TIP of the WEEK: Summer Safety Tips

Always use sunscreen. Even on a cloudy day our kids are susceptible to sun burns. Fair skin, temperature regulation issues, and high pain tolerance make sun exposure dangerous. Sun burns hurt and itch making skin picking much more likely.

Be mindful while swimming. Our kids lack stamina and often tire easily and without warning. Keep swimming close to shore and in the shallow end of the pool until you know exactly how strong of a swimmer your child is.

Stay hydrated. Many of our kids don’t sweat easily which traps the heat inside their bodies. Watch closely for signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Be mindful of outside trash. If your child has high food seeking behaviors watch for trash cans at beaches and lakes. Many people throw large amounts of food away after picnics and cookouts.

Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor activities as long as you watch for the potential dangers.

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.