Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy, DANGEROUS Days of Summer.

• Position: WARM-WEATHER ACTIVITIES

The summer is filled with the typical health hazards on top of continued concerns about COV1D-19. Pediatrician Jay D'Orso of Nuvance Health has some advice to keep families safe during the warm-weather season.

"When biking, skating, or riding a scooter, make sure your kids are always wearing a helmet, which can help absorb and cushion blows to the head and reduce the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85%. Get a helmet your kids like, as this will make them much more likely to wear it. Lead by example and wear a helmet yourself.

"Moreover, it's important to always ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and wear high visibility gear. Avoid riding at night. You may also want to avoid crowded areas and trails to promote proper social distancing."

If your kids are going to be spending time in the hot summer sun, take proper steps to avoid conditions such as heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn. "Supervise your children and make sure they get enough to drink-water is the best choice--especially if they are running around in the sun or sweating in the heat.

"Always apply sunscreen on their skin before they go outside. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using SPF 15 or greater and reapplying at least every two hours, or after swimming or sweating."

One of the hazards of the outdoors is insect bites and stings. 'These can be painful, cause allergic reactions, contain toxins, or even transmit illnesses such as Lyme disease." There are several ways to protect kids, including:

* Use an insect repellent that contains 10% to 30% of DEET. "Always check that you are using the appropriate amount based on age, and reapply it after swimming according to instructions."

* Avoid wearing flowery clothing, bright colors, and perfumes, as these can attract insects.

* Many specialists think that ticks need attach for at least 24 to 48 hours to cause tick-related illnesses such as Lyme disease. So, check your kids every night to reduce their risk.

"Playing in the water can be a lot of fun for kids and families, but it's also one of the most dangerous activities for children," cautions D'Orso. "Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury deaths in the U.S., and kids--particularly age five and younger--can be especially vulnerable."

To keep your offspring safe around water, follow these guidelines:

* If you have any type of water near your house, be certain that children cannot get outside on their own. Keep pools fenced in and make...