Looking for some ways to keep the kids busy, active, and learning this summer? Luckily you live in Utah! We were surprised to see the long list of things to do and places to go this summer. While it is by no means an exhaustive list, we picked out some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes, events, museums, and other places to go.
Pediatric News Blog > Pediatric Articles > Archive by category 'Spring/Summer Tips'
Spring is a Hot Time for Sunburns
Article at a Glance
- Even though the sun doesn’t “feel” hot you can still get a sunburn.
- One bad sunburn can double your risk of developing skin cancer.
- The most common mistake parents make is not applying enough sunscreen.
Surviving Seasonal Allergies
Article at a Glance
- Reduce allergy symptoms by trying to stay indoors and keeping pollen out of your home.
- A runny nose, itchy eyes, dark circles under the eyes, and sneezing lasting more than 10 days are all symptoms of a possible allergy.
- If you think your child might have seasonal allergies, keeping an allergy log can help your pediatrician diagnose any problems.
Camping and Hiking Safety Tips
Article at a Glance
- Camping and hiking can bring a wide range of safety issues that we don’t typically have to deal with.
- Make sure you and your children are well prepared by packing appropriately and familiarizing yourself with any problems that may occur.
- Teach your children what to do if they get lost, how to identify poisonous plants, and how to behave around wild animals.
Keeping Crypto Out of Our Pools
Article at a Glance:
- Cryptosporidium (crypto) is a chlorine resistant parasite that can cause diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting.
- Prevent the spread of crypto by not allowing your children to go swimming if they have diarrhea.
- Utah recently experienced an outbreak in 2007 that infected at least 5,700 people.
Leaving a Child Unattended in a Car is Illegal
Article at a glance:
- Leaving your child alone in the car is a misdemeanor punishable by a $750 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
- On a hot day, leaving your child alone in a car for even a few minutes can cause heat stroke.
Summer Bucket List
Summer is on its way! Are you looking for ways to keep the kids busy, entertained, and learning? Here is our summer “bucket list.”
The Sun is Not Your Friend: What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer
Article at a Glance
• Utahans have a higher than average rate of skin cancer, including melanoma.
• One bad sunburn can double your chances of developing skin cancer.
• One in five people will develop skin cancer during their lifetimes.
• Whether you get a tan or sunburn, you are increasing the odds that you will develop skin cancer.
Steering Clear of Poison Ivy
Article at a Glance
• Stay away from plants that have shiny leaves or leaves in a pattern of three.
• If exposed, shower with lots of soap as soon as possible.
• Rash from poison ivy can appear within a few hours or a few days and can last up to two weeks.
• You can treat at home with calamine lotion and cool showers.
• If your child has a high fever or the itch is not controlled by home remedies, call your doctor.
Travel Health Tips
Article at a Glance
• Make sure your immunizations are up to date if traveling abroad.
• Avoid jet lag by slowly adjusting to the new time zone a few days before you depart.
• Learn how to avoid ear discomfort, motion sickness, and diarrhea.

