The sun is shining, and the days are getting hotter here in the Pacific Northwest. Cooling off by the local pool or in a nearby lake or river can be lots of fun! Parents should remember that water activities also come with risk.

Drowning is a leading cause of death among children.  Young children can drown in only an inch of water with most drownings occurring in bathtubs and buckets. Toddlers between one and four years most commonly drown in swimming pools.

Here are some water safety tips to follow whenever your child is near water:

• Never leave children unattended, even for an instant!
• Teach your children to never go near water without an adult present. Instill the importance of swimming with an adult or partner.
• When supervising water activities, be sure to limit the number of distractions such as phones. When children are in the water they need your undivided attention.
• Be aware of “bodies of water” you might not think about, such as fishponds, fountains or even watering cans. Empty all tubs, buckets and wading pools after each use and store upside down.
• When boating, it is important for children to wear a life jacket at all times. The life jacket should fit snugly and should not hit the ears or chin when raising their arms in the air.
• Swimming toys such as arm floaties or noodles are for recreational use and should not be treated as flotation devices.

While drowning is our number one concern, it’s important to remember that other injuries can occur around the pool if children are not careful. Remind little ones to walk, not run, on slippery pool surfaces. Never allow them to dive in shallow water.

Under Oregon Law, children 12 or younger are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while a boat is underway.  It is recommend that children wear life jackets on the dock as well.

Here are more resources on water safety:

www.boatoregon.com

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Sun-and-Water-Safety.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Water-Safety-And-Young-Children.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Where-We-Stand-Water-Safety.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Drowning.aspx

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

From introducing your family pet to your newborn child, to teaching your toddler how to handle stray dogs, pet safety is extremely important, especially with younger children.  Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are most likely to be victims of animal bites and children aged 9 to 14 are next in line.

Here are some guidelines on how to teach pet safety:

Most often, a child is at risk if he teases, hurts, or plays too roughly with an animal.  Children tend to want to pat animals roughly, or to pull at their ears and tails.  A dog might lash out to defend itself or protect what it considers its territory or food.  Teach your child how best to pet animals and the importance of being gentle.

It is always important to ask if an animal is friendly and to have the owner’s permission before petting. Teach your child to extend their hand slowly, palm up so the animal can sniff them.  Other people’s pets might not be like yours and not all pets interact with children well.  Only after the animal has shown interest in being petted should they touch them.  If they encounter a stray dog, teach them to stand still and back away slowly without looking the dog in the eye.

When you are introducing your pet to a newborn it is best to do so in stages.  Leave some of the baby’s blankets around the house so your pet can get accustomed to the smell.  If they receive the new scent well, you can start introducing them in person.  Take introductions slow.  No matter how gentle your pet is, it is best not to leave children alone unsupervised with pets as both children and pets get easily startled and may react unpredictably.

In the home, especially if you have more than one child, it’s a good idea to create a space just for the pet that your children know not to go into.  This could be a corner of the house or yard, or just the pet’s crate.  This allows your pet the chance to retreat when they become tired or stressed.

If your child is bitten by a pet or other animal, seek medical attention immediately.  Infections can occur and some wild animals pose a special risk of rabies.  Often the psychological effects of an animal bite are as serious as the physical wound itself. Consider a cooling-off period for a few days, in which you keep the animal in a separate part of the house or outside to give your child a chance to calm down.  After that, your child may have to adjust the way he or she behaves with the animal.  Ask what happened that might have provoked your pet to bite.

Teasing or maltreating animals is not only dangerous, it may be a symptom that your child is having emotional problems.  Talk with your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Although most animals are friendly and pets make wonderful additions to the home, it’s still very important to keep safety in mind.

Here are some resources on animal safety:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Safety-Around-Animals.aspx

https://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/doernbecher/patients-families/safety-center/tips/home-yard.cfm

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention-Tips-2017.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/specific-groups/children.html

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

Cancer of the skin is by far the most common of all cancers in the United States with melanoma being the 5^th most common type of cancer in Oregon.

Frequent cool and overcast days may give Oregonians a false sense of security, but protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a must, rain or shine.

The most effective way to prevent skin cancer is to limit exposure to UV rays:

• Spend more time in the shade, especially during late morning through the afternoon.
• Cover up as much as possible with clothes, hats, sunglasses, etc.
  • Long-sleeved shirts and pants or skirts can provide protection.
  • Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection.
  • Get a hat that shades the face, scalp, ears and neck.
  • Look for sunglasses that block close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
• Avoid indoor and outdoor tanning.
• Regardless of how you tan (via sun exposure or tanning bed): tanned skin = damaged skin.
• Apply water resistant sunscreen/sunblock with a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 30 for children 6 months of age or older.
  • Look for a product that offers broad spectrum coverage (both UVA and UVB protection).
  • Apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors.
  • Reapply during the day, especially after your child swims or exercises.
  • Sunscreen is not meant to allow kids to spend more time in the sun.

Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight.  Move your baby to the shade under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy.  Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs and use brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn.

What about vitamin D?

Not all children and adolescents get enough sunlight, particularly during certain times of the year and in areas like the Pacific NW! In addition, your child’s own skin characteristics can affect the vitamin D that his or her own body makes.

Studies suggest that using sunscreen or sunblock limits the amount of vitamin D our bodies produce. However, UV radiation is the leading cause of most skin cancers, so we recommend getting vitamin D from other sources, such as:

• Vitamin D-fortified milk
• Vitamin D-fortified orange juice
• Vitamin D-fortified cereals or yogurts
• Eggs
• Fish/fish oils

Always consult your pediatrician before starting any new supplements and talk to your doctor about finding a balance between brief periods of sun exposure and sunscreen use.

Additional resources can be found at:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/children.htm
https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Sun-Safety-and-Protection.aspx

This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.

Wednesday, June 20^th, 2018 9AM – 2PM
in the East Pavilion Lobby of the St. Vincent Hospital

Come enjoy a day of music, games, and prizes as you gather resources from a variety of local kid-friendly businesses.

We are thankful for the support of the following participants:

Abbott Nutrition
AWARE
Baby Boot Camp
Portland Children’s Museum
Country Financial
Dr. Brandon’s Kona Kids Dentistry
EI/ECSE Early Intervention
Lice Knowing You
Mad Science
Mead Johnson Nutrition
Multicultural Integrated Kidney Education (MIKE)
Music Together of Beaverton
My Little Waiting Room
Play.Fit.Fun
Providence Children’s Health
Providence Health Education Services
Providence Mother & Baby Clinic
Providence Therapy Dogs
Shriner’s Hospital for Children- Portland
Sunset Pediatrics
The Hello Foundation
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
Washington County Safe Kids
Washington County Sheriff’s Dept.
Washington County WIC