Ideas for Playing Safe During Spring Break

March means only one thing to most students – Spring Break! Taking a break from school to enjoy the newly warmed weather is a great opportunity for kids to get outside and get active. Here are a few of our top tips for playing safe during the Spring Break holiday.

 Wear the Proper Protective Gear

When we asked what students planned to do during Spring Break J.C. said he planned on playing football with his friends. If you’re playing sports, even if it’s a pick up game, play it safe and wear the proper protective gear. This includes:

• Mouth Pieces
• Helmets
• Braces
• Pads
• Eye Protection
• Athletic Footwear

Strap on a helmet anytime you’re riding a bike. If you’re playing backyard baseball, put in a mouthpiece if you’re playing infield. Consider what you would have to wear if you were playing in an afterschool sports program and follow those guidelines.

 Ride Safe on Your Bicycle

Pro-Vision students like K.B. say that during Spring Break you’ll find them riding bikes around their neighborhood. It may not seem like it sometimes, but bikes are actually classified as vehicles. There are real safety concerns to consider since bikes share the road with cars, trucks and pedestrians. As mentioned above, kids and adults should always wear a helmet when they are riding a bike. Other bicycle safety tips to follow include:

• Inspect your bike before riding. Make sure the tires are properly inflated, the wheels aren’t bent and that the chain is in good condition.
• Make adjustments so that the bike is safe and comfortable to ride.
• Wear bright clothes or a reflective vest.
• Never ride your bike at night.
• Continuously look for hazards in the road so you can avoid them.
• Wear wrist, elbow and knee pads to prevent breaks and scrapes.

 Know Which Plants to Avoid

The last thing you want to do during Spring Break is deal with poison oak, ivy or sumac. These plants can cause a serious allergic reaction that causes rashes, itching and discomfort. Parents.com has put together an informative quick guide that details how to spot poisonous plants.

 Fuel Up With Healthy Foods

It’s easy to slack off when you’re on vacation, but it’s important to continue healthy eating habits during Spring Break. If you’re in Houston during the break, come by the Pro-Vision Academy Urban Farm. You can have fun outdoors helping in the farm and get fresh produce to eat.

 Drink Lots of Water and Eat Popsicles

Now that it’s warm outside you’ll be sweating more. Kids are especially susceptible to dehydration. The best way to prevent dehydration is by drinking plenty of water and sports drinks before physical activity and every 20 minutes once you start playing. Another way to replace lost water is by enjoying a popsicle or two.

 Play at Newer Playgrounds

Every two minutes a child in the U.S. gets hurt while playing at a playground. Part of the problem is older play equipment that is either broken or doesn’t have the latest safety features. Whenever possible choose playgrounds they are well kept and have new equipment.

 Practice Swimming Safety

Swimming is a great source of exercise that is super fun and less stressful on the body. However, the water can pose a serious safety risk. Approximately 1,500 children drown every year, and the CDC reports that waterborne diseases affect almost as many people annually. Swimming where there is a lifeguard on duty is the safest option.

 Get Plenty of Rest

When you are well rested you are more alert and focused. Oftentimes injuries happen because a person can’t react in time, and physical exhaustion can also be a factor. Kids should get around 9-10 hours of sleep each night to keep them in peak mental and physical condition.

 Load Up on Sunscreen

Pro-Vision student J. Y. plans on practicing flips over Spring Break, and knows how to stay safe while doing so. One major way to protect yourself is to protect your skin from the sun. Skin damage and skin cancer from sun exposure affects everyone. Go with a waterproof spray sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 or higher. It’s easy to apply, dries instantly and provides adequate protection. But don’t forget to reapply every two hours or right after swimming and sweating.

 We hope all the students at Pro-Vision Academy have a fun, safe Spring Break whether you’re playing at home, in your neighborhood or on vacation.

Original source: https://www.provision-inc.org/events/ideas-playing-safe-spring-break/