Summer is a wonderful time to be a child. From swimming at the local lake early in the morning, to riding bikes around the neighborhood at lunch time to catching fireflies as the sun sets behind the hill, summer is magical. However, summer is also the time of year when injuries for children are on the rise. Scrapes and bruises are a part of growing pains. Watch out for these common pediatric injuries during summer in Mission Bend in Houston, Texas.

Here are the common pediatric injuries to know in order to protect your families.
1. Accidental Falls
2. Bicycle Accidents
3. Playground Accidents
4. Pool and Swimming Accidents
5. Head Trauma

1) Falls

Falling can sometimes be no big deal. Sometimes all your child has to do is pick himself up and move on. Sometimes, though, a fall can be a much more serious issue. Depending on where and how the fall takes place determines how serious the injury.

2) Bicycle Accidents

Taking a hard corner, hitting a soft patch of sand or coming down a hill too fast can cause a dangerous fall. In order to keep your child safe when they are on their bike, teach them to wear a helmet, brake with the back wheel first, wear brightly colored clothing, use lights at night, use hand signals when turning, never ride a bike on the phone or with food, and always ride with friends.

3) Playground Accidents

Young children may fall when on the playground. This often happens when your child is running and screaming with friends without paying attention. It is important to teach your child that they need to play carefully without running, do not play by the swings unless they are in fact swinging, do not run on raised platforms and do not run with anything in their mouth.

4) Pool Accidents

The pool is a great place to spend the summer. However, at the pool is where some of the most deadly injuries occur with children. Proper pool safety must be followed whether your child is at home, a friend’s home or at a public pool. Be sure to teach your child the following pool rules:

• No glass at the pool
• No running near the pool
• No phones in the pool area
• No diving in the shallow end
• No swimming alone
• No swimming when it is raining or thundering

Drowning is the most common pediatric pool injury. Always ensure that there is a lifeguard or parent present. Know the signs of drowning and teach older children CPR in case of emergency.

5) Head Trauma

Whether a child has fallen off a bike, dove into the shallow end of a pool or has been playing too rough on the field, head trauma is possible. With small children head trauma needs to be addressed immediately as the signs of concussion are not always easy to assess. If any of the following symptoms are present seek emergency care.

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Loss of balance
• Glassy eyes
• Personality changes

This summer, have a wonderful time in and around Mission Bend in Houston, TX. If your child suffers any of the common pediatric injuries described above bring them in to see a medical professional.