Mega Doctor News
One of the most exciting times of the year for children, the summer season offers longer days, warmer weather and the chance to exchange the stresses of school for some fun in sun.
From swimming and bike riding to camping and cookouts, the summer months offer families the opportunity to bond while spending quality time together, whether it be during a simple, relaxing staycation or taking an exciting road trip.
As the excitement for the start of the summer season builds, parents and caregivers should also prepare for the increased risk of accidents and illnesses for children with more free time on their hands.
From water safety education, protecting young skin from extended sun exposure and avoiding bicycle and playground injuries to combatting mosquito attacks and preventing heat-related illnesses, it’s important for parents and caregivers to prepare for the potential dangers kids face in the summer months.
Each year between the months of June and August, a significant number of children are rushed to emergency rooms across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with approximately 25% of all pediatric ER visits annually occurring during these months due to children having more free time to engage in activities that may increase their risk of injury.
“Summer should be all about fun in the sun and time outdoors during this season,” says Kimberly Davis, MBA, BSN, RN, Pediatric Administrator, South Texas Health System Children’s. “But the popular activities kids enjoy in the summer contribute to ample opportunities for injuries and accidents.”
That’s due to a combination of factors like a lack of supervision, insufficient safety measures and children’s natural inclination to test their limits, which ultimately contribute to the increased risk of injury.
By paying close attention to hazards and teaching kids about the importance of taking proper safety precautions, parents and caregivers can help their kids have a safe and fun summer.
So, to help parents ensure their children’s safety this summer, STHS Children’s will host its second annual Safe Summer Expo, an event featuring the participation of local law enforcement agencies and various safety organizations, all coming together with one goal in mind… to keep kids out of harm’s way and the emergency room.
Taking place on Saturday, June 7, from 9:00 to 11 a.m. in the main parking lot of STHS Children’s, the Safe Summer Expo will feature arts and crafts stations for kids and community resources for parents, as well as health and wellness activities, emergency preparedness tips and so much more for the entire family.
“While summer is an exciting time of year, the adventures don’t come without some risk,” says Davis. “STHSChildren’s is committed to the health and well-being of children across the Rio Grande Valley, and we look forward to sharing important resources, safety tips and more to keep kids safe this summer and beyond.”
In the event of an emergency, count on STHS Children’s. The 86-bed, freestanding pediatric facility, which opened in March 2006, is home to the largest dedicated pediatric emergency room in the Rio Grande Valley. Providing specialized emergency care for children with a wide range of medical conditions and injuries, the ER features specially trained staff dedicated to working quickly and efficiently to care for children experiencing medical emergencies.
For more information on the Safe Summer Expo, contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2020 or via email at STHSMarketing@uhsinc.com. For about STHS Children’s, visit www.southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Children’s |
| What: | Safe Summer Expo |
| When: | Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
| Where: | STHS Children’s Main Parking Lot1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX 78539 |
