Getting Into The Swim of Things: Six Ways to Keep Your Little Swimmer Safe & Healthy At The Pool

Philadelphia, PA, July 11, 2005– Pool safety starts long before your child steps into the water, says Danielle Casher, MD, pediatrician at Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare who recommends the following swimming safety tips:

• Blocking the sun – One of the most dangerous parts of swimming is sun exposure. Protect your child by putting SPF 30 or higher sun block on 30 minutes before leaving home. Even if the sun block is waterproof, reapply after your child gets out of the water.
• Preventing drowning – Make sure the pool has easily accessible rescue equipment and a lifeguard on duty. If your child cannot swim or is learning to swim, an adult must stay with the child in the pool at all times.
• Avoiding Swimmer’s Ear – Being in the pool a lot can cause swimmer’s ear, an ear infection that causes pain. Put earplugs in to keep water and infection out. Make sure that your child’s ears are dry when he/she gets out of the water.
• Wearing eye protection – Swimming goggles keep eyes from being red and irritated from chlorine and other pool chemicals.
• Snacking safely – Barbeques are often poolside, so make sure that your child bites into a completely cooked hamburger that is not pink inside. Under-cooked meat can cause an intestinal infection. Avoid giving your child foods that have been out in the sun a long time.
• Organizing a first-aid kit – When running to or from the pool, children often fall and injure themselves. Have a first-aid kit ready with band-aids, antibacterial ointment and medicine that contains acetaminophen. Also pack bug spray and bite relief gel.

“These are all easy ways to keep your child healthy and happy at the pool. Remember, a safe summer is a fun summer,” says Dr. Casher.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations.  Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare.  To make an appointment with an Einstein physician, visit www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.

CONTACT: Emily Schmitt
Marketing Specialist
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
215-456-6731 or schmitte@einstein.edu

Publish date: July 11, 2005