Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about having fun in the sun. Swimming is a great way to get exercise in the summer heat, but you should make sure your pool is safe if you have small children.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children, and Dr. Susan Scott, a pediatrician at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says many of these deaths could be prevented with a barrier around the pool. If you have a pool or hot tub, you should have a fence around it that keeps small children from being able to get to it. Never leave a child alone near a pool, and supervise children at all times when they’re in or around the pool. Don’t rely on swimming lessons or flotation devices to keep a child safe in the water. Make sure all adults, teens or babysitters in the home are certified in CPR, and if a child is missing, check the pool first. Keep a phone near the pool so you can call 911 immediately in an emergency.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/pediatrics/ to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in pediatrics.
