Protecting Kids from the Sun By Dr. Karl Neumann Posted in: Snow Activities, Summer Travel, Sun, Beach, & Swimming

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

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Children and Insect Repellents By Dr. Karl Neumann Posted in: Outdoors, Summer Travel

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

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Children on Sandy Beaches By Dr. Karl Neumann Posted in: Summer Travel, Sun, Beach, & Swimming

“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

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Sunglasses for Infants and Young Children By Dr. Karl Neumann Posted in: Pregnancy & Newborn, Pregnancy & Newborn, Summer Travel, Sun, Beach, & Swimming

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

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Swimming, Children & Intestinal Illnesses By Dr. Karl Neumann Posted in: Summer Travel, Sun, Beach, & Swimming

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

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Sunscreen for Infants and Young Children By Dr. Karl Neumann Posted in: Pregnancy & Newborn, Pregnancy & Newborn, Summer Travel, Sun, Beach, & Swimming

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

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Keeping Children Cool & Healthy in Hot Weather By Dr. Karl Neumann Posted in: Summer Travel, Sun, Beach, & Swimming

Common sense, air conditioning and readily available drinking water have greatly reduced the incidence of heat-related illness in infants and children. But don’t let your vigil down. Cases do still occur, generally due to lack of forethought, and sometimes with horrific results. Here is what you must know: 1. The younger the child, the moreRead more

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