Southern California e-news

Get the facts on summertime safety

With summer finally in full swing, you and your family are probably spending a lot more time outside. This can be great for your health, but it can also increase chances for certain accidents and injuries.

Keep your summer safe and healthy by keeping the following tips in mind.

Around the pool:

• If you have kids, make sure there’s an adult present when they swim.
• Don’t dive into an unknown body of water or shallow pool. Ease in or jump feet first.
• Never run near a pool. Water on the side can make it easy to slip and fall.

After an insect sting or bite:

• Move calmly away from the insect.
• If the stinger is still in the skin, use a credit card or stiff piece of paper to scrape it out.
• Use an ice pack on the bite or sting for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
• If necessary, you can use a nonprescription medication such as an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream to help relieve itching and redness.

For scrapes and bumps:

• If your child skins a knee, use pressure to stop the bleeding, wash it thoroughly with soap and water, and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage.
• If there’s a bruise, apply an ice pack while elevating the injury.

Find more resources for children’s health and safety — including first aid tips.

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