Seasonal Health Tips

Winter

Common illnesses in the winter:

Winter Safety Tips:

Burns are more common in winter. Heaters, radiators and wood stoves now become a hazard and we serve more hot soups and drinks in the winter. If a child should get burned by a hot liquid remove the clothing immediately as it will hold the heat against the skin. Put cold water or ice on the burned area as soon as possible. The sooner you cool off the burn area the less deep the burn will become. Call us after instituting these emergency measures for further advice. Additional information on burns click here.

Encourage your children to use helmets for skiing, snowboarding and sledding. The ski schools don’t seem to push the use of helmets, but we have seen enough severe head injuries due to winter sports to urge you to use helmets.

Holiday Resource Guide

Spring

Common illnesses in the spring:

Spring Safety Tips:

Winter sports on snow and ice now continue into the spring depending on the weather. With warming weather, the snow and ice change consistency. Be exceptionally careful of ice skating on outdoor ponds and lakes and be aware that turning on skis in spring snow is more difficult. Many skiing injuries occur on that last run of the season and could be avoided.

Sports injuries are more common at this time of year. Children should slowly increase activity to allow muscles to rebuild and adjust to a greater level of activity. Encourage children to play sports “lightly” at first and “harder” as their muscles become more accustomed to the sport.

Children outgrow bike helmets and roller blade gear; check that these items still fit and are in good condition. Tune the bike and check that its brakes are working. Make sure roller blades have working wheels and brakes.

Summer

Common illnesses in the summer:

Summer Safety Tips:

Skin safety:

    • Keep out of the sun between 10AM and 4PM and use sun protection even on cloudy days
    • Zinc Oxide can be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and on the shoulders
    • Use an SPF of at least 30 and pick sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum”
    • Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours
    • Wear wide brimmed hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts
    • Kids under 6 months old should be kept out of the sun and use sunscreen only on areas that cannot be covered

Dehydration: Dehydration is a greater factor in summer due to increased fluid loss in hot weather. Be sure to encourage water or juice intake especially when children are outdoors playing and spending time at picnics and beach parties.

Fall

Common illnesses in the fall

Fall Safety Tips:

Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common in the fall and winter as we seal our windows. Be sure to have your heating systems checked for proper venting of this noxious gas. It is reasonable to let your home “air out” by leaving windows a bit open to allow noxious gases to dissipate.