Parents can prevent many summertime injuries to their children

James Cahalin, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine specialist and medical director of the Cardinal Glennon Pediatric Emergency Care at St. Anthony's Medical Center

The carefree days of summer typically are a time for kids to kick back, relax and enjoy their freedom from the confines of the classroom. But, for parents, it can be a time that requires extra vigilance.

“Too often, summertime celebrations spark a trip to the nearest Urgent Care Center or even a hospital emergency room,” said James Cahalin, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine specialist. Dr. Cahalin is medical director of the Cardinal Glennon Pediatric Emergency Care at St. Anthony’s Medical Center.

“Throughout the summer, and particularly over holiday weekends, we see young patients with injuries ranging from bee stings, poison ivy and sunburn to cuts, burns and fractures,” he said. “Parents could prevent many of these injuries by taking a few precautions.”

There always are accidents with fireworks over the July 4^th weekend, with a few resulting in serious burns or severe injuries. Adults, not children, should handle fireworks, Dr. Cahalin said. Children don’t have fine motor control like adults, and can hurt themselves more easily.

He advises parents to protect their children from sunburns by applying sunscreen to all exposed skin and by having them wear a hat. “Five or six hours in the sun can produce a second-degree burn on a child,” Dr. Cahalin said. “That kind of burn doubles the chance of the child getting skin cancer later in life.”

If you’re planning a family hike in a wooded area, make sure everyone avoids using strong-smelling soaps or perfumes that attract insects. Hikers should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, topped by a cap or hat to protect against both ticks and poison ivy, Dr. Cahalin said. “Spray yourself and your children with insect repellant when camping, hiking or fishing in a wooded area.”

Some of the most common – and potentially most serious – summertime injuries occur on wheels. If your children enjoy riding bicycles, skateboards, skates or scooters, be sure they wear the proper safety gear, Dr. Cahalin said. Helmets are a must to prevent head injuries, but knee and elbow pads can provide protection from cuts, scrapes and bruises and even more serious injuries, he said.

“If you plan a weekend on the water, be sure everyone – kids and parents as well – wears a life jacket,” Dr. Cahalin said. “Water wings work well to help younger children stay afloat in the swimming pool.”

The most important rule for preventing summertime injuries, Dr. Cahalin said, is for parents to watch their children closely. “Too often the adults get together and talk, and nobody watches the kids,” he said. “This is when falls and fractures occur, sometimes because a smaller child is trying to do the same things as bigger children.

“Parents can prevent many summertime injuries to their children with a little extra vigilance and a little common sense,” he said.

Of course, no matter how vigilant a parent is, there always will be accidents and injuries. St. Anthony’s operates four Urgent Care Centers for injuries that are “urgent” but not “life threatening.” For “urgent” illnesses or injuries, visit St. Anthony’s Arnold, Lemay, Fenton or Big Bend Urgent Care Center, which are open seven days a week. Call 1-800-554-9550 or 314-525-4002 for locations and hours of operation.

For “life-threatening” or “very serious” injuries, such as severe burns, fractures or head injuries, visit the Cardinal Glennon Pediatric Emergency Care at St. Anthony’s, 10010 Kennerly Road in south county.

For information, please call our Health Access Line at 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550
or visit find a physician online.

At St. Anthony’s, our vision is to be the area’s premier health care organization
— and your first choice for health care services.

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Parents can prevent many summertime injuries to their children