Happy July! Summer is officially in full swing, and around the Hudson Valley, that means beautiful sunny days, backyard barbecues, and plenty of outdoor adventures. While we want our families to soak up every bit of summer fun, the July heat and humidity mean taking a few extra precautions to keep our kids safe and healthy.
Here are a few quick, essential tips from our medical team to keep your family thriving all month long:
1. Master the Sunscreen Routine
Sunburns can happen fast, even on cloudy days.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before heading outside, and don’t forget easily missed spots like ears, tops of feet, and the back of the neck.
Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.
Note: For babies under 6 months old, keep them in the shade and dress them in lightweight clothing and wide-brimmed hats rather than using sunscreen.
2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Kids get caught up in playing and often forget to drink water until they are already dehydrated.
Offer water before they ask for it.
Keep reusable water bottles handy and encourage water breaks every 20 minutes during outdoor play.
Limit sugary juices and soda, which can actually worsen dehydration in the summer heat.
3. Keep an Eye on the Heat Index
When the humidity is high, the body has a harder time cooling itself down.
Try to schedule heavy outdoor activity, playground trips, or sports practices during the cooler parts of the day—either early morning or later in the evening.
Take frequent air-conditioned or shaded breaks. If your child seems unusually tired, dizzy, or complains of a headache, bring them indoors to cool down immediately.
4. Don’t Forget the Bug Spray
Summer playing often leads into the woods or tall grass.
Protect your kids from ticks and mosquitoes by applying an insect repellent containing 10% to 30% DEET (avoiding their hands, mouth, and eyes).
Always do a thorough tick check on your children’s skin and scalp as soon as they come inside for the evening.
We hope you have a fantastic, safe, and memorable July with your families! If you ever have questions about summer safety, or if your child needs a routine check-up or summer camp physical, give our office a call to schedule an appointment.
Enjoy the sunshine!
— The Team at New Windsor Pediatrics and Family Care
