Tag Archives: water and summer childcare
Summer is starting with a Heat Wave – Safety Tips
Tips for Staying Cool This Summer
Be aware of the heat. Pay attention to it and modify your activities appropriately.- Pay attention to your hydration status and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- Try to stay in relatively cool areas, even when outside. Many public places, such as libraries, shopping malls and movie theatres, are air conditioned.
- Avoid hot, enclosed places, such as cars. Never leave children unattended in a car!
- Use a fan, if available.
- Stay on the lowest floor of your building.
- Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
- Cover windows that receive a significant amount of sun with drapes or shades to help keep your house cool.
- Cool beverages are good for cooling down the body, while alcoholic drinks can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
Signs of Heat Overexposure
- Heavy sweating — though if heat stroke sets in, the body can no longer compensate and stops sweating.
- Pale skin.
- Muscle cramps.
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Altered mental status (confusion or disorientation).
- Headache.
- Becoming semi-conscious or passing out.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Steps to Take After Recognizing Heat-Induced Illness
- Call 911.
- Get the person out of the sun and into a cool area. An air-conditioned area is ideal, but moving someone into the shade will also help.
- Apply water to help the person cool off.
- Apply ice to the neck or armpits, where large blood vessels are close to the surface.
- Remove any heavy clothing.
- Immerse the body in cool water, either at a swimming pool or in a bathtub.
Don’t forget the pets, keep them cool and hydrated too!
Summer & Water Safety for Au Pairs
On Sunday, June 3rd the Suffolk APIA Au Pairs gathered at their Community Counselor’s beach house to learn about Summer & Water Safety.
Water Safety was the most important topic of discussion since almost every au pair will be caring for children with a pool in the back yard or going to the beach with the kids this summer! Also covered was sunscreen and sunburns, poison ivy, and ticks. The au pairs learned how to identify, prevent and treat poison ivy. Every yard in Suffolk County has a little poison ivy. We are all concerned with Lyme disease, so the discussion covered identifying the types of ticks that carry the disease, the bull’s eye rash and the flu like symptoms that result from Lyme disease.
Everyone also had a chance to enjoy the beautiful Long Island Sound beach and spend time with each other. New friends arriving, old friends nearing their time to return home to their countries!
Cindy served strawberry shortcake after the lesson was over. It is strawberry season here on Long Island and everyone enjoyed the dessert!
