SUMMER TRAVEL AND CHILD SAFETY TIPS

By Dr. Burnell Cardron

Photographs Courtesy Of Scharad Lightbourne Photography

Makeup Courtesy Of Tae on the Beat Models Vernice Heastie, Jayla Cardron-Roberts, Kevin C. Turnquest

Travelling through the summer months can be quite hectic, especially when travelling with kids. Your preparations for travel should begin even before you leave the house. This time of year, is peak time for vacation travel and statistics have shown that burglaries usually increase during this season. It is important to ensure that your home is secured and that it appears as if someone is still living there when you are away. Ways you can do this is by asking a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home, ensure that all windows and doors are locked, and store all yard tools and loose equipment. If you live alone or are travelling with your entire household, do not post your travel plans on social media. Last, but not least, it’s also a great idea to have a home security system set up that you can monitor or have an alarm company monitor while you are away.

Remember to pack essentials in your carry-on with items you think you may need, such as hand sanitizers or wipes, band-aids, lotion, floss, and sunscreen. If you are someone who requires a medical alert device, test to make sure it is functioning and with you at all times. Ensure that your travel documents are checked the night before travelling and your luggage is packed and properly labelled.

Summer Safety Tips For Kids

This time of year, is usually when kids get to spend a lot more of their time outdoors, whether it is swimming in a pool or at the beach, playing at the park, riding a bicycle or spending time at the shopping malls. Remember to always check the weather before leaving the house to ensure that you and your family are wearing appropriate clothing. Wearing sunscreen during this season helps to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun and it’s also helpful to know the UV index, which is the level of UV radiation, if you will be outdoors for long periods during the day. If the UV index is higher than three (3), it is advised to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear sun-protective clothing and sunglasses and hats for added protection. For children six months and older, it is recommended to use physical or mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and avoid using chemical sunscreens which may contain more toxic chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate. Ideally, children under six months of age should be kept out of the sun or may be kept in the shade and covered with protective clothing and hats.

Staying hydrated is especially important during the hotter summer months, so it is vital to drink lots of water. Pack a refillable water bottle to keep you and the kids well hydrated and this will help to avoid heat-related illnesses. Warning signs of heat exhaustion may present with dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, confusion, heart palpitations and/or nausea. If you or your child begin to experience any of these symptoms, go indoors immediately, rest in an air-conditioned room or cool, shaded area, drink lots of water and you can also sponge yourself/your child with cool water to help lower your body temperature.

Water Safety

Spending time in the water this time of year can be so much fun, but we must remember key water safety tips when swimming at the beach or in a pool. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings and designate an adult who is not drinking alcohol to be the “water watcher”. Ensure that there are life vests or arm bands available for kids who are not strong swimmers or who are unable to swim and stay in shallow waters. Children should never swim alone or at night. If you have a pool at home, make sure it is locked when not in use and remember to test your pool water regularly to monitor for waterborne diseases, pH changes and chlorine or bromine levels. Anyone with an open wound should refrain from using the pool or wear waterproof bandages. Do not go swimming at the beach if the waves are too rough due to the risk of drowning or if it is very late in the evening when sharks are more likely to feed.

Park Safety

When playing at the park, choose parks with playgrounds that have soft footing and ensure kids stick to age-appropriate equipment. Look for dangers and alert your child to any tripping hazards. It also helps to advise them to avoid any equipment that may be broken on the playground and make sure that they know how to properly use the playground equipment. Wearing the right attire and closed-toe shoes can also assist with preventing injuries. Inspect the area for bugs and other insects and it may also help to apply bug repellent to your child when necessary. It is recommended that children two months of age and older use insect repellent with a DEET concentration of about 10% to 30%.

Bicycle Safety

Helmets and protective gear, such as wrist, elbow, and knee pads, should be worn to prevent and minimize injuries. Children should have adult supervision when riding their bicycle or other mobile equipment and they should be advised to be mindful of obstacles that can cause falls, such as debris, rocks, or potholes. They should also ride facing the same direction of traffic and be reminded to obey all stop signs and traffic lights.

Shopping Safety

This time of year, is also when we tend to do more shopping and prepare our kids for back to school. Remember to NEVER leave your child/children alone in your vehicle at any time if you must go into a store. It only takes about two (2) minutes for cars to heat up to lethal levels. Travel with your toddlers strapped in their car seat in the middle-backseat facing forward when driving, farthest away from airbags which may deploy in an accident. When in large, crowded malls, it may be best to travel with a push or stroller for your infant or toddler to assist with their mobility as they can get very tired walking. Educate your child/children about “stranger danger” and advise them never to talk to strangers or give out any personal details. Staying vigilant is crucial and remembering these vital points can help us stay safe while enjoying all the fun summer has to offer. Stay safe guys! We are located at #85 Robinson Road, Nassau, Bahamas, open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We cater to well and sick visits, COVID-19 Rapid Antigen and RT-PCR testing, IV treatments, minor surgical procedures, and consultations to name a few. We also accept major insurances and National Health Insurance (NHI) to all qualified persons.