Summer Safety

I just wanted to talk a little about sun safety. Two summers ago, my then 4 year old daughter was at her first day of 1/2 day camp. They were playing without their shoes on and the fire alarm went off accidentally in the building next door to them (attached). The kids ran out the front door across the blacktop parking lot at 3pm on a 107 degree day. The result was that my daughter had 2nd degree burns on the bottoms of both of her feet!

It was absolutely awful. She couldn't put her feet down on any surface for 2 weeks. Our whole way of life changed. Just the simple tasks of brushing her teeth, getting dressed, playing, etc. were now impossible for her to do on her own. We had to bring a bowl of water to her so she could brush her teeth and rinse out. We had to pick her up any time she had to go potty, or anywhere for that matter.

Fortunately, my daughter has recovered fully. She does not have any physical scars. She did go to physical therapy as well as a few counseling sessions, but she is now doing great.

Today, I was at swimming lessons with my daughter and I was watching the children walking on the deck. Some of the kids were curling their toes, others were walking up on their toes, and another was walking on his heels! I said to the mom next to me that my daughter had received burns on her feet from walking on hot ground and that I recommend that kids where swim shoes this time of year here in AZ or anywhere else where it's really hot. Abbie won't get in the pool without her swim shoes. The great thing is that they are a whole $4.00 at Target! You can't beat that!

Anyways, I urge you to be cautious in the strong summer sun. Apply sunscreen every day; where swim shoes on hot decks; cover up those seat belt buckles with a towel when your car is parked.

Have a safe, fun summer with your family!