ER for kids Tag

3 Tips for Pool Safety

As the dog days of summer drag on, the pool is probably your family’s favorite hangout. But accidental drownings are the leading cause of death in children in the United States.¹ To help keep your family safe this summer, the physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, have put together these 3 tips for pool safety that every homeowner should know.

1. Create a Barrier

An enclosed fence on all four sides of the pool is a key safety feature that should coincide with a pool’s installation. The lock on the gate should be higher than a child’s reach and should be self-closing and latching. For above-ground pools, remove the ladder or steps when not in use, as well as any other equipment that could be used to gain access.

Consider installing a locking pool cover.² Use a safety float line to partition off the deep end for young swimmers. Use childproof window and door locks on the side facing the pool.

“Barriers are essential for keeping children away from water,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “However, it is good advice that if your child is missing, check the water first.”

2. Install an Alarm

Alarms can alert adults to a child trying to gain access to a pool without supervision. Since 69% of young children who drown were not expected to be in the water, a warning alarm could save a life.²

There are several options for alarms. They can be installed on patio doors that lead out to the pool, on the gate of the fence that provides the pool barrier, or installed in the water as a sensor for a child unexpectedly entering the water.

3. Invest in Education

While purchasing alarms and barriers seem like sensible investments, you can also prepare your children for pool safety by investing in their education. At the earliest age that is appropriate, take them to swimming lessons. Spend time regularly reviewing pool rules and then enforcing them. Finally, attend CPR training to know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Here are some common pool rules to get you started:

• No swimming without an adult present
• No swimming without permission
• No entering pool area without an adult present
• No running around the pool
• No diving (or dive only in deep end, if applicable)
• No alcohol and swimming
• No roughhousing or pushing into the pool
• Stay away from drains and filters

“While drowning is a parent’s biggest fear when it comes to pool safety, running on wet pavement is also a concern. Kids racing around a pool to jump in can have a serious slip and fall injury,” said Dr. Khan. “We see a lot of lacerations on chins and concussions from this common accident.”

Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

While these pool safety tips will help prevent many accidents, children or adults may still inhale water or have other pool-related emergencies. That’s why Medco ER & Urgent Care is open 24/7 to provide immediate access to quality healthcare right when you need it the most.

• Plano location:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

¹ https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html

² https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/home-pool-safety.html

Top 3 Summer Health Hazards

It’s summertime and the increase in activity leads to an increase in injuries and medical conditions directly related to summer activities. For many, summer is the best time of year, but it also has some accompanying health hazards that we should know about. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we’ve highlighted 3 kinds of health hazards that spike during the summer months. Keep your family and yourself safe and healthy this summer by paying attention to these three health hazards.

Sun Hazards

Leading the pack of summer health hazards are the ones that accompany increased exposure to sun. Heat exhaustion, for example, occurs when the body overheats in high temperatures and high humidity.

Heat stroke takes heat exhaustion one step further and requires immediate medical intervention since it can be a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include hot skin, red skin, dry skin, confusion, feeling cold, and loss of consciousness.

High heat and humidity also creates a constant battle against dehydration. Staying hydrated will help your body stay cool and keeping electrolytes in balance will help your body use water efficiently and keep blood pressure under control.

Sunburn is also a common summer hazard that can be very painful. Over time, sun exposure can cause skin damage and even eye damage. Using moisturizers with sunscreen, using sunscreen outdoors, and wearing hats, UV-rated sunglasses and long sleeves are important preventative measures.

Finally, food poisoning is among the top health hazards in the summertime. Use best food handling practices to keep your family and guests safe this summer.

“Most sun-related health hazards are preventable with a little forethought and preparation,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “But still, it’s hard to beat the effects of the heat. When you get overheated, sick or injured from sun exposure or food poisoning, come to Medco ER right away for our unique no-wait access to quality medical care.”

Water Hazards

Playing in the water is our favorite way of beating the heat during the summer. But increased water activity greatly increases your chances of experiencing a water-related health hazard. Many of these hazards are preventable, but some are not.

Drowning is the biggest concern with water activities and can often be prevented with the use of a life jacket. Sometimes, boating accidents can be less serious if everyone in the boat is wearing a life jacket. Additionally, respiratory distress from water aspiration can manifest hours after children inhale water at the pool or lake.

Germs are also a concern when going to public pools. A good practice is to check a pool’s health score before going.¹ Also, while swimmer’s ear seems like a minor inconvenience, it can be a painful medical condition that can be easily treated with a visit to the doctor.

Other water hazards include slip-and-fall injuries from running around the pool’s wet concrete, stepping on nails or wood splinters with bare feet, and becoming dehydrated from not drinking enough water. Alcohol can also cause dehydration as well as diminished judgement when it comes to safety. So try non-alcoholic drinks when enjoying a day at the beach or pool.

Kid Hazards

Kids are much more active in the neighborhood in the summertime, which can set the stage for injuries in traffic and on the sidewalk. Make sure your child has a helmet for biking and a helmet and pads for skating and skateboarding.

Outdoor activity can also pose other risks. If your child has never been stung by a bee, watch them closely after a first sting to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

Young workers have a higher rate of accidents than older workers.¹ If your young teen is working a summer job, make sure he or she has the safety equipment and knowledge needed to prevent workplace injuries.

“Kids find a lot of creative ways to be busy in the summer, and sometimes that means a fast trip to the doctor,” said Dr. Khan. “We have appropriate, child-sized equipment and a child-friendly exam room readily available for urgent and emergency situations.”

Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

For help with all kinds of health conditions and injuries, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are here for you. We’re always open and available to help in diagnostic, treatment and recovery from common summertime health hazards and injuries.

• Plano location:

3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

            Call us @ 469-392-4000¹ https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p0517-eight-tips-healthy-summer.html