HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION: Local students at summer band camps need to remember to keep non-caffeinated fluids, such as water, going into their bodies throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to heat stroke, which is a threat to everyone, regardless of age.
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Summer is here and many options for activities entail safety concerns.

Robin Montalbano, Director of Emergency Services with Highland Community Hospital shared some ideas to keep the fun in summer and the injuries out.

She says her favorite motto concerning child safety is “the most dangerous place for your child will always be the place that attracts them the most.”

She said this is especially true of pool areas, playgrounds, water and campfires or campsites.

Montalbano stressed the use of sunscreen at all times because sunburns on children may cause skin cancer later in life.

She also said that heat related injuries such as dehydration, are a concern during summer. Dehydration can escalate to the more serious case of heat stroke if care is not taken.

Montalbano said symptoms of a heat stroke include:

—  Hot, dry skin: The body doesn’t sweat so it can’t cool off.

—  Abdominal cramping.

—  Rapid breathing.

—  Blurred vision.

She said as more children are bicycling on roadways, drivers should be on the lookout. All cyclists should wear helmets and most don’t know that cyclists have to obey the same traffic laws such as stopping at stop signs and riding with the flow of traffic.

Precautions should be taken when water is used as a form of entertainment.

Parents should keep pools gated and locked, Montalbano said. No one should swim alone.

She also would like to remind people that summer heralds a spike in spinal cord injuries. Diving into a pool or other body of water should be avoided unless the depth of water is known. Never dive into shallow water.

Also, anyone boating should wear a life jacket.

Everyone enjoying outdoors activities should use insect repellent to repel mosquitoes and other insects like redbug, she said.

“I think the key to summer is not overdoing it,” Montalabano said. “People experiment with physical activities, like sports, that they are not accustomed to.”

Montalbano also recommended wearing eye protection when mowing the lawn or trimming branches.

On June 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., HCH will hold the Children’s Safety Fair, which promises to be a fun day for children and informative for parents.

Montalbano said, the event will feature Rescue 7, a K-9 officer, a fire engine for children to explore, cotton candy and face painting would be available for children to enjoy.

She said there will be door prizes and give aways, including

a child safety seat, bikes and helmets.