Preventative pediatric care and emergency pediatric care

When it comes to pediatric care, Main Line Health is proud to partner with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the top pediatric care provider in the region and in Pennsylvania.

This affiliation allows families in the area to have access to expert pediatric care close to home, enhancing Main Line Health's reputation for personalized, experienced and trusted care.

Summer safety tips for kids

Summertime brings longer days and more time for children to be outdoors - which can also mean more bumps and bruises. This time of year, it's important to stay vigilant and seek medical attention when necessary to ensure the health and safety of your child.

"As a pediatrician, I often get asked when it's appropriate to take a child to the emergency department," says Annamarie Koller, DO, pediatric hospitalist, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), at Bryn Mawr Hospital, part of the Main Line Health and CHOP affiliation.

Generally, it's suggested to head to the emergency department if your child:

• Allergic reactions (severe/anaphylaxis)
• Broken bone
• Deep cut or open wound
• Fever (Temperature over 100.4 F) in infants less than two months old
• Large or painful burns
• Seizures
• Severe head injuries
• Severe stomach pain
• Seizures or unconsciousness
• Any life-threatening injury or illness requiring immediate attention

If unsure, it's always best to call your child's pediatrician for guidance.

Enjoying the outdoors responsibly

To keep your child safe in the sun, make sure they wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. Encourage them to wear hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.

Offer kids plenty to drink, especially on hot days. "Make sure to watch out for heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke," says Dr. Koller.

In kids, this can appear as sudden increase in thirst, decreased energy, dizziness, headaches and even muscle cramping. If a child ever becomes confused or faints from the heat, make sure to get help right away. "Keep kids inside during the hottest times of the day and encourage indoor activities. If they're outside, make sure they have shade and take breaks in a cool place." says Dr. Koller.

Supervise your children around any body of water - this includes pools, water tables and even small toddler wading pools. Teach them water safety rules and encourage swim lessons when developmentally appropriate.

To stay safe from bugs and insects, use repellent to prevent bites and dress them in light-colored clothing.

Finally, keep their growing brains safe by encouraging appropriate helmet use. If they're on a bike, skateboard or scooter, make sure they wear a well-fitting helmet and teach them road safety rules.

Expert care for children at Main Line Health

By following these summer safety tips, caregivers can help ensure that their children have a fun and safe summer season. And when you need extra help, Main Line Health and CHOP are here to provide expert pediatric care and support for families in the community.

With Bryn Mawr Hospital's expertise in pediatric care, families can rest assured that their children are in good hands. The team at Bryn Mawr Hospital provides top-notch care for children and prioritizes communication with your child's pediatrician to ensure continuity of care.

In addition, CHOP provides coverage and care for newborn patients across all four Main Line Health neonatal intensive care units, offering comprehensive support to our youngest community members.

Next steps:

Meet Annamarie Koller, DO
Learn more about pediatric care at Main Line Health
Essential tips for parents to prevent heat-related illnesses in children