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4/22/16 news article

safety first in celebrating Earth Day

earth day

It’s Earth Day!  After 46 years, it’s become the largest civic observance in the world with more than a billion people taking part in 192 countries.  Actions from Earth Day led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts – all of which make it a better world for our kids.

While that can seem like a big challenge, the littlest Earth Day activity can make a big impact in your child’s corner of the world.  Not only will it teach them about the environment now, it will encourage a future awareness of a global perspective.

Earth Day activities

So what can families do on this Earth Day?  Depending on the age of your children, there are lots of options.  For babies, just a walk in the stroller to get some fresh air or letting them put their feet in the grass is a great start.

For those active toddlers and pre-schoolers, what could be better than playing in the dirt?  Let them plant flowers or vegetables in mini-pots or a garden and it can be their project all season long to water them. Take them to a pond and talk about the importance of clean water for all creatures.

For older kids, a trip to the park to pick up trash can even be done with friends.  They could also try setting up a rain barrel in the backyard for water conservation or focus on setting up a recycling system in your house.

safety first

Whether you are cleaning up litter, planting trees or just enjoying the sunshine, safety still needs to be the top priority.  Stacy Meyer, MD, endocrinologist at Dayton Children’s and Dr. Mom Squad blogger has these four tips.

  1. Remember sunscreen.  It's exciting to get out there and enjoy the sunshine but don't forgot how unforgiving that sun can be.  Be sure to apply at least SPF 15 and to reapply during the day.
  2. Ward off the bugs. Wear protective clothing such as hats and long pants or use a bug spray with at least 20 percent DEET to protect kids from ticks and mosquitoes.. You can also purchase Premethrin treated clothing to help repel bugs. In Ohio, ticks can transmit many diseases including Rocky Mountain Spotted fever and Lyme disease, among others, so it is important to be vigilant during warm months.
  3. Wear bright colors.  Watch carefully if you are picking up litter or doing park clean-up activities so that cars can see you well and you can easily watch your little ones.  Of course be careful when driving this weekend also, as groups are engaging in these street side activities.
  4. Review water safety.  If any of your activities take you near the water’s edge, be sure to remind your children of your rules around water.

For more information, contact: 

Stacy Porter 

Public relations manager 

Phone: 937-641-3666 

newsroom@childrensdayton.org