Saw a good article that I believe is worth sharing with our community:
SUMMER HEALTH ISSUES IN KIDS
SMOG/MOLD: More smog and air pollution, high pollen levels and increased mold growth due to high humidity all cause a spike in asthma attacks in summer. Check local air pollution and pollen counts at airnow.gov. Stay indoors, in air conditioning if levels are high.
SWIMMERS EARS: Ear care is especially important during the summer months when heat and humidity can fuel the growth of the bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer’s ear. To prevent water from getting stuck in the ear canal, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering. Tilt your head so one ear faces down to allow water to escape the ear canal. Then gently pull your ear lobe in several directions to help the water drain out. If the water is still stuck, you can use a hair dryer to remove it —keep the dryer on the lowest heat setting and hold it several inches away from your head. And, never stick a cotton swab or other object in your ear. "Leave the ear wax alone — it protects the lining of the ear from infections such as swimmer’s ear
FOOD POISONING: Prevent food poisoning by keeping perishable foods refrigerated or in a cooler with ice. In temperatures higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, food should not be left out for more than one hour. In many cases it can lead to diarrhea. Loss of water volume and electrolytes due to a diarrheal illness can cause dehydration and frequently send kids to ERs.
HYPERTHERMIA: Chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, poor circulation and obesity can also hinder a person’s ability to cool down. To prevent heat-related illnesses, avoid exerting yourself outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, and seek air conditioning — on hot days. drink eight to nine glasses of water a day.
HAND FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE: The summer-loving Coxsackie virus causes hand, foot and mouth disease. Infections, which usually affect children younger than ten, can cause fever, sore throat, oral ulcers and small blisters on the hands and feet. Coxsackie is spread person-to-person through saliva, mucous and feces. Symptoms usually go away on their own within a week. A saltwater mouth rinse of 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water may help soothe the pain from mouth ulcers. if your child becomes dehydrated from not drinking or develops a high fever, seek medical help.
LYME DISEASE: Lyme disease peaks during the summer months when people are exposed to ticks in yards and woods. See a doctor if you experience fever, headache, body aches, rash, facial paralysis or arthritis after a tick bite. The disease can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to joint, heart and nerve damage. Prevent tick bites by using a repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET on exposed skin, and one that contains the insecticide permethrin on clothing. Always conduct a full-body tick check after coming in from a wooded or bushy area.
POISON IVY: Though you can get a rash from a poison ivy plant at any time of the year (even in the winter when the plant has no leaves) poison ivy is more common in the summer when people are more likely to have contact with the plant on their skin. Painful swelling and itching can be treated at home with hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion and an oral antihistamine. But see a doctor if the rash appears on your eyelids, lips, face or genitals, the skin around the rash appears infected, or you have a fever — prescription medication may be needed.
Source: http://www.livescience.com/
