Experts at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital encourage protection and preparation when enjoying the outdoors this winter season. Here’s Dr. Matthew Denenberg with some safety tips to remember next time you send the kids outside.
The winter months are a great time for outdoor activities, but you need to be cautious. “Cold weather doesn’t mean children need to stay inside,” said Dr. Matthew Denenberg. “It does mean parents should take extra precautions to keep their children safe with frigid temperatures and winter sports.
General Safety
· Children should never play in the weather alone. They should have protective gear at all times for the activity being played and the cold weather.
· Periodic warm up breaks should be set for every 30 minutes.
Ice Skating
· Allow children to skate only on approved surfaces.
· Make sure to skate in the same direction as the crowd and avoid darting across the ice.
Sledding
· Children should be supervised while sledding.
· Do not sled near cars or crowded areas.
· Sled feet first and choose an area that’s not too steep or icy and free of obstructions like trees and fences.
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