Clínica Amiga, Safe Kids Showcase Summer Safety Tips

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 28, 2019) – Clínica Amiga, UK HealthCare's pediatric clinic that caters Spanish-speaking patients, teamed up with Safe Kids Fayette County at Lexington's Festival Dia de Madres to bring summer safety tips to kids and their families.

Sponsored by the UK College of Medicine Diversity and Inclusion Office, UK HealthCare providers educated families about the importance of bike safety and provided free fittings of helmets. They also promoted Clínica Amiga as well as the support groups for Spanish-speaking families of children with special health care needs.

"Families where thankful to have properly fitting helmets and health education, said Dr. Ceballos. "They also were surprised and excited to know about a pediatric clinic for the Hispanic community where everyone speaks their language. We had families interested in the parent support group Un Abrazo Amigo for relatives or their own families." 

"Community outreach help us to generate trust," said Dr. Ceballos. "We show our community that we care and we are committed to help them.  It is also a great opportunity to do health education at a bigger scale."

"The summer months although a highlight for kids can also expose them to greater injury risk," said Sherri Hannan, coordinator of Safe Kids Fayette County. "The season between June 1st and August 31st is known as the "100 deadliest days of summer". Kids spend time in the water, walking or riding bikes in their neighborhood; just  enjoying their summer break from school. All that can change quickly without the use of safety devices or following safe practices. Always closely supervise kids and make sure they have the gear and safety knowledge to stay safe whatever they are doing.”

For more tips on keeping kids safe this summer, check out these guidelines by Safe Kids Worldwide

• Going to the pool or hitting the beach? Stay safe in the water.
• Celebrate Independence Day responsibly with these tips about fireworks.
• Stay safe while skating, or riding skateboards and bikes.
• Stay hydrated during summer sports and games.