Infections

Every child gets sick from time to time. When your child isn't feeling well, you'll want to know how to recognize the symptoms, how to help, and when to call the doctor. Find out what you need to know about all the common and not-so-common infections.

Woods and Camping Safety for the Whole Family


A family camping trip can be an enjoyable experience with a little preparation. Knowing your limits, taking the time to plan ahead, and packing the right items will help your adventure go off without a hitch. Here are the down-and-dirty basics of woods and camping safety.

Planning Ahead

If you're not skilled in the outdoors, begin your adventures by taking day trips. But even during day trips, you have to be aware of camping safety issues, such as allergic reactions; exposure to heat, wind, water, and cold; and getting lost.

Once families feel comfortable with their camping skills, they may want to spend a planned few days or a week in a wilderness park. But before you head into the wild, gather information from park rangers, read guide books about the terrain and weather, and talk with campers who've been there.

Common Camping Dangers

One common mistake made by camping families is not being ready for seasonal transitions in terms of proper clothing and equipment. Storms blow in and out during all seasons, and there can be sudden shifts in temperatures in spring and fall, particularly on high mountains. Precipitation and wind lead to rapid cooling, especially at nightfall when temperatures drop.

Excessive heat can be a problem for young children, whose sweat glands are not fully developed until adolescence. On hot days, hike in the cooler mornings and evenings. During the day, spend time in shaded areas. Wear skin protection whenever you or your kids are exposed to the sun, including hats, sunscreen, and cotton clothes.

Another common problem is getting lost. Teach your kids how to recognize landmarks at the campsite and on hikes. While hiking, encourage them to turn around and look at the trail to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. Teach them to remain where they are and stay calm if they are lost. Kids should wear whistles (whistles can be heard farther away than the human voice) and know the universal help signal of three blows or loud sounds.

Before your trip, take a course on map reading and finding directions. For wilderness trekking, always carry a topographical map and compass.

Proper Clothing

To protect against sudden temperature and weather changes, wear multi-layered clothing made of polypropylene, wool, and cotton. Layers of clothing — such as tank tops, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters — will allow you to reduce or increase clothing as needed. To protect against rain and wind, bring breathable, lightweight waterproof jackets and pants.

All family members need comfortable hiking shoes to prevent blistering. When hiking, tuck pant cuffs into socks and boots to protect against ticks. Kids should wear brightly colored clothes to increase visibility. Caps or hats are also a good idea to guard against the sun and protect against insects.

Setting Up a Campsite

Natural hazards such as forest fires and fallen trees are less likely to be encountered at campgrounds that can be accessed by cars. But other dangers lurk, such as broken glass, discarded needles, and other hazardous trash.

Scout the area before setting up a tent. In wilderness areas, look for signs of animal and insect use; for example, yellowjacket wasps build their nests in the ground. If berries are plentiful at a site, bears may forage for food there.

To build a firepit, look for a clearing and previous firepits. During fire-hazard periods and dry seasons, use portable stoves rather than campfires.

Drinking the Water

Assume that all wilderness streams and creeks are potentially contaminated water sources due to domestic and wild animals.

Plants and Insects

Common plants to be wary of are poison oak, sumac, and ivy. Your best bet is to avoid touching any unknown plants, and dress your kids in long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect the skin from exposure to plants that may cause allergic reactions. Products are available that you can apply before your hike that will act as a protective barrier against the oils of the plants. Any area that comes in contact with a poisonous plant should be washed immediately with soap and cold water. Hydrocortisone cream (1%) will sometimes successfully stop the rashes and blistering associated with poison ivy.

Antihistamines taken by mouth are effective for allergic reactions or rashes ranging from contact with poison ivy to mosquito bites to bee and wasp stings. Use citronella-based products to repel insects and put it on clothing instead of skin whenever possible. Repellents containing DEET can also be used. Choose a repellent that contains no more than 10% to 30% DEET; in higher concentrations, the chemical (which is absorbed through the skin) can be toxic. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. DEET-containing products may be used on children older than 2 years.

Another camping concern is ticks, which can carry several types of infections, including Lyme disease. Check your kids at the end of each day for ticks. Be sure to check in places like behind the ears, under the arms, and in the groin area, where ticks like to hide. Be aware of the typical rash of first-aid kit that includes:

  • adhesive and butterfly bandages
  • self-adhesive roller bandages
  • sterile gauze pads
  • large wound dressings
  • blister dressings
  • nonadhesive dressings
  • cloth-based adhesive tape
  • elastic bandages (Band-Aids)
  • thermometer
  • latex gloves
  • large plastic bag
  • safety pins
  • scissors
  • tweezers and needles (to remove splinters or ticks)
  • topical antibiotic cream (such as Neosporin)
  • oral antihistamine (such as Bendadryl)
  • medications for pain or fever, such as acetominophin (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin)
  • hydrocortisone cream (1%)
  • alcohol pads

In addition, bring a liquid antiseptic soap to clean wounds. Don't forget extra protective dressings for severe arm or leg blisters. Knowing how to make a splint in case of injury is also useful and can be learned in first-aid classes.

Camping Emergency Basics

In the case of an emergency, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. During an emergency, families need to decide together on the best plan of action, examining the resources available. Before your trip, notify friends and families of your destination and time of return. And sign up at park registers before and after wilderness treks.

If your kids have whistles and were instructed to wait in a sheltered area if they become lost, you should be able to find them more readily. If your family has a cell phone, bring it along — and make sure it's charged.

Always stay on the safe side when setting boundaries for family camping. The more remote your location, the more care you should take in choosing your activities. Survey campsites for riverbanks and cliffs. Check out climbing trees for dead branches and moss, both of which cause falls.

Properly preparing for camping lets the whole family enjoy the great outdoors safely.

Reviewed by: Kate Cronan, MD