Santa Clarita pediatrician Dr. Rochelle Feldman of Prima Pediatrics is talking about the two biggest summer safety dangers for kids, and what parents can do to protect their children.

Feldman’s first concern is the increased number of children who drown in pools during the summertime.

“Unfortunately no matter how many times we talk about safety, accidents do happen,” Feldman said. “Make certain that if you own a pool, it is gated and covered.”

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Even more dangerous than a child spending time by a pool that isn’t gated, according to Feldman, is a large gathering of people in a backyard with an ungated pool.

“The most dangerous thing is when you get to a large get-together, because then everybody assumes somebody else is watching the kids,” Feldman said.

In this case, Feldman recommends either choosing not to take the risk and passing on the gathering completely, designating a specific trustworthy parent to watch the child the entire time, or getting a child harness.

“You hook them to your arm or to your shoulder or your backpack, and that way they can’t wander far enough to get in (to the pool),” Feldman said. “And if they do get into the pool, you go with them. So it’s just that easy.”

Feldman’s second major summer safety concern for kids is sunburn.

“You’ve got to worry about the sun — even people who are dark skinned can get sunburned,” she said. “You must use sunscreen, and no matter whether it says that it is waterproof or not, you have to reapply every two hours.”

In the case that a child does become sunburned, if it’s not blistering, Feldman recommended using the appropriate dosage of Kids Motrin as an anti-inflammatory, putting ice or cold packs on the burn, and/or applying aloe vera.

She also pointed out the importance of bathing the entire body to wash off any lingering chlorine or bacteria, which can cause an infection.

“You don’t want to get an infection if you were in the lake or the ocean, you don’t want to have the chlorine ruin your skin from a pool,” Feldman said. “Wash, shower — get that stuff off.”

Ed. Note: This article is a KHTS Community Spotlight based on a recent radio interview with Prima Pediatrics.

Prima Pediatrics

18520 Via Princessa

Canyon Country, CA 91387

661-424-9000

Prima Pediatrics – Canyon Country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfUJc22OGG4

Santa Clarita Pediatrician, Pediatrician in Santa Clarita, Dr. Rochelle Feldman, Prima Pediatrics