Health Tips for June 8

Health Tip: Stay Safe at the Amusement Park

It's difficult to find a more enjoyable activity for children than a day at the amusement park.

To help keep it that way, Saferparks.org offers these safety suggestions:

• Watch as much of the ride as possible before deciding whether it's safe for your child. Don't base your decision solely on the ride's signs and height limits.
• Never let your child go on a ride if the child's age, height, weight or health problems suggest the ride isn't suitable for the child.
• Never allow children to go on a ride that frightens them.
• Make sure you use safety belts and lap bars, and make sure your child knows to stay seated at all times.
• Make sure that your child sits on the safest part of the ride (follow loading instructions) and that the child's hands, feet and head stay inside the seat or car.
• Tell your child what to do in case he or she is lost or separated from you. On arrival at the park, point out uniformed park employees and tell the children to seek them out for help.
• Follow your instinct about what's safe for your child.

Health Tip: Avoid Germs From a Petting Zoo

Petting zoos are a fun attraction for children, but it can expose you and the youngsters to germs.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that you take these precautions:

• Make use of any hand-washing stations set up around the petting zoo.
• Always wash hands immediately after petting the animals, after touching gates or fences, and always before you eat.
• Try to wash hands with soap and water; hand-sanitizing gel will suffice if no running water is present.
• Never take food or drink into the petting zoo area.
• Carefully watch young children, especially those aged 5 or younger. Make sure that while petting the animals, they don't put anything into their mouths -- including fingers, pacifiers or toys.