Friendly Reminder!

I know its rather late in the evening for me to be posting but I have spent most of the day outside with my daughter just having a blast. Unfortunately, I was rudely reminded that there are a few absolute MUSTS when it comes to Summer Fun and wanted to share so we can all have an amazing summer!

#1 - Sunscreen

I am a redhead naturally so I have fair skin to boot. Therefore, sunscreen is a must! Remember though that just applying it once will not last all day. It is necessary to reapply every 2-3 hours especially if you are getting sweaty or playing in or around water.

#2 - Water Safety

Speaking of water, please remember that it only takes 6 inches of water to drown and often times we get to having so much fun in the pool or talking to our friends while enjoying the rays that we don't always pay attention to those around us. There was a kid today at our pool who was drowning and if the parents hadn't seen an reacted so quickly it could have been tragic. Keep an eye on children when they are in the water and discourage them from "fake drowning" and "crying wolf" - that way when there really is a problem, people will react appropriately.

#3 - Fire Safety

Like all good Southerns, I love me a good BarB-Q with friends, food, drinks, and all that meat on the grill but again, we cannot leave our kiddos unsupervised around the grills or open flames. My daughter is a pyro and will put anything and everything in a fire to watch it burn if we let her - honestly most children are this way. Whether playing ball, running races or playing tag, or even filling their plates with delicious goodies, keep the kiddos away from the open flames and hot surfaces so that accidental burns don't ruin the good times.

#4 - HYDRATE

Temperatures are going up, we are going to be outside more, we sweat more, and therefore our bodies are loosing electrolytes and nutrients right and left. Drink lots of fluids and no beer, alcohol, sodas, and mainstream energy drinks do not count. Water is the best, but keep Gatorade, Coconut Water, or even fresh lemon water available to keep the body functioning the way it should and the fun can go on. Know the signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion and have a back up plan for getting family and friends safely cooled down if they do start to over heat.

As a fibro fighter I find that I am way more susceptible to heat exhaustion and dehydrate very quickly...oddly enough, I dont sweat much either which is a major factor in my inability to be out in the sun for long periods of time. But I dont want MY disability to inhibit my daughter from having all the summer fun she can handle. Therefore, I make sure that I am constantly drinking water, I wear big floppy hats to keep the sun off my face, stay in the shade as much as possible, and when it is hotter I avoid any kind of strenuous activity - even walking. However, that does not mean running yourself into the dirt so you kiddo can have fun. Sometimes it is necessary to go indoors and chill for a while. Let them know that it is in their best interest too so that they can have the energy to continue having fun once you have recuperated for a while. Sit down and read together, play a board game, or just catch a home movie. Remember, its about quality not quantity. So let's have lots of fun this summer, be safe, and create lots of amazing memories that you will share for years to come!

May your Summer be Happy and Healthy!

Rachel