The summer season is a time for outdoor fun and recreation, especially for families of school-age children. However, the warmer weather often brings an unwelcome nuisance, bugs. A recent article in the New York Times suggests that the number of people diagnosed with diseases transmitted by bugs has more than tripled in the U.S. in recent years, citing a report published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
“We definitely see an increase in children with bug bites during the summer months here in South Florida, most likely due to the fact that children are spending more time outdoors,” said Dr. Barbara Peña, pediatric emergency physician and research director for the Emergency Department at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
According to the CDC, bugs such as mosquitos, ticks and even flies can spread diseases, some of which cannot be easily treated with a vaccine or medication. The CDC says the best way to help prevent insect bites to use insect repellant containing DEET products and to cover exposed skin with long sleeves and pants.
Nicklaus Children’s Health System’s brand of innovative children’s products, KidzStuff®, has a longstanding commitment to help parents with everyday problems like preventing bug bites. In 2013, KidzStuff created an innovative line of clothing that helps protect young children from insect bites. The KidzStuff® All Natural Insect Screen rompers, blankets clothing All Natural Greenfirst® Technology for treating apparel that repels mosquitoes, dust mites, ticks, flies and midges. The odorless and washable insect-repelling clothing is available for children ages 0 to 24 months.
“We do not want families to stop enjoying the outdoors and in fact encourage outdoor activities which lead to better health outcomes for children and parents alike,” says Dr. Peña, “but parents should be aware that it is important to take the necessary precautions to help prevent insect bites.”
For more information on KidzStuff products, please visit www.shopkizstuff.com. KidzStuff products are also available for purchase on Walmart.com.
