Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 43 Join us for the live conversation on Stay tuned to the Fredericksburg Parent & Family YouTube and Facebook channels this month for a video interview with Mary Washington Urgent Care. Facebook: @fredericksburgparent • Twitter: @FredParent •Instagram: @fredparentmagazine a sk t h e e x p e rt Sponsored Material Q: What are some useful things to stash in a bag or kit to keep in the car for summer adventures on the go? Lisa Petty: It really varies based on the activities you plan to take part in. But some good basics would include: • Adhesive bandages and gauze bandages for cuts and scrapes. • Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. • Tweezers for removing tics and splinters. • A triangular bandage or bandana can be used as a sling if someone experiences an arm injury. • Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and antihistamines can all be helpful for pain, fevers or allergic reactions. • A cold pack. • Antiseptic, such as hydrogen peroxide, or just plain soap, for cleaning out wounds. • Bug repellant spray. Q: What should parents keep in mind when it comes to sun exposure? Lisa Petty: Sunscreen, as well as seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing, are all important sun-protection tools. Parents should look for sunscreens with a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 30, and studies have shown that SPF numbers above 50 really don't make a measurable difference. Zinc oxide is an important ingredient to look for, as it is a non-chemical ingredient that is very effective at blocking harmful ultraviolet rays. However, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. You'll want to apply sunscreen a couple times a day. If you're in the water, you'll want to apply more often, and make sure to use a water- proof sunscreen. While it's important to protect children's skin from UV damage, parents should also remem- ber that we all need some sun exposure each day to boost vitamin D production. And being active outside is important for combatting childhood obesity, which has risen as children have adopted more sedentary lifestyles. Q: For many kids, being active outside in the summer means hanging out at a pool or beach. What should parents remember about water safety with kids? Lisa Petty: The most important advice is never swim alone. But big groups of kids at a pool bring their own challenges, and in this situation, parents should always make sure that at least one adult is actively watching the pool and counting the kids at all times. It's helpful to take 15-minute shifts, so that the person watching the children can maintain focus. One of the best things you can do for water safety is to get your child swimming lessons, which are available at many YMCAs, public pools and swim schools in our area. At a pool, always make sure your children are aware of the depth at different areas of the pool. In open water, kids should wear a life jacket and protective footwear. So many childhood drownings occur due to ocean currents, such as undertows and rip tides. It's important to be aware of the currents whenever you are swimming at a beach, and to teach your children about how an undertow or a rip tide can quickly pull them out to sea. Mary Washington Urgent Care The Mary Washington Urgent Care team is here for you this summer. Urgent Care provides comfort- able, convenient, quick care with no appointment needed, with locations in South Stafford and King George County. Urgent care can provide healthcare ser- vices for non-life-threatening conditions for patients two and older. For more information or to let us know you're on your way, visit: Urgent.mwhc.com KING GEORGE 11131 Journal Parkway, Suite A King George, VA 22485 SOUTH STAFFORD (ROUTE 17) 10 Stafford Lakes Parkway, Suite 102 Fredericksburg, VA 22406

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