grown.
If you’re going to be travelling this summer, talk to your pharmacist and your health and dental insurance provider about a vacation supply of any medication your child needs while away from home.
It’s also not a bad time to schedule a visit to the dentist if your child is due for a cleaning. Your health and dental insurance plan may have coverage for a specified number of cleanings each year, but talk to your dentist to make sure that frequency is right for your child. Your kids will thank you with warm smiles for many years to come.
Don’t Tune out the News!
Part of getting away from it all includes some temptation to tune out the news altogether. While backing away from the computer or putting down the smartphone is a great way to take a break, make sure you check the UV forecasts, pollen reports, and the air quality index. You may need to adjust your plans for outdoor activities.
When the weather is hot, it’s tempting to spend time cooling off outside. Stay safe with frequent applications of sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated with plenty of fluids. If you experience signs of heat stroke (dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea), find your way to a cool area to rest right away. If there is a heat advisory, it will be all over the news, so keep checking in and heed any heat alerts.
On that note, we’re also keeping an eye on the news. Our thoughts are with our friends, family, customers, partners and colleagues in Western Canada. We hope those displaced by wildfires are able to return home soon, and that rain finds its way to you in the very near future.
Summertime is all about the fun. By observing a few simple safety precautions, you can get the most out of the season.
