As school begins to wind down and thoughts turn to having fun in the sun, many parents are preparing to send their children to summer camp. But before those suitcases are all packed, parents need to take steps to ensure a safe and healthy camp experience for their children.
Ashley Wright, M.D., pediatrician on the medical staff at Houston Northwest Medical Center, offers a few tips to make sure children have a fun time at camp, starting with vaccinations and physicals. “Children’s vaccinations should be up-to-date. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you are not sure which vaccines are recommended for summer camp,” advises Dr. Wright. “Check ahead of time about the type of physical your child may be required to have to attend camp. Some sports camps, for example, may call for more comprehensive pre-participation exams. And if your child has any special needs or allergies, make sure that is clearly marked on the camp application or physical form.”
Dr. Wright also encourages parents to talk to their children about staying safe at camp. Children can pack protective gear, such as a helmet or life vest if the camp does not provide them. Children should avoid swimming if they are alone or have diarrhea, which can cause many water-borne illnesses. Parents must tell children to watch wild animals from a distance and not try to pet them since many animals carry diseases that are dangerous to people, such as rabies.
Parents should stress the importance of staying hydrated while at camp. Children must be encouraged not to wait until they feel thirsty, but instead to drink plenty of water or non-carbonated, sugar-free fluids throughout the day. Children also need to wear plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent to protect against sunburn and bug bites. To avoid temperature-related illness, children should have adequate bedding and clothing to stay warm during cool nights. To prevent getting over-heated, children should stay hydrated, rest in the shade, and wear layers of light-weight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
“Last but not least, parents need to find out how they will be notified if their child becomes ill at camp and what the procedures are for caring for their child,” adds Dr. Wright. “By preparing ahead of time, parents can make sure their child’s camp experience is fun, safe and full of fond memories.”
For more safety tips for your children, visit www.hnmc.com/safechildren.