Separating Hype from Harm: The Real Risks of Summer Activities

Often, the health headlines that are the most attention-grabbing describe risks to the general population that are minimal. For example, West Nile Virus is in the news again now that eleven infected birds have been found in the state of Wisconsin. (Thus far there are no human cases here, and likely there will be very few.)

This kind of news, although important, can unintentionally overshadow our general awareness of health risks that are more present, more dangerous, and more deserving of our attention.

Summer (particularly the month of July) is the deadliest time of the year in terms of childhood unintentional injury. Drowning occurs more often during July than any other month. Motor vehicle related injuries peak during the month of July.

Older children (age 10 to 14) experience the greatest increase in unintentional injury because they tend to engage in more risky behavior and have more freedom. Young school-age children (age 5 to 9) are also at high risk because they often lack the skills to make the clear judgment needed to bike, walk, swim, and play safely without adult supervision.

Many outdoor activities bring children and adults in contact with pets, insects, snakes, and wild animals such as coyotes or wolves. Sunburn is a critical problem and can lead to the development of skin cancer later in life. Forty percent of all beer sold in the US is consumed from May through August, adding an extra and undesirable element to our collective injury risk. Peak hours for traumatic injuries are between 4 pm and 2am and on weekends.

As responsible adults, there are a great many seemingly small things that can be done to reduce the likelihood that you or someone you love becomes a summer statistic. The following reminders can help you stay aware of the most prevalent summer injury risks.

Water Safety:

• See that your children know how to swim!
• Always watch young children around the water.
• Pools should be surrounded by fences with locked gates.
• Have children wear an approved flotation device appropriate to their age and skill.
• Teach your children water wisdom on diving in shallow water, the risks of currents and riptides.
• Review boater safety issues for water skiing, jet skis etc.

Bicycles:

• Always wear a helmet and ensure that it fits well.
• For younger children, review safety rules with regard to sidewalks, crossing the street, and making sure there is a general awareness of the neighborhood.

Motorcycles/ATV's etc.

• Read carefully the directions regarding the kinds of terrain on which they are safe to use.
• Always wear a helmet regardless of whether the law requires one.

Auto Safety:

• All children must be in age-appropriate safety seats.
• All others must wear their seatbelts.

Outdoor Safety

• Sunscreen is a must. Buy an inexpensive brand and have it available so that your family can apply it whenever they venture out.
• Have mosquito repellants on hand during peak times of the year and/or day, and make sure everyone understands how to apply them safely.
• Provide some basic instruction about approaching pets that are unknown to you or your children.
• Be aware of wild animals that might be present (especially in wooded or brushy areas) and provide your children with enough information to be careful, but not enough to frighten them.
• Provide some instruction on plants that might be harmful.

Alcohol

• As always, use alcohol wisely and do not use other intoxicants.

If you try to address all of these issues at once, prepare to encounter a lot of glazed eyes. Better to look for teachable moments and seek to weave healthy behaviors into your family activities or talks, rather than position yourself as a nag and encounter resistance.

Positive reinforcement and encouragement will often get you further ahead and teach wisdom that family members will pass on to those that they love. Better yet - set an example yourself and let your good decisions lead the way.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.