In Sickness & Health: Preventing Heat-Related Illness

What are heat cramps? These are brief, severe muscle cramps, usually in the arms, legs, or abdomen. It is an early warning sign that the body is having difficulty adjusting to heat.

What is heat stroke? Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which the body cannot cool itself.

What is the treatment for heat illness? Move the child to a cool place, cool the body with water or other means, provide water to drink (if conscious). Call EMS if necessary.

How can I prevent heat illness? Encourage children to drink water throughout the day. Play inside or in the shade during the hottest and/or sunniest part of the day. Monitor the daily heat index and UV index and take precautions as appropriate.

Safety: Playground Safety

Where can I find recommendations for playground safety? CPSC “Handbook for Public Playground Safety;” National Program for Playground Safety.

How often should I inspect my playground? Conduct daily checks for trash, insects, or other hazards. Conduct thorough inspections at least monthly.

How should children dress for outdoor play? Clothing layers are best for cooler days; cover-up clothing protects from UV exposure; closed, well-fitting shoes are safest. Avoid necklaces, hoop earrings, or drawstrings.

What activities are appropriate? Most activities that are done indoors (art, reading, blocks) can also take place outdoors. Provide props such as large soft balls, wheeled toys, and washable toys for outdoor play.

Nutrition Action: Packing Lunches Safely

What causes food-borne illness? Contamination by microorganisms, primarily bacteria. Bacteria can multiply in improperly prepared or stored food products.

Can you tell if a food is spoiled? No. You cannot tell by smell, appearance, or taste.

What is a safe temperature for food? Keep hot foods hot (140° F) and cold foods cold (below 40° degrees F).

What are shelf-stable foods? These are foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking, such as raw fruits and vegetables, commercially packaged fruit or pudding cups, peanut butter and crackers.

Medicine Chest: Sun Safe Actions

Are all UV rays dangerous? Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin damage.

What are the “peak sun intensity” hours? This is the time when the sun's UV rays are most intense and most damaging to skin and eyes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. are the peak hours, with most intensity from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

What clothing is best? Wear clothing that covers the most skin, such as long pants or capris rather than shorts; long- r short-sleeved shirts rather than tank tops. Wear wide-brimmed hats.

What sunscreen product is recommended? Choose a product labeled “multi-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum” or “UVA/UVB” protection, and that is labeled SPF 30 or higher.

Health & You: The Heat Is On to Save Your Skin

What causes skin cancer? Research indicates a link between overexposure to UV radiation (sun's rays) and skin cancer.

Who is at risk for skin cancer? UV radiation affects everyone, regardless of your skin tone, race, or geographic location.

What are early signs of skin cancer? Sores that do not heal, changes in the size or color of miles, bumps on the skin that are getting bigger.

What are ways to protect the skin? Wear cover-up clothing and hats, use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, avoid peak sun intensity hours.