How to keep your kids active in the summer of COVID19

How to keep your kids active in the summer of COVID19 By Marco A. Alcala, MD : Director of Sports Medicine, Pediatric Orthopedic Institute

This year has brought on so many changes and challenges for all of us, but it has been especially difficult for our children. The recent coronavirus pandemic has made it too easy for kids to sit on the couch all day watching TikTok. Despite social distancing orders, kids can still be active this summer. Respecting social distancing has been key in reducing transmission of the coronavirus and can still be applied when being outdoors. Jogging, hiking and bicycling have been very popular and successful as an activity and helps keep distances with others while participating together. Several other activities can also be performed, especially with familiar people that also have the same respect for social distancing. Washing hands or using hand sanitizers before and after activities can also help minimize spread of COVID19. If these precautions are taken, then activities can range from baseball, soccer, frisbee, etc. Decreasing large groups is important, as well as not allowing the kids to gather in a dugout for example. Minimizing contact with others is very important, at least for now. The use of masks has also been very helpful in decreasing the spread of COVID19.

The combination of social distancing, regular use of hand washing or sanitizers and wearing masks, can provide the best approach to avoid becoming infected with COVID19. Staying up to date with the current CDC guidelines is also very important during this pandemic. If your child can carry out these safety precautions, then he or she can enjoy a summer of activities with very minimal exposure. Sitting at home does

not have to be the only option if your child is someone that loves to be outdoors. There is always something that they can do safely.

Some basic rules to follow if there is any contact with a known infected person are to self-quarantine for 14 days. If starting to develop any symptoms such as cough, muscle aches, chills, fevers, fatigue, not feeling right, etc. then testing for COVID19 would be recommended at that time. If there is any doubt, then quarantine will be the safest and next best step and of course call your pediatrician at AHN Pediatrics for any further recommendations or for an evaluation.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute 12620 Perry Highway, 2nd Floor Wexford, PA 15090 724-933-6699

Hours: Summer hours (Adjusted due to COVID-19): Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm

Beginning in September: Monday and Tuesday 8:00am to 6:00pm Wednesday thru Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm Providers: > Dr. Mark J Sangimino,

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon > Dr. Stephanie Schneck,

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon > Dr. Ryan Sauber, Orthopaedic Surgeon –

Specializing in Spine > > > >

Services: Behavioral Health Integration X-ray and EOS on site Therapy Services (physical, occupational, speech) Custom and Generic Bracing Dr. Marco Alcala, Sports Medicine – sports injuries and concussion Dr. Ed Snell, Sports Medicine – sports injuries and concussion Brittany Paterniti, Physician Assistant Justine Dutcher, Physician Assistant Rebecca Zill, Neuropsychology Fellow Kaitlin Striker, Child Life Specialist