Travelsprouts

Do your summer plans include plans to protect your kids from the sun? 1. Summer vacations increase sun exposure. (So do winter vacations in snow country.) While you may be savvy about protecting your kids from everyday sun-related hazards, summer vacations add numerous factors to contend with: more hours of sun per day, more timeRead more

With spring and summer just around the corner, it’s time to review how you protect your kids (and yourself) from mosquito bites. While most bites are merely annoying, there is a tiny percentage of mosquitoes that carry disease-causing viruses, a percentage that may be increasing slightly with the emergence of Zika, West Nile and otherRead more

1. To enter a car safely, the only thing in your hands should be your car keys, says a website on safety. (Hardly helpful advice for parents with young children.) In fact, placing car seats into cars is hazardous even in good weather. It involves compromising your balance. Bending awkwardly. Standing on one leg. HavingRead more

“No need ever to wear shoes in our resort,” says the ad for an idyllic, upscale, family-friendly tropical beach resort. Alas, if only true! Footwear - plus other precautions - is essential at all beaches, at home and in the tropics, with tropical beaches requiring some extra precautions. Call it sand pollution. Researchers have known aboutRead more

Hey Mom! Make room in your already bulging diaper bag for one additional item, sunglasses. For your infant. The earlier children begin to wear “shades” the less likely they are to have cataracts and other eye problems when they become grandparents. 1. Any old shades won’t do. Infants’ eyes are especially susceptible to the sun.Read more

You need not travel halfway around the world to acquire “travelers” diarrhea. A short trip to your neighborhood recreational water facility may suffice. But if indeed someone does become ill, don’t panic. Hold off on treating. Most cases get better by themselves, while medication may cause harm - especially for children. 1. All recreational waterRead more

Having your kids wear sunglasses when the ground is covered with snow is as important as having them wear them on a summer day at the beach – perhaps even more so. Wearing the right winter sunglasses prevents snow blindness and, more important, helps prevent cataracts in later life. 1. “Snow blindness” is not exactlyRead more

Hi Kids! Good news regarding what’s good for you to eat on days when you spend time outdoors in cold weather. Tell your parents that there’s no need to make you eat yucky oatmeal or other ugh-tasting stuff while denying you a measly piece of candy, which is what you really want. Tell them thatRead more

The events that make holiday seasons special for kids – festive atmospheres, gifts, and visiting family –  are also events that may spread illness and cause mishaps. Fortunately, a bit of foresight will prevent almost all problems. 1. Vaccinate against influenza. Family gatherings bring together people of all ages, from different communities, crowd them intoRead more

Protecting your kids from the sun is not child’s play. For kids to have safe fun in the sun you must decipher ongoing barrages of conflicting information on sun protection and evaluate innumerable products claiming to provide that protection. Here’s what you should know: 1. There are basically two types of sunscreens, physical and chemical.Read more