The Fourth of July should be all about family, fun, and fireworks. But thanks to many potential hazards, the holiday can bring about plenty of big time boo-boos, too. Here’s how to keep your kids safe this Fourth—and all summer long.

By Sarah Wassner Flynn

As barbeques simmer and fireworks pop this Fourth of July, hospital emergency rooms around the country fill with victims of Independence Day injuries. In fact, the one-month window surrounding the Fourth is one of the busiest times for ER doctors and nurses. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to sidestep common summertime ailments and injuries. Here are some expert tips on making your Fourth spectacular and safe.

FIREWORKS SAFETY
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms across the country due to accidents caused by fireworks devices in 2006. And children ages 10 to 14 are the most likely to suffer from fireworks-related injuries, usually involving burns to the hands and fingers, eyes, head, and face. “Every year, we see the same thing,” says Donna Bucciarelli, a trauma nurse with William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, and director of programs for Safety City, U.S.A . “Kids come in with severe burns, lacerations to the eyes, and worse. We don’t really think about their danger because they are so beautiful, but fireworks pack a lot of power.”

Experts recommend avoiding homegrown fireworks displays all together. But if you do decide to put on your own display, keep the pyrotechnics in the hands of the parents. Have kids watch from a safe distance, which is at least 20 feet away. Or better yet, just hit up a local fireworks show put on by professionals. “If you don’t know what you’re doing, the dangers far exceed the fun of it all,” says Bucciarelli.

SPARKLERS OF CONCERN
Sure, sparklers seem like a simple way to keep kids entertained on the fourth, but these sizzling sticks come with their own set of safety concerns. Bucciarelli recalls a small girl arriving to the ER with severe burns to her lower body one a recent Fourth of July. “She was wearing a skirt made of some sort of synthetic material, which just went up in flames as she was playing with a sparkler,” she says. “Little kids’ arms aren’t that long, and they tend to hold sparklers way too close to their bodies, resulting in burns.”

It’s no surprise, then, that sparklers (which can reach up to 2000 degrees) account for over one-third of injuries to children under five years old, according to the CPSC. “Sparklers don’t look very threatening, but still have the potential to burn a child,” says Sherri Hannan, a registered nurse and head of the Safe Kids Coalition at Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington. She says it’s key to keep sparklers away from children under five, and to supervise the older kids closely as they play. “They’re essentially playing with fire, so extreme caution should be taken any time sparklers are out,” advises Bucciarelli.

GRILL WISELY
Another hot topic around the fourth? Grill and campfire safety. “Anything with an open flame is an invite for potential burns, especially with kids,” says Bucciarelli. “They’re naturally curious, and once the cooking’s done and everyone’s busy eating, they tend to sneak over to the grill or campfire, which is when injuries can occur.” You can never be too vigilant about eyeing your little ones as they play outside. Britt Michaelian of Responsible Family Company recommends keeping your barbeque lid closed and kids at least five feet away at all times. “And if you’re lighting a campfire, keep the flame small, and make sure to have plenty of water and a shovel on hand in case the fire gets out of control,” says Michaelian.

WATER WATCH
As families descend upon beaches and pools around the fourth, ERs become saturated with victims of water-related injuries. “We see many, many drownings around the fourth,” says Bucciarelli. “There’s just so much going on that it’s easy to lose sight of the kids.” To prevent a potential scary situation, Hannan suggests designating an adult as a “child watcher” whose sole duty is to observe kids around water. “This way, everyone doesn’t assume that someone else is doing it,” she says. And this may be a given, but be sure to strap on the lifejackets while on the open water—all children seven and under are required by law to wear US Life Guard approved life jackets when riding in boats.

To be properly prepared for any potentially scary summertime situations, prepare a first aid kit and toss it into your beach bag or backpack. And as with any time you’re having some family fun in the sun, drink plenty of fluids on a regular basis and frequently slather on that SPF. Then, just focus on having a fabulous fourth!

Read More:

• Summer safety tips
• The dangers of dry drowning
• Avoid food safety mistakes
• Secrets from the swimming teacher

According to the American Cancer Society, “Most of the more than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year in the U.S. are considered to be sun-related.” Among the risk factors for developing skin cancer is having a severe sunburn as a child. With young one’s begging to visit the pools to get some much needed relief from the heat this summer, how can you protect them from harmful rays and ensure some summertime fun? Dermatologists answer all of your sun safety questions to keep you and your family protected this summer.

By Tracy B. McGinnis

“If youngsters or adolescents get a few bad sunburns, 15 to 20 years later they’ll have a 30- to 40-times increased risk for developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer,” explains Dr. Aaron Chevinsky, M.D., from the Allied Surgical Group in Morristown, NJ. “Fair skinned people are more at risk, but melanoma can affect anyone.”

Dr. Chevinsky says parents can protect their children by using sun blocks with an SPF of 30 or higher, keeping skin covered with lightweight fabrics and avoiding the intense rays the sun puts out at midday.

What is SPF?
“SPF means Sun Protection Factor which is an equation to give us sun protection,” explains Dr. Michael Gold, dermatologist and founder of Gold Skin Care Center, Advanced Aesthetics Medi Spa and The Laser and Rejuvenation Center located in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Between 0 and 30 there is really a lot of difference in SPFs, after that, it only changes a little.”

As a dermatologist, Dr. Gold urges people to wear sunscreen on a daily basis and suggest applying it at least 30 minutes before exposure, adding that it should be reapplied after activities and swimming.

“Often confusing the mix are the ingredients in sunscreens. While the back of a product may read like a science text book, it is agreed upon that Titanium Oxide and Zinc are ingredients good to see - and now a new compound called Mixoral may change how we look at SPFs because with it, the protection numbers are going increasingly higher, as the coverage level with these newer ingredients are helping protect the skin.”

Dr. Gold says the sunscreen you use should be “broad-spectrum” covering both the UVA and UVB rays. He explains that UVB rays are associated with what we know as sunburns, but UVA rays penetrate deeper and can be associated with more sun damage over time.

Do labels matter– body, face, baby?
“The specific kind of sunscreen is not that important (face or body),” explains Dr. Gold. “The face may be more moisturizing, but both should work fine for all areas. Baby sunscreen is a great marketing concept, but in truth, there is no real difference between them and normal adult sunscreens.”

Sunblock or Sunscreen?
Chicago dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jackson, founder of the Skin Wellness Center of Chicago, and mother to adopted twin baby girls, is always preaching safe sun care techniques to her patients and family members.

”Use sun block, not sunscreen,” says Dr. Jackson. “Sunscreen is like the screen in your windows, allowing penetration of some rays, about 89% filter.” Dr. Jackson explains that sun block is more protective. “It has physical blockers like titanium dioxide and will filter out about 97% of UV rays, giving maximum protection against the sun.”

How much SPF do you need?
“If you were going to burn in one minute and you put an SPF 30 on, that means it would take you 30 minutes to get the same amount of damage.,” explains Dr. Jackson. “Be sure to choose an SPF of 30 on a daily basis. If you are heading out to the beach or park, go a bit higher like SPF 55 or 60.”

Dr. Jackson also agrees with other experts and says to keep clothes on. “A t-shirt has an SPF of 8, so it’s better than nothing. There are clothing lines, including swimsuits that have SPF protection built into the fabric.”

In addition to using SPF generously and often you can help protect your kids by seeking out shade, wearing sunglasses and hats in addition to t-shirts and sun protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during the hottest time of the day.

“For parents,” says Dr. Jackson, “Just like you talk to kids about not smoking and internet safety, talk to them about sun safety so they can have a lifetime of good health.”

For more online resources,  check out the American Academy of Dermatology’s Play Sun Smart website. 

Read more:

• Babies in the sunshine
• Summer safety
• Sunscreen for kids

By: Amanda Fornecker

With summer quickly approaching and the last bell about to ring, you’ll want to keep your kids occupied outdoors or on those rainy summer days where hanging by the pool just isn’t an option. We’ve come up with a list of eight fun projects for your crafty kids. Check ‘em out below!

The young fashionista

Let your young fashionista jazz up her wardrobe this summer with IToys Girl Zone Jewelry. From bangles to rings to graphic tees, she’ll love this craft full of glitz, glam, and glitter. Her unique creations may even get her started on thinking about a future career. This cool product won’t be available until August, so if you can’t wait that long check out Alex Bead Bash Jewelry Making Kit from Target stores.

Playing with dough

For those children with active imaginations who like to mold new (and old) things into their own special creations, check out Make Your Own Playdough, Paint, and Other Craft Materials: Easy Recipes to Use with Young Children (Redleaf Press, 2007). The book tells the eager parent the materials and steps to use to help their kids make their very own special playdough and more.

A jammin’ treat

Looking for a special summertime treat? Why not help your child create some delicious jam? Ball’s No Cook Freezer Pectin Jam is a yummy treat that you can create with your child in a matter of minutes. Spice up this craft by placing the same mixture in popsicle molds and freezing them with yogurt for an after-dinner treat.

Lasting summer memories

September always brings the “What I did on my summer vacation” essays. Help your child keep track with Crayola’s Digital Camera Scrapbooking Kit. You’ll take pictures, make a book, and create stories that will last a lifetime. The kit comes with a digital camera and case, markers, a CD with games, and more.

Outdoor activities

More than just taking the kids out to the playground to interact with others, why not have them interact with you? Nature’s Playground: Activities, Crafts, and Games to Encourage Children to Get Outdoors (Chicago Review Press, 2007) is a book that has a variety of activities you can complete along with your child. So get out there and have a good time enjoying kid activities!

From the experts

Craft stores are the perfect places to find the most creative projects and materials. At JoAnn’s Craft Store, the crafting experts have come up with special craft kits especially for those with an artsy disposition. Some of these cool crafts include creating flip-flops, bookmarks, and necklaces.

A sunny day

Why not make a craft fun and functional? With Protect A Bub’s Sun Hat kits, your child can paint his or her hat and then wear it outside to protect their sensitive heads and faces from the summer sun’s strong rays. It’s fashionable, practical, and affordable. Your child will love being creative with their paint and showing off their fabulous new creation!

Christmas in July

Have your children make their very own ornaments that they can hang on the tree in December, but enjoy in the summer. With DAS modeling clay and Prang paints, both sold at Office Depot, your children will get crafty and artsy, while giving you a special keepsake for a special holiday.

Read more:

Fun toddler craft ideas

Making a family time capsule

by Michele Thompson, MS

When kids come into your life, the exotic or adventuresome vacations that previously thrilled you are soon replaced with kid-friendly getaways that are less than exciting for your adult tastes. Of course, the first experiences of watching your child’s glee (or horror) at the petting zoo or her uncontained excitement at a theme park is priceless, but there is still a part of you yearning for a vacation that includes some grown-up intrigue. Lucky for you, we’ve found six types of trips that are fun for the whole family.

National parks
Breathe in some fresh air and natural beauty as well as marvel at nature’s landscape and wildlife at one of the many national parks. In addition to experiencing their scenic wonders, national parks are steeped with historical significance that can be gleaned from the visitor centers as well as educational plaques located throughout each park’s expanse.

“Yellowstone National Park is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen,” says Betty Gowens, mother of two, from Fresno, California. “The close proximity of wildlife like elk and bison is exciting for kids, but also for adults, especially those coming from cities that have little exposure to animals other than house pets.” She adds, “Not only have I taken my kids to Yellowstone, I’ve also taken my parents, who are in their 80s, and plan on eventually taking my grandkids, too. There is something of interest for people of all ages.”

Find a National Park near you at the National Park Service website.

Themed festivals
Every state, if not nearly every town and city, celebrates a themed festival each year. You and your family can be transported back to the medieval days at the traveling renaissance fairs or pirate festivals. Or you can attend the epicurean festivities of the countless food-related festivals held around the country. In addition to a buffet of dishes made from the festival theme food, your family can take part in the music, dance, crafts and other area offerings.

According to Joan Steinbacher, author of Food Fest!, “these festivals have always been a means of uniting communities through celebrations of harvests and giving thanks for a plentiful growing season. They can be traced back thousands of years to celebrating the arrival of harvest time, the autumnal equinox and the honoring of earth gods.”

For many families, honoring the food gods is just fine, and opt to do so at the many food-themed festivals held each year. Think of it as a vacation of culinary satisfaction for you as an adult as well as a learning and eating experience for your kids. Some yummy picks:

• The Garlic Gilroy Festival in Gilroy, California boasts more than 36 garlic-heady foods, including garlic ice cream. It is held in July and offers arts, crafts, entertainment and a kids’ area.
• Get your fill of juicy sweet melons at the Hampton Country Watermelon Festival in South Carolina, held each June. You can enjoy the warm weather during the Family Fun Day at Lake Warren State Park or take in the pet shows, mud runs, a watermelon eating contest, watermelon judging contest, a Melon Miss pageant for all ages and the big Miss Coastal and Miss Teen Coastal Empire pageants. There is also an arts and crafts display, along with a variety of musical entertainment as well as one of the largest parades in the state.
• Just pick a food, pick a festival and then search for other family fun attractions located nearby. Be sure to book a hotel that is kid-friendly and has adult amenities like customized fitness programs.

Nature’s novelties
Imagine walking through a grove of eucalyptus trees with hundreds of brightly-colored butterflies gracefully soaring by you or hanging in dense clusters in the tree branches, their wings moving to some unheard tempo? Sounds like a fairy tale, right? However, it is a yearly phenomenon that occurs from October through February in Pismo Beach, California.

The Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove draws locals and tourists who want to witness this surreal event. The sheer number of these winged beauties will awe your children and give them something to share with their classmates and friend as well as give you and your spouse a chance to enjoy the beach for a few days.

Nature’s novelties, like the monarchs gathering, are peppered throughout the United States. From bird-watching trails with seasonal migrations to mystery spots that combine the oddity of nature and physics gone awry, there is undoubtedly a family vacation in the making. Get your kids in on the getaway planning and experience the phenomena of nature together.

Museums
Museums of all kinds are located throughout the country. Though an art museum may bore your kids to tears and a children’s museum would be less than exciting for you, multi-disciplinary and science museums can be a happy family compromise.

Shelly Borboa, a mother of two from Bozeman, Montana, takes advantage of the Museum of the Rockies (MOR) located on the Montana State University campus. “The MOR is a one-of-a-kind museum that hosts fossils and life-size replicas of dinosaurs.” She adds, “In addition to the exhibits featuring Native American and Old West culture, there is a planetarium that hosts amazing light shows and sessions educating kids and adults about the planets, stars and the night sky. My oldest son is 10 years old, my youngest is almost one and both of them enjoy the MOR attractions, as do my husband and I.”

Visit a museum that offers intrigue for people of all ages to make the most of your family outing. For a list of museums located in the United States, visit Museums in the United States virtual library.

Aquariums
If you think aquariums have little else to offer other than stare at fish behind a glass, think again. Many water-wonder meccas offer family-oriented activities, boat tours, educational exhibits and water-life entertainment. For example, The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California is hosting a Family Day on April 27th which will include free admission for children under 12 years old, music, dance, water-life feeding programs, a craft room and prize drawings. In addition, families can discover the ocean together at the aquarium’s mainstay The Splash Zone, an interactive exhibit for adults and kids of all ages.

Amanda Rock, mother of two, from Sound Beach, New York says, “We are a big fan of aquariums – the Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead, NY is near us – because they offer a lot to keep everyone in the family occupied, from the babies who can stare at the brightly-colored fish to preschoolers and school-age kids who can run from exhibit to exhibit and do hands-on activities.” She adds, “Even tweens and teens can get in the act – it might not be ‘cool’ but chances are they really enjoy themselves and learn something in the process.”

Aquariums are not just for the young people. Rock continues, “For adults, there is a lot to learn about the local ecology of the region and different types of amphibians and reptiles as well as other animals who make their homes near water, like penguins for example.” There is also an Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat, adult programs, and your whole family can register to be a Trainer for a Day from April to September.

Find an aquarium near you and abroad at Aquariums of the World.

On-the-farm fun
Farm stands, produce barns or family-oriented agriculture centers located in the country can give you and your children the delicious pleasure of sinking your teeth into freshly picked fruits and vegetables as well as learn about how food goes from farm to table.

In addition, farm stands and local co-ops often have eco-learning centers and farm tours to give both urbanites and suburbanites a first hand look at local agriculture. With the slow food and eat local movements, you can use the experience to teach your family about eco-friendly eating and appreciating the Earth while enjoying a hayride and delectably fresh produce and made-from-the-heart baked goods and preserves.

Rock takes her family to the farm stands in Suffolk Country, NY for the “agri-tainment” as well as the fresh produce. “Farm stands are a fun place to go. They are so bright and colorful and there is always something good to eat – whether right on the spot or to bring home and use in a recipe.”

She adds, “There are often hay or horse rides, corn mazes and elaborate playgrounds. Depending upon the season, you can pick strawberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins and cut down your own Christmas Tree. Farm stands are another one of those places where everyone can get in on the act on their own level and have a good time.”

Check with your local chamber of commerce or co-op to find a farm stand, farmer’s market, produce barn or other agri-tainment near you.

Your kids won’t be kids forever so make the most of your family vacations with getaways that the whole family can enjoy. Not only will you reap the benefits of quality family time, you also instill in your kids an appreciation of travel and the many things learned on vacation.

Gina LaGuardia

Don’t just limit your exploration of summer camps to the usual. Here, some unique ways to spend the summer:

Extreme sports makes for an extreme summer
www.800procamp.com/
For daily adventures filled with go-carting, paintball wars, confidence building, rock climbing and mentally challenging kayaking, the Tahoe Extreme Youth Summer Camp in Lake Tahoe, California is an “extremely” good choice.

This camp is a wish your heart makes
www.livewiresummer.com
At livewire, Disneyworld is your summer camp. Really. Disney world! Campers spend a week at the Walt Disney World® Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and get to customize their adventure with once-in-a-lifetime access to the behind-the-scenes magic of Disney. The focus of the camp, aside from swanky resort-living complete with meals, pool time and open access to any Disney park, is technology-related projects.

One small camp for man… one giant leap for campers!
www.spacecamp.com
Space camp, anyone? At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., kids ages 9-11 can learn about space shuttle systems, while taking a walk in the 1/6th Gravity Chair and strapping on the camp’s version of a jet pack and maneuvering around on a cushion of air.

America’s next top summer camp
www.paliadventures.com
For those who love it, fashion can become an obsession, and at this stylish camp, that’s encouraged. The Fashion Design Institute, a part of Pali Overnight Adventures in California, offers kids ages 9-16 the opportunity to explore their love for creating clothes. In place of the traditional end-of-summer show is a fashion show, where campers are able to flaunt their designs.

Spy Camp
www.lohikan.com/spycamp.htm
How much would your kid love to set off on a 4-wheeler or jet ski and embark on stealth mission to “find the mole”? Located at Camp Lohikan, on Lake Como, Pennsylvania, spy camp offers these, and other off-the-beaten path activities: mastering the art of surveillance, practicing martial arts, simulating combat strategies, and becoming a paintball pro.

Read more:

• Time to think about summer camp?