Surprising summer facts about school vacation

GLOVERSVILLE, NY (06/30/2014)(readMedia)-- With most schools shutting their doors for the summer, Nathan Littauer Hospital and Fulton County Public Health is sharing some surprising facts about children and summer vacations. Children's health can be more compromised during the summer months than when school is in session.

"There are two local problems that can negatively impact our children's overall health" stated Cheryl McGrattan Nathan Littauer's Hospital Spokesperson. She explained, "Specifically, children have a tendency to gain weight in the summer and we typically see higher lead levels during the summer months. These two public health issues strike at the core of our preventative health efforts for the last few years." The two organizations have chosen lead poisoning and obesity prevention as part of their community implementation focus for our region. "We want the community- particularly parents to know the facts about summer safety" stated Dr. Irina Gelman Director of the Fulton County Public Health Department."

Regarding weight gain, the CDC released a longitudinal study June 12, 2014 suggesting:

The rates of weight gain accelerate during the summer compared with the school year, particularly among racial/ethnic minority and overweight children.

Although the study finds that more information is needed, many in the medical community agree that the gains can be attributed to a lack of structure, disrupted sleep patterns and more time spent in front of electronic devices.

The solution? Dr. Shannon Colt a pediatrician for Littauer states, "Summer camps and getting kids outside are a great way to keep your children active and as a result, help them to maintain healthy weights during the summer."

Dr. Gelman notes "unfortunately, higher rates of elevated blood lead levels are also evident in the summer months for the opposite reasons." She explained, "when children are away from computers and smart phones they may be playing in lead contaminated soil." Hence, it is recommended that children living near older houses be provided with sandboxes with sand purchased from a hardware store, and outdoor toys are washed regularly. Open windows can also play a role in higher lead levels as children reach into window sills where paint chips often accumulate.

The Fulton County Public Health Department advises parents to pay close attention to their backyard garden and make sure it is situated far from runoff from older homes. "If you have a garden please look to see where the water goes the next time it rains", suggested Dr. Gelman. Often the inside of your home can be lead-free but your garden may be in the path of runoff from houses that aren't. Furthermore, Dr. Gelman highlighted the importance of having the soil adjacent and/or in close proximity to the older home tested. Home lead tests are easy to use and available in most hardware stores, while soil lead testing kits may be ordered online. The lead testing supplies cost ranges from $10 - $20 per kit.

Another potential source of lead? The family dog. One family had a dog that was chained outside for a portion of the day in lead contaminated soil. When the dog came in to the home it carried lead on its fur, and the children had elevated blood lead levels simply because of petting their dog.

One of the easiest solutions to lead poisoning prevention does not cost any money. It is simple hygiene. The two organizations recommend removing shoes before entering your house, and using play clothes. Removing the play clothes when first entering the house and promptly washing them afterwards can reduce exposure to lead. Removing work clothes for parents, upon returning home, is equally important, as some work uniforms, depending on the profession (ex. Automotive repair, mechanical engineering, etc) carry inherent risks. This also works to keeping ticks at bay. Washing hands often always remains on the priority list.

Dr. Colt explained, "Most of all we want children to enjoy the outdoors, be active and happy and return to school healthier than when they left in June."

For more information visit our website at www.nlh.org Fulton County Public Health Department : please like our page on Facebook; Visit our website http://publichealth.fultoncountyny.gov/