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This is a guest post by Susan, who writes about food, exercise, and daily living over at Nutrition Fitness Life.

Playing outside is a great way for the whole family to get plenty of exercise and have fun. Part of an enjoyable outdoor experience is making it a safe one, as well. Be aware of and educate your children on the following potential risks:

The Sun

Sunshine is important for the production of Vitamin D, but too much sun can cause burns and increase the risk for skin cancer. Make sure you apply sunscreen to any exposed skin; this especially applies to children.

UVB rays are the rays that burn, and then there are UVA rays which cause greater risk for skin cancer. Look for sunscreens that protect against both UVB and UVA sun rays. Ingredients that provide excellent protection include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone. Wearing a hat and sunglasses are just as important to protect the scalp and eyes.

Bug Bites

Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants are among the critters that will sting. The best way to avoid a sting is to not provoke these insects and stay out of their way. Be on the lookout during picnics, at fair grounds, carnivals, or any place where food is located, especially sweets! If you set down your can of soda, make sure there isn’t a bee inside the next time you want to take a drink!

Take extra precaution if you or someone in your family is allergic to insect bites. If an EpiPen has been prescribed by your physician, keep it with you at all times! The glove compartment of your car is not the ideal place. Make sure the medication is not expired, and most of all, know how to use it in the event of an emergency! If a severe allergic reaction does occur from an insect bite call 911 immediately!

Poison Ivy

Remember the rhyme you learned as a child? “Leaves of three; let them be.” This is still a good expression today; however, it is important to educate yourself and the little ones on how to avoid poisonous plants and what to do in the event of coming in contact with one of them.

Poison ivy and poison oak have three leaves on each stem, and they grow as a vine or bush. Some people believe they only grow in forests, but they commonly show up one’s backyard garden too.

Poison sumac has a row of 7 to 13 leaves on each side of the stem with one leaflet at the tip. They usually grow as a shrub and thrive in very damp, cool places.

The leaves of all these plants are not actually poisonous. It is the oil in the sap that causes the allergic reaction. Sap can ooze out undetected from any part of the plant, including the roots.

If you are certain you have been in contact with poison ivy, wash the exposed area right away with soap and lots of water. The goal is to remove as much of the plant’s oil as possible.

Remove shoes, wash all clothes (including socks), and bathe pets (while wearing gloves) if you believe they have had contact with the plants.

Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams can be used to manage the itchiness, but it is still important to seek medical attention and essential if a rash erupts on the face or genitals, or if a fever occurs.

Poison ivy will not spread to other areas of the body once the plant oil is no longer on the skin, and you cannot “catch” it from someone else. However, scratching can lead to open sores, which may result in infection. The rash will usually last about 1-3 weeks.

The outdoors can be a great way to have fun while staying active, and knowing how to prevent potential dangers can make that experience a safe one, as well.

photo credit: bullcreek

Written on Wednesday, June 4th, 2008 at 3:16 am
Filed under facts.
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