Focus on fun this spring break and avoid injury
Parkland experts offer tips to keep the whole family safe
Spring break is here – a time to kick back, relax, or even adventure to a new destination. Some families will pack up and head to the beach, the mountains or even enjoy a “staycation” here in North Texas. And while many equate spring break as all fun and no stress, experts at Parkland Health want to ensure you and your loved ones avoid the emergency room.
One of the most common risks during spring break is physical injury, especially when participating in outdoor activities like hiking, swimming or playing sports. While these activities are great ways to enjoy the outdoors, they also come with the potential for accidents. Wearing helmets and protective gear when riding bicycles, scooters or any motorized vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can help prevent brain injury and even death. Staying hydrated is important, particularly if you're spending time in the sun. Overheating or dehydration can quickly lead to serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
If your family will be visiting somewhere with a focus on water-related activities, either swimming, boating or simply enjoying the view, always practice water safety.
“For families with young children, it’s very important to supervise them at all times near water, even if everyone knows how to swim,” said Courtney Edwards, DNP, MPH, RN, CCRN, CEN, TCRN, NEA-BC, Director of Trauma Community Outreach at Parkland Memorial Hospital’s Rees-Jones Trauma Center. “If you plan to be on a boat, ensure everyone is wearing life jackets. Even experienced swimmers need to be mindful of their limits and pay attention to water conditions, such as waves or strong currents.”
If a road trip is part of your plans, always make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled up and that children are in the appropriate car seats for their age and size. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), during the 2023 spring break period 375 alcohol-related crashes in Texas occurred, resulting in the deaths of nine drivers. If you plan to consume alcohol, know your options in advance and decide whether you’ll take public transportation, use a ridesharing service or carpool with a sober driver.
For families traveling internationally with young children or older adults, it's also important to be aware of the ongoing measles situation in Texas and across the country. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can have serious complications, especially for vulnerable populations.
“The best way to protect children from measles is to make sure they get all the recommended vaccines at the required ages for school attendance,” said Donna Persaud, MD, MBA, Parkland’s Homeless Outreach Medical Services (HOMES) Medical Director and a board-certified pediatrician. “Adults are considered immune if you were born before 1957, had laboratory confirmed measles at some point in life, or have documentation of receiving a two-dose measles vaccine for school entry. If you are unsure, check with your doctor for guidance as you can either be tested for immunity or receive the vaccine.”
Spring break should be a time for fun but it’s important to remember that a little planning and precaution can go a long way in ensuring you and your loved-one’s safety.
For more information about services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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