Metro’s 5 ways to keep them safe this month

Raemma Paredes Luck, M.D., of the department of pediatrics — emergency medicine at Temple University Hospital, shares tips on keeping your kids healthy and safe as they squeeze out the last drops of summer.

[1] Sidestepping sunburn: Children should avoid exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s ultraviolet levels are the strongest. Apply sunscreen  at least 30 minutes before they go outside, and reapply every two hours.

[2] Water, water everywhere: Children can become dehydrated a lot faster than adults. Make sure your children take breaks for drinks when outside.

[3] Car safety: Never leave children (or pets) in the car, even if it’s just to run a quick errand. Temps can soar well above 100 degrees in minutes.

[4] Leaves of three, let them be: Any child who’s ever had any real fun outdoors can attest to the hazards of poison ivy, which causes a pervasive itch that can spread all over the body and last for weeks. For minor cases, apply calamine lotion to the affected area. If the rash spreads, visit your pediatrician.

[5] What’s bugging you?: To protect children against bugs and bug bites, apply insect repellant before they go out to play, especially in wooded areas or when camping.