SOLANCONEWS.com -- Cutler's Commentary

Cutler's Commentary: Wishing You an S.O.S. – Summer of Safety!
By Bryan Cutler, State Representative, 100th Legislative District
HARRISBURG -- You can already hear it in the air – the buzz of summer. With Memorial Day behind us, the anticipation of schools letting out is at its peak. Soon the parks and playgrounds will be filled with the sounds of laughter, and the chime of the ice cream truck will be heard throughout town.

This is always a time of year when I become nostalgic for childhood. Now that I am a parent, I am able to somewhat relive the years of my youth by participating in the boyhood activities I loved so much with my children. But as a parent, I realize the risks that every child faces during the warmer months.

One activity that I always anticipated as a child was time in the water. Splashing around is a great way to cool off, but it is also a dangerous activity. Children should always be supervised when near water – whether boating or swimming.

According to Safe Kids Pennsylvania, drowning is the number one cause of death in children under age 4, and for children younger than 14, it is the second leading cause of death. Not only do we need to watch our kids when we are near the pool, but young children should also never be left alone in the bathtub. Buckets of water are a source of danger for toddlers, too, and should not be left around the home. It is also extremely important for everyone, especially children, to wear a life vest while boating.

Food-borne-illnesses are common during the summer. It is especially important during the warmer months to keep foods at a safe temperature. Drinks should be packed in a separate cooler from food, and meats should not be stored with foods that could be cross contaminated. Perishable foods should not be set out for too long. And, as always, it is a good idea to carry a small amount of hand sanitizer when camping out or picnicking, just in case there are no facilities in which to wash your hands.

Another common summer ailment is skin irritations resulting from bug bites and exposure to poison ivy. If spending time in a wooded area, parents can protect their children from mosquitoes and ticks with bug spray. If you or your child are exposed to poison ivy, the affected area should be washed immediately with COLD water. Rubbing alcohol may also be applied to the skin to remove the irritating oils.

Biking and skate boarding are favorite summer activities for some kids, and as a former X-ray technologist, I have seen my share of injuries resulting from unsafe riding practices. Children should be taught to avoid riding into areas of high traffic, and they should always wear the appropriate helmet and protective gear. Don’t forget, sunscreen is just as important as a helmet and should be worn anytime children will be spending more than a few minutes outside.

Finally, parents should also look into taking a first aid course to learn the proper procedures for treating their children in case of an accident. There are many tragic cases where the unthinkable could have been avoided if adults were properly trained on what to do in an emergency.

I hope everyone in the 100th District has a safe and happy summer. Send your warm thoughts my way while you are outside having fun and I am stuck in Harrisburg debating the budget!

Editor's Note: Cutler's Commentary is a monthly column, written by Rep. Cutler.

Past Articles:
Cutler's Commentary: A Thank You to Those Who Keep Society Moving
Cutler's Commentary: Hoping to Keep a Deer Friend
Cutler's Commentary: Seeking Citizens' Suggestions
Cutler's Commentary: A Review of My First Month in Office