Be ready for anything summer throws at you

Summer is a lazy time for us. Or more specifically, for my kids. They don’t wake up early. Pajamas make up a large percentage of their wardrobe choices. Not every week includes a camp. Etc. (We aren’t going to talk about the fact that I’m up and out the door running early every morning when I’d rather be sleeping in too…)

But even though we are taking it easier this summer than many summers, that doesn’t mean we aren’t out there doing things. We’ve hit the zoo, we are going white water rafting soon, we are hitting various state and county fairs, we go to the pool, Shoo has soccer practice twice a week… We are just less tied to a schedule than we usually are.

So, here are my tips for those days when you actually get out of your pajamas and enjoy the summer activities.

1. Sunblock. Sunblock. Sunblock. Seriously, make sunblock a part of the daily routine. My kids aren’t fans, but they know it’s required, so they tolerate it. But they are also lucky. They’ve never burned to the point of blisters like I’ve done a few times in my life.

2. Be prepared. Have a small first aid kit in your car. Make sure your prescriptions are up to date. Jones is allergic to nuts, so we have to always make sure to have Benadryl and his epipen. We’ve been lucky and never needed either, but I’ve created calendar reminders to order new epipens and buy new Benadryl when they are approaching expiration. You may not have to deal with this type of thing, but it’s not a bad idea to always have bandaids, itch creams, pain killers, etc. with you.

3. Pack snacks and water. It’s hot and humid here and the traffic is awful. So, being prepared for a day out in the sun or time sitting stuck in traffic is key. We fill our reusable water bottles every time we head out and I’m that mom who always has at least a few granola bars or cracker packages floating around in the bottom of her bag.

4. If you can, schedule outdoor activities early in the day or late in the day or plan an indoor break in the middle for lunch and air conditioning. I do this for me, more than the kids. I just can’t handle a long day in the sun. Bleh.

5. Consider supplemental insurance for your family. Accidents happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 2.6 million children 0-19 years old are treated in the emergency department each year for sports and recreation-related injuries.

WHAT IS SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE?

• Supplemental insurance is a key component of health care – especially for today’s workers who are in denial about being diagnosed with a serious illness.
• Supplemental insurance policies such as accident, critical illness and cancer help protect workers from high out-of-pocket costs that major medical insurance was never designed to cover.
• Many supplemental insurance policies pay cash benefits that can be used for everyday living expenses like groceries, child care, lodging or parking at the hospital.
• If supplemental benefits are not part of your health plan, it may be worth approaching your employer to ask for them.

Aflac provides accident insurance policies that  pay policyholders directly for costs associated with a covered serious illness, injury or loss. In addition, the cash benefits can be used for rent, gas, groceries, child care or any other out-of-pocket expenses a worker may have. Additionally, Aflac has recently created a One Day Pay Initiative, Aflac U.S. can receive process, approve and disburse payment for eligible claims in one business day. Aflac is available in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It is generally only available through your workplace, so check with your employer about availability.

Remember to enjoy your summer, but to do it safely!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.