Tips for Keeping Your Child Healthy at Camp

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With thousands of kids heading to camp for the summer, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some tips for keeping them safe and happy.

In a new report, the group recommends that all children have a checkup before leaving for camp.

Parents should also know what health services the camp has and talk with camp officials about any health issues concerning their child.

Other recommendations:

• Make sure your kids are up to date on required vaccinations.
• Teach your children how to use any medical equipment they need, such as inhalers and epinephrine injectors.
• Be sure the camp has supplies of medications your child needs and that counselors are trained to act in an emergency.
• Verify that the camp has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site, as well as a food allergy policy.
• Make electronic health records available to reduce errors.

Camps need to have people who can administer first aid and have a relationship with local emergency services, as well as dental and mental health specialists.

“Having a plan in place — and making sure that staff are properly trained — will help everyone feel more relaxed and eager to enjoy the experience,” Dr. Michael Ambrose said in an academy news release. “A healthy camper is a happy camper.”

Ambrose is lead author of the report produced by the AAP Council on School Health. It was published online June 17 in the journal Pediatrics.

More information

The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles offers more tips to keep kids safe and healthy at camp.

Source: HealthDay

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