By: Alicia Tapp, Guest Contributor
June is National Safety Month, a great opportunity to reinforce healthy and safe behaviors for your family. This month, adopt these tips to ensure your loved ones stay 
happy and healthy- both inside and out!
1) Master water safety.
Avoid swallowing water you swim in. Accidental indigestion of pool water can lead to recreational water illnesses, such as diarrhea. It is also beneficial for you and your family to shower before jumping in to reduce the amount of germs spread in a public setting. And make sure to take frequent bathroom breaks with you kids to avoid potential accidents.
2) Keep the pesky bugs away.
We’ve all experienced the unpleasant stings and bites of summertime bugs. To lessen the chances that you or your family gets bitten, avoid using scented soaps or perfumes, which can attract unwanted critters. On summer nights, be sure to wear long sleeves and use insect repellents containing DEET.
3) Bicycle Safety
Summer days call for relaxing bicycle rides! Before joining the family on a fun trip, be sure that your children wear helmets. By continually reinforcing this behavior, you encourage your child to develop personal safety habits. If your child is resistant, try modeling it yourself. They learn by example! If your child is getting his first bike, may sure it’s the right size, since oversized bikes can lead to injury.
4) Be aware of sparklers
-You may be tempted to set off your own fireworks this summer, but leave it to the professionals. Fireworks can lead to severe injuries, such as burns and disfigurement. Even sparklers, which are incorrectly thought to be safe, can reach temperatures close to 1000°F and can pose risks for the user and bystanders.
5) Avoid heat-related illnesses
Never leave children alone in a car. Even if the trip is short or the windows are cracked, illnesses can occur. Dress children in lightweight, cool clothing and be sure to drink plenty of water. If you or your child shows symptoms of heat-related illness (such as heavy sweating, weakness, nausea,) be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
For more summer safety tips, visit the links below:
American Academy of Pediatrics: http://bit.ly/1uTXSZc
Heat-related illness: http://1.usa.gov/15B92qe
Water safety: http://1.usa.gov/1sD1h0M
Community Voices for Health 