Urban League WIC Programs Vital Resources For Enjoying Southern Nevada Summer In Safe, Fun Ways

LAS VEGAS - July 3, 2020 - PRLog -- With Southern Nevada temperatures hitting well over 100 degrees during the months of July and August, it's important that families practice safe habits in and around swimming pools, sunbathing in backyards and at the beach, traveling in vehicles with elevated interior temperatures and maintaining proper hydration at all times.

         The Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program's Nutrition Education – WIC Team is passionate about assisting people in maintaining good health and proper nutrition habits, while participating in outdoor activities during extreme summer heat waves. Especially while observing health guidelines for COVID-19.

"We have Participant Centered Interactive Nutrition Education Classes that address different nutrition topics that can answer any question you may have," Rewina Tsegay, Program Nutritionist of Nutrition Education Centers for Urban League WIC, said. "It's natural for families to want to get out for some fresh air and exercise while observing 'Stay at Home' mandates during the Coronavirus global pandemic.

         Infants and children up to age 4 are at the greatest risk for heat-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC states that the best defense is prevention by never leaving infants, children or pets in parked vehicles.

According to national statistics, an average of 37 children die each year in hot cars. These instances occur when a child has been forgotten in a vehicle or accidentally locked themselves in a car or trunk.

The CDC recommends that infants and children dress in loose light-colored clothing and parents schedule activities in the cooler morning temperatures or during evening hours. Use of a sunscreen with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 is recommended.

WIC's nutritional counselors are available 24/7 in real-time at two Las Vegas locations to advise parents on safe practices they can use to address these underlying health issues and how to guard against heat-related dangers for themselves and their children.

"Parents need to keep a close eye on their children around water and in open recreational areas at all times," Tsegay said. "Don't be distracted while talking on the cell phone or chatting with other parents. Put guard fencing around swimming pools in the backyard, even around toddler pools. Most importantly, teach your children to never go near water without adult supervision."

The Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants and Children Program is a 501c (3) program that is funded by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.

For more information, visit the Urban League WIC website at: www.wiclv.org or their two convenient locations: 6480 W. Flamingo Road, Suite B, Las Vegas, phone (702) 227-1573 or 3320 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 50, Las Vegas, phone (702) 476-9561.