Health Beat: Keep children safe and healthy this summer, part 2

Summer's a great time to relax and have fun. Whether they are young children or teens, keep kids safe and healthy this summer, at home, play, while traveling and wherever else they may be.

Prevent concussions

There are things you can do to help lower the risks for concussion and other forms of traumatic brain injury. Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. Most people with a concussion recover quickly and fully. But for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks or longer. In general, recovery may be slower among older adults, young children and teens. Learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.

Play it safe on the playground

Each year in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries. Falls on the playground are a common cause of injury. Check to make sure that the surfaces under playground equipment are safe, soft and well maintained (such as wood chips or sand, not dirt or grass).

Have a healthy home

Stay smart around the house. Get smart tips on fire prevention, microwave use and living with pets. At a very young age, children develop the habits and behaviors that will influence their lifelong health. Get healthy home tips for each room in the house.

Prevent cyberbullying

Kids can use electronic media to embarrass, harass or threaten their peers through email, a chat room, instant messaging, a website (through blogs) or text messaging. Increasing numbers of teens and pre-teens are becoming victims of this new form of violence-electronic aggression. Keep close tabs on your child's electronic activities.

Prevent teen dating violence

In the past 12 months, one in 10 teens report being hit or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend at least once. During the preteen and teen years, young people are learning skills they need to form positive relationships with others. This is an ideal time to promote healthy relationships and prevent patterns of dating violence that can last into adulthood.