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Don't ever forget sunscreen! (content.revolutionhealth.com)

Southampton - The biggest concern for most families when you think about outdoor activities - child safety, pool safety and cookout safety - has led us to provide a few tips just in time for the 4th of July holiday.

Child Safety
 • Insect bites and allergies - A few of the hazards that affect families when they are out and about and there are some simple remedies that you should consider purchasing before an incident occurs and your child is miserable (which could also affect your day). Here is your simple shopping or prescription list to make your holiday a happy one:

Child with safety turtle. (kidz.bloglines.co.za).

 • Bactine: That old fashioned squeeze bottle and a cotton ball can make it feel better without the sting.
 • Sunscreen: Make sure to apply it liberally and regularly to ensure that your child does not become affected by early damage to their skin; make sure to use an SPF of 15-30, water-resistent, PABA free and fragrance free.
 • Epi-Pen: Make sure a recently prescribed pen is on hand that has not expired to allow you to treat your child should they have an anaphylactic reaction to a wasp or bee sting.

Learn more about your child's medicine chest recommendations at www.keepkidshealthy.com.

Water Safety
 • Childhood drowning for those under age five is the number one cause of death in beach and pool communities. Imagine a portable wristband alarm system for your child that notifies you if there is any water immersion. And a second layer of protection for your pool gate that is a wireless automatic notification system that can alert you if the gate is opened. One of the most tested and safest products on the market is the SafetyTurtle - which has been featured on multiple news programs and can be ordered at www.safetyturtle.com. Several conditions including autism, epilepsy, downs syndrome and dementia are risks for pool safety.

We have to remember that in a hectic party environment, distractions will occur and a drowning incident can occur within seconds, but it you are automatically notified, then there may be a way to respond quickly to ensure the safety of your children.

Also, boating safety is important and an accidental overboard situation can occur and precious minutes can pass without anyone being aware - so make sure that there is a life vest aboard for all passengers, education about what to do if a boat overturns and a portable alarm system to ensure passenger safety.

(walmart.com).

Cookout Safety
That guest request for rare should be ignored - unless you are a seasoned chef or you want to potentially deal with a bout of food poisoning. There are several experts who acknowledge that char-grilled food may not be safe, but if you are doing it once a year, it should be okay.

Keep it safe by first determining if you want to use a charcoal or gas grill. A few facts to remember when deciding how to cook:

 • Chacoal grills burn hotter which is great when you are smoking your foods, time is not a concern and you want to do it the old-fashioned way.
 • Gas grills do not burn as hot, but the pro is that it is instant, adjustable and consistent heat similar to an indoor range.

Dont' forget the veggies. (healthadel.com)

 • When purchasing a gas grill, know that Lava rock is porous and absorbs grease which means that the life cycle is not long - while ceramic rocks are best as they stay cleaner and have a longer life cycle.
 • Keep your grill on level ground with good ventilation and at least 10 feet from your house eaves.
 • Always cook in an open space and keep a dry chemical fire extinguisher nearby.
 • Keep kids and pets away from the grills as they stay hot for hours and children may accidentally touch the grill after you have stopped cooking.
 • Use tongs that are at least 14 inches long to avoid burning your arm.
 • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the proper temperatures are met.
 • Wear tighter clothing, pull back your hair and wear closed shoes.

And most importantly, what to cook:

 • Veggies: Try the local green or organic market if you are grilling vegetables like corn and know that an open flame intensifies the flavor by cooking out water and caramelizing natural sugars. Tip: cut vegetables in uniform sizes and toss them quickly in olive oil to prevent sticking and wrap corn in foil. Or use a hinged vegetable grate basket (can be turned over with a wrist motion to prevent charring!) or metal grill plate to prevent small pieces from falling into charcoal.

 • Meat: Use ground sirloin (preferred!) or hamburger, ground turkey or mushroom. Don't overhandle or overcook - try to cook for 4-6 minutes at 160 degrees per side.

 • Burgers: Use ground sirloin (preferred!) Or ground turkey, chicken or mushroom. Don't over handle or overcook - try to cook for four to six minutes at 160 degrees per side.

 • Fish: Use a fish basket or grill topper. And if you do it on the grill, turn it only after it releases easily. Note: most fish takes 10 minutes per inch measured at the thickest – and salmon is one of the best fish to grill.

 • Chicken: Use two different plates for carrying the raw chicken out to the grill and a different one to hold cooked pieces.

Enjoy Summer 2010!

Robin Wilson is a nationally recognized eco-friendly and healthy home interior designer focused on the ‘foundation to the furniture.’ She is the author of "Kennedy Green House," winner of the 2010 IPPY bronze medal in Home & Garden. She has done projects in residential and commercial interior design, consulting, licensing and operates an online retailer, The Nest Store. She is the first woman to license her name to eco-friendly cabinetry sold at select dealers nationwide. Her firm is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. For more information about Robin Wilson Home go to www.robinwilsonhome.com.

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