Who doesn’t love summer? For kids, there’s no school, warm weather, and lots of outdoor sports and activities. While summer is full of fun, kids have an increased risk of getting injured during this time. Luckily, there are many ways to prevent most injuries that happen during the summer. In this blog, we’ll share some facts and tips on how to have a safe and injury-free summer.
Tips for an Injury-Free Summer
Biking, Skateboarding, and Rollerblading Injuries
Summer is a popular time for biking and skating. Unfortunately, these activities frequently lead to broken bones, concussions, scrapes, cuts, and other injuries. To minimize the chance of getting any of these injuries, make sure your child wears a helmet and other protective gear like knee and elbow pads. According to the International Journal of Epidemiology, a helmet can reduce the risk of severe head trauma by nearly 70 percent. Additionally, remind your child of the importance of watching for cars and not being out after dark.
Playground Injuries
Playgrounds provide kids with much-needed entertainment during the summer. Which do you go for first — the swing, slide, monkey bars, teeter-totter, or merry-go-round? Any of them are a good choice, but they all can be rather dangerous, too. As kids run, climb, and jump over playground equipment, they may fall or get hurt. Kids should play with caution and should be supervised at all times to prevent mishaps. Watch out for poorly maintained equipment and potential hazards.
Swimming Injuries
There’s no better way to spend the summer than at the pool or beach, but you must proceed with caution. The first tip for swimming is to supervise your children and be close by while they’re in/by water. Sadly, almost 800 kids drown each year and more than half are under the age of five years old. Keeping the area around the water clean and putting up fencing can prevent someone from accidentally falling in. Some other swimming safety tips, stop swimming during bad weather, don’t dive into shallow water, and jump feet-first into dark, natural water. Spinal cord injuries are quite common, especially for teenagers who dive into shallow water headfirst.
Trampoline Injuries
Although jumping on the trampoline may be one of the best summer activities; it poses a high risk of injury for children. Jumping on the trampoline is likely to result in sprains and fractures to the arms and legs, but head and neck injuries are also a concern. If you use a trampoline, follow these recommendations: limit usage, use safety nets and pads, place on level ground away from objects, and keep well-maintained. Many trampoline-related injuries happen from accidental collisions when more than one person is allowed on the trampoline at one time.
Sports Injuries
Summer is the prime time for sports. Many kids are either playing, practicing, training, or participating in camps during the summer months. Each sport has its common injuries, but sprains, strains, and fractures are all quite common no matter what you’re playing. However, most of these injuries can be prevented with a few simple steps. All athletes are advised to warm up and stretch before engaging in exercise as well as cool down afterward, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, use the correct form and technique, and wear the proper gear.
Schedule an Appointment
While summer is a great time to get outside and be active, it also comes with its risks. As your child participates in these activities, be sure to take the proper precautions so that you can have an injury-free summer. If your child is suffering from pain as the result of an injury, please visit Prairie Orthopaedic & Plastic Surgery, PC in Lincoln, NE. Our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, physician assistants, and physical therapists are known for their expertise and care. Our rehabilitative strategies are customized to meet your specific needs and offer you the most advanced treatment options for recovery of maximum mobility, strength, and return of function. To schedule an appointment at Prairie Ortho, please call 402-489-4700.