Unintentional injuries are the number one cause of death in children in the United States. In fact, 2,000 children die each day from preventable injuries. With the summer months come an increased number of injuries.
"Kids are outside more, out of school and less supervised. This leads to an increased risk of injuries anywhere from drowning to head injuries to skin infections from bug bites or poison ivy," said Dr. Greg Ozark, associate professor of pediatrics and internal medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
According to Ozark adult supervision is the best preventative measure and it's about more than just keeping an eye on your kids. Parents need to set safety rules for their kids and follow them as well.
"Many of us didn't grow up wearing helmets while we biked and it might seem strange at first. I tell my patients I don't want them to wear a helmet because I doubt their ability to steer a bike. You wear a helmet to protect yourself from the person who isn't paying attention," said Ozark. "Your children are watching you. They are more likely to do what they see you doing than to do what they hear you saying."
Serious injuries and even death can happen quickly. Most drowning incidents happen when a child has been out of a parent's sight for less than 5 minutes. To help limit injuries
Ozark shares a few tips to keep your kids safe while enjoying some summer activities.
Water Safety:
1.Make sure an adult is watching children around all water areas including pools, lakes and piers for children of all ages and bathtubs for infants and toddlers.
2.Swimming lessons for children younger than age 5 are not effective. But, all children ages 5 and older should have swim lessons. You are never too old to learn how to swim. Kids and teens are safer around water is they know the basics of swimming.
3.Young children should be within arm's reach of an adult at all times.
4.Home pools must have a 4-foot fence around the entire pool with a self-locking gate.
5.Everyone, including teens and adults, should wear lifejackets while boating.
6.Make sure you have safety rules about docks and piers. Children should wear lifejackets on docks and piers even when not getting in the water.