Spring is in full bloom! As your family enjoys time outdoors soaking up the sun and fresh air, safety should be top of mind. Protecting your little ones from common springtime hazards ensures a season filled with fun and play. Unfortunately, springtime injuries are possible. In case of illness or injury, Mount Carmel Urgent Care on East Broad Street offers prompt, professional treatment for non-life-threatening conditions. But to ensure plenty of time outdoors all season long, keep these five preventative tips in mind.
1. Sun Safety Essentials
With warmer weather welcoming families outside, sun protection is necessary. Our skin is particularly vulnerable to UV rays. These rays can cause painful sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. In fact, experiencing five or more sunburns can double your risk for melanoma.
Sun protection measures include:
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher
- Dressing in a lightweight coverup
- Wearing sunglasses
- Drinking plenty of water
- Encouraging playtime in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest
Additional Sun Safety Tips
Be aware of heatstroke. This can occur after prolonged time in the sun if your body temperature reaches or exceeds 104 F. Children can quickly become overheated, leading to dangerous situations. While dehydration is serious and may require urgent medical care, heatstroke can be life-threatening.
Look out for these heatstroke symptoms:
- Excessive thirst
- Headache
- Dry tongue
- Dizziness or confusion
- Seizures or convulsions
- Rapid pulse or difficulty breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
If you suspect heatstroke, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
2. Allergen Awareness
Allergies and asthma flare-ups are common in the spring, which can spell trouble for children with sensitive systems. Identifying allergens and taking preventative measures are crucial steps in managing symptoms.
Reduce allergen exposure by:
- Keeping the home clear from pollen by shutting windows
- Using air purifiers within the home
- Washing clothes and showering after outdoor activities to remove allergens
- Taking daily over-the-counter allergy medicines
For children struggling with allergies and mild asthma, our urgent care on East Broad Street is equipped to provide relief.
3. Bicycle Safety
Riding bicycles is an excellent way for kids to play and exercise, but they come with their own set of risks. Ensuring safety begins with proper gear and education.
Prioritize safety by:
- Ensuring children always wear helmets and elbow pads
- Replacing helmets every five years or after every crash
- Inspecting bicycles regularly for mechanical issues
- Teaching the rules of the road and safe riding practices
- Supervising outdoor bike rides
Our urgent care on East Broad Street can tend to injuries such as abrasions or minor fractures from biking accidents. However, severe injuries — such as head trauma — should be taken to an emergency room.
4. Bug Bite Prevention
Insects can turn a day at the park into an itchy ordeal or, worse, expose children to illnesses or allergic reactions.
Prevent bug bites by:
- Applying insect repellent on exposed skin
- Doing a thorough tick check after being outdoors
- Wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
Are you worried about the appearance of your child’s bug bite after playing outdoors? Our urgent care on East Broad Street can evaluate bug bites and stings, as well as check for infection. However, if the bite or sting is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, trouble breathing, swelling of the mouth or throat, or dizziness, call 911 or visit an emergency room as soon as possible.
5. Playground Safety
Playgrounds offer endless hours of enjoyment, but they can also present dangers if not properly maintained or supervised.
Make play safe by:
- Inspecting play equipment for potential hazards
- Supervising play to prevent reckless behavior
- Setting ground rules for safe play
Our urgent care on East Broad Street can handle springtime bumps and bruises. With digital X-ray services on-site, we can diagnose and treat mild sprains and fractures. But for more severe injuries, including compound fractures or head trauma, emergency care is the best choice.
Our Urgent Care on East Broad Street Can Help You Stay Safe This Spring
These five tips are key to enjoying a safe spring season outdoors. Should any unexpected accidents or illnesses occur, our urgent care on East Broad Street is here to provide compassionate and swift care. We also have two other convenient locations to ensure you have access to the medical care you need. You’re welcome to walk in or check-in online seven days a week — no appointment is necessary.
Reach out to our East Broad Street urgent care at 614-986-7752 for guidance on any non-emergency urgent care needs this spring. Ensuring the health and safety of your loved ones is at the heart of everything we do. When you need urgent care, we’re here to provide the treatment and support your family deserves.