MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
As tens of thousands of parents across the Mid-South start sending their kids to summer camp, experts warn that proper precautions such as wearing appropriate clothing, using sunscreen and doing physical exams, need to be taken to avoid heat-related illnesses and other injuries.
Summer camp is an exciting time for kids all over the Mid-South. But, to make sure that good time doesn't take a turn for the worst, experts warn parents to make sure their kids are properly prepared. Molly Coker is a family nurse practitioner at MinuteClinic, a division of CVS Health. Coker said preparation should start with scheduling a physical exam, even if the child isn’t attending a sports camp.
"This is going to ensure that their vaccines are up to date and that they're meeting the vaccine guidelines of the camp. We're going to be checking the heart and lungs, making sure that they are meeting the criteria to be able to do the activities,” Coker said.
If your child has special needs or previous injuries, make sure camp staff is aware and the child is sent to camp with anything they may need.
"On that physical form, it's going to have step by step what the procedure is, how they need to administer,” said Coker. "Also, the camps and certain schools will tell you what the patient, the kid themselves can give themselves and what their medical procedures are."
Since many campers will spend hours outdoors, it's important to protect against the sun's harmful rays, by reminding them to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
"SPF30 is the best SPF to do. It blocks about 97% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays,” said Coker.
Heat-related illnesses are also a major concern this summer. To prevent this, the CDC recommends light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Experts also recommend teaching your child about importance of staying hydrated and the symptoms of heat exhaustion.