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Message from Nurse MaryAnne:
As we prepare for February break, a few reminders....
Winter Safety Tips
The heart of winter is here. Along with cold weather, comes fun outdoor activities like sledding. There are some important safety rules to follow for cold weather safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
-Children should be supervised while sledding. Children less than 5 years of age should not sled alone. Keep sledders away from motor vehicles.
-Keep young children separated from older children. Avoid sledding in crowded areas.
-Sledding feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down head-first, may prevent head injuries.
-Consider having your child wear a (hockey not bicycle) helmet while sledding.
-Sleds should be structurally sound, well inflated, and free of sharp edges and splinters.
-Sled slopes should be free of obstructions like trees or fences, be covered in snow not ice, not be too steep (slope of less than 30ยบ), and end with a flat runoff with plenty of room.
Hypothermia
Cold injuries are also a concern in winter. Hypothermia develops when a person's body temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures. It can happen more quickly in children than adults. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing appropriate clothing. Dressing children warmly using several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don't forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat. Choose boots that are large enough to comfortably accommodate two pairs of socks. The rule of thumb for young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
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