As pediatric experts, Cook Children’s Health Care System know that protecting a child's health is about preventing emergency room visits just as much as treating illness. Ahead of the major soccer tournament, the system launched "World Cup Wednesday," a weekly healthcare series providing local and international visitors with essential resources on injury prevention, heat safety, water safety and guidance on when to utilize urgent care versus the emergency department.

The hottest time of the year in Texas is here, with temperatures regularly ranging from 80-100 degrees between June and August. Medical experts from Cook Children’s Health Care System advise caregivers and parents on what to know before attending outdoor activities or fan watch parties.

“Children can't cool off the body as well as adults,” said Monica Herrera, M.D., a pediatrician at Cook Children’s Pediatrics Windhaven, “it's important that we keep them hydrated.”

Dr. Herrera emphasizes that hydration is key during these months, as well as protecting children's skin from the sun and mosquitoes.

Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses

Spending too much time in the heat without proper hydration can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Dr. Herrera said learning the signs for heat-related illness is important, so caregivers know when to seek medical attention.

Symptoms include:

• Feeling faint or confused: A child may begin acting disoriented.
• Walking unsteadily and losing coordination.
• Headache
• Abnormally warm skin: Feels hot to the touch.
• Lack of urination: No wet diapers or bathroom use in eight hours.
• Nauseous and vomiting
• Shallow breathes: The body uses shallow breathing to try to shed excess heat.
• Muscle cramps: A child may complain that their legs hurt.
• Numbness

If a child exhibits these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Preparedness is the number one way to avoid heat-related illness and Dr. Herrera says it starts with hydration.

Hydration Tips

Babies under 6 months old should generally be kept indoors. However, if an infant is outside, Dr. Herrera recommends they stay hydrated with formula or breastmilk. Babies under 6 months should not be given water.

“The breast milk has everything that the baby needs as does formula,” said Dr. Herrera. “If you're outside for a prolonged period they really need to be drinking every 20 minutes.”

As children get older water becomes the priority for hydration, but there are other tricks if your little one isn’t fond of H20. While water is best, other caffeine-free fluids and water-rich foods can help count toward hydration.

“Fluids don’t always come in the form of liquid,” said Dr. Herrera.

Alternative hydration sources:

• Ice cream
• Popsicles
• Snow cones
• Crushed Ice
• Fruits (Watermelon, grapes and cantaloupe) are an excellent source of hydration
• Soft liquids (such as yogurt, applesauce)

How do you know if your child is hydrated?

Check their urine. Urine is the best indicator of hydration status for both children and adults. A well-hydrated child's or adult’s urine should be clear to a light yellow, similar to a light lemonade color. If the urine is dark yellow or tea-colored, dark orange, more fluids are needed.

Sun protection

While hydration is critical, protecting a child’s skin is a close second. Dr. Herrera explained that children’s skin is sensitive and can burn when exposed to the sun for a prolonged period. While sunblock Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ratings range in coverage from SPF 10 to 80, Dr. Herrera recommends choosing products with two active ingredients: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and use a sunblock of SPF 30.

Babies under 6 months of age should not have sunblock applied. Instead, keep them in the shade and dress them in a wide-brimmed hat.

Sunblock recommendations for 6 months and older:

• Choose a mineral-based sunscreen.
• Use SPF 30
• Apply 15 to 30 minutes prior to going outside.
• Reapply every two hours.
• Avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone.
• Choose lotions over aerosol sprays to ensure total skin coverage.

Staying Cool in the Sun

• Dress children in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Choose breathable, absorbent materials.
• Avoid sitting directly in the sun. Seek shade when possible.
• Use cool mist sprays for quick relief.

Mosquitos

Summer heat in Texas also brings mosquitoes, which thrive around stagnant water and in hot, humid climates.

“Mosquitoes, as we know, can carry viruses which can cause severe infections and serious complications,” said Dr. Herrera. “We want to avoid mosquito bites if at all possible.”

The most effective line of defense is insect repellent.

Finding the best repellent:

• DEET is the most effective option.
• For infants up to 2 years of age, use a maximum of 10% DEET.
• For children older than 2, a maximum of 30% DEET.
• Apply repellent only to exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not apply it underneath clothing.
• If concerned about applying directly on the skin, apply repellent on clothing instead.

RELATED STORIES:

• Cook Children’s Provides Innovative Care for Family From Mexico

• Big Game, Big Responsibility: Water Safety

• Navigating Pediatric Emergency and Urgent Care During the Tournament

In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General recognized firearm violence as a critical public health crisis in the United States. Nationwide, firearms have risen to become the number one cause of mortality among children. Data from the CCHSC revealed that between 2024 and 2026, the hospital encountered 121 unintentional firearm injuries, alongside five pediatric fatalities stemming directly from firearm trauma.

The forum focused on community-driven solutions. A recurring consensus emerged among the panelists: sustainable intervention requires bringing the youth into the conversation, acknowledging and resolving the compounding personal traumas they carry before those crises escalate into violence.

Panelist Rodney McIntosh, Pastor and Director of the non-profit organization Violence Intervention and Prevention Fort Worth (VIPFW), urged community members to actively integrate young people into the safety dialogue, equipping them with foundational tools in social-emotional learning and actionable conflict de-escalation tactics.

Daniel Guzman, M.D., an emergency room physician and program director for Cook Children’s Aim for Safety program, brought a frontline medical perspective, illustrating the realities of firearm accidents in the home and emphasizing that responsible storage and education can reduce injury.

The evening closed with a powerful challenge to the audience:

“We challenge you to do something,” said Eric Gonzalez, Program Manager for Injury Prevention at the Center for Community Health at Cook Children’s Health Care System. “Ask your community, schools, family: why wait to have a conversation when we can do this right now?”

Fort Worth leaders urge parents, educators, and neighbors to initiate open, judgment-free discussions about firearm safety within their homes and community. Keep guns secured. Protect your children. Lock up all firearms.

Related Stories:   

• Experts Urge Safe Gun Storage as School's Out

• Expert Tips for a Safe Spring Break: Aim for Safety

• Empowering Families: Gun Safety

According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, about 7,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. However, about half of all venomous snakebites are “dry,” meaning the snake does not release venom.

“Snakes are often in bluebonnets. You may want to reconsider sending your kids to sit or lay in them,” said Sharon Evans, injury prevention manager at Cook Children's Health Care System.

Snakebites are most common between April and October, with snakes typically most active in the morning and at dusk. Texas is known for two types of venomous snakes: pit vipers and coral snakes. North Texas is home to three species of pit vipers: copperheads, cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins) and rattlesnakes.

“If you are bitten go to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care Center for treatment and evaluation,” said Evans.

Once at the hospital, patients with moderate to severe envenomation may receive antivenom, which is readily available at Cook Children’s Medical Centers. Patients are closely monitored for symptom progression and may require hospital admission for observation and supportive care. 

Cook Children’s reported three snake bites as of March 2026. Last year, 25 snake bites were reported, the first one in April. In 2024, the first snakebite was reported in March. The system treated 27 snakebites that year.

Bluebonnets may not just be home to some slithery friends, but insects too. In cases of insect bites, such as fire ants, Evans suggests caregivers call the North Texas Poison Center.

“Be careful when your children are getting in there,” said Evans.

Evans shared advice for caregivers on how to enjoy the beautiful flowers, while avoiding a trip to the emergency department.  

Keeping safe:

• Look before you walk.
• Avoid walking in tall grass.
• Wear protective boots.
• Never attempt to touch or handle a snake, even if it appears dead.

 What to do if bitten by a snake:

• Do not try to capture, photograph, or kill the snake.
• Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or attempt to suck out venom.
• Immobilize the affected limb and keep it at heart level if possible.

 Signs of venomous snake bite:

• Blurred vision
• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Fang marks
• Fever
• Increased salivation
• Localized pain and burning
• Muscle contractions
• Muscle incoordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness and tingling
• Rapid pulse rate
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling in the bite area
• Thirst
• Tissue death
• Weakness

Related Stories:

Summer Safety: Protecting Your Kids from Snakebites in Texas

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting children in swim lessons as young as 12 months old to reduce the risk of drowning. The AAP says always keep in mind that swim lessons are just one of several important layers of protection needed to help prevent drowning.

“You are never too old to learn how to swim,” said Jillian Mitchell, community health program coordinator at Cook Children’s Health Care System. “There are instructors who specialize in teaching adults or co-teach adults and children.”

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) provides parents with a printable questionnaire to help identify the right swim program for their children. They suggest some questions for the program you are looking at, including asking for information about the instructor’s experience, swim lesson curriculum, length and frequency of classes. 

“Choosing the swim instruction style is a personal choice, and it should be an informed one,” Mitchell said.

Before choosing a program, the AAP recommends keeping your child’s emotional maturity, physical and developmental abilities and limitations, and comfort level in the water in mind.

“It is important to consider what unique needs your child has in addition to visiting a school, asking questions about their curriculum or teaching philosophy,” Mitchell said.

Swimming lessons teach the basics of swimming and, for toddlers, it introduce them to get them comfortable with water, teaching them physical movements in the water like kicks and “ice cream scoops” with their hands. It also shows them how to get in and out of the water. Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) teaches infants and toddlers how to roll in the water in emergencies.

When should you sign up a child for swimming lessons?

The AAP says most children are ready for swim lessons by age 4. However, parents of younger children should look into classes that allow a parent or caregiver and child to be in the water together with an instructor, whether swimming lessons or ISR. The AAP explains that by age 4, children can usually learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water, and getting to an exit point.

What is Infant Swimming Resource (ISR)?

Parents may feel their child is ready to learn as young as 6 months old. ISR instructors are unique in that they work specifically with infants. ISR focuses on teaching children to roll onto their backs, float, and rest. It is designed to give children instinctive reactions to emergencies if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly. Children learn how to “float, swim, float” until they reach the edge and can exit safely or be pulled out of the pool by an adult.

Cook Children’s recommends asking questions and choosing an instructor/school that fits families’ budget, schedule, and child’s unique needs.

Summer has begun, which means more outdoor activities and finding ways to cool down. Cook Children's Health Care System experts share tips for parents on how to keep children safe and prepared for the heat, from cooling down at the pool to summer travel safety.

As the 4^th of July approaches, we are sharing the latest drowning data from Cook Children’s Health Care System. As of January 1 to June 18, there were 20 drownings treated at Cook Children’s, two of which were fatal. Most of these patients have been in the 5-year-old and under age group.

So far in 2025, there has been a decrease with 18 drownings and two fatalities. Most drownings in 2025 have occurred in a swimming pool or spa, second highest were bathtub-related.

While most drowning encounters were not fatal, drowning injuries can result in severe effects, especially on a child’s brain development. Drownings can happen silently and quickly. A submerged person might not attract attention or appear to be in danger.

Cool Down: Water safety and drowning prevention

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for kids 5-14 in Texas.  Eighty-eight percent of drownings occur with at least one adult present. 

• Wear swimsuits with bright colors that are easily detectable in water.
• Designate an adult Water Watcher to ensure constant visual supervision of children in and around water.
• Implement 15-minute shifts for Water Watchers.
• No Distractions: The Water Watcher must have no distractions, including conversations, phones, reading, or consuming alcohol.
• Communication is key: Talk with all caregivers (family and friends) about your child’s swim ability or water competency skills.
• Never assume that adults will be watching, but rather verbally confirm it before leaving your child in their care.
• Barriers: Locks, alarms, and pool fences can help keep unsupervised young children from entering swimming pools.

Fun in the Sun: Boating Safety

The risk of drowning in open water triples at age 15. Setting safety expectations with the whole family ahead of time is paramount. Most drowning fatalities in natural water are not related to boating. Texas law requires that all children 13 and under wear a life jacket while on a boat. Cook Children's Health Care System supports over 60 Loaner Life Jacket Stations in North Texas lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The goal is to make sure no child or adult drowns at a public lake because they did not have access to a life jacket.

• Make sure life jacket usage is mandatory, along with adult supervision.
• Toe In/Vest On Policy: If a toe is in the water, a life jacket goes on.
• Life Jackets: Must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved.
• When your life jacket is on, ensure that it is buckled on your child as directed.  Always. 
• Know water conditions before getting into open water. Water conditions in lakes and oceans can vary daily.  

Heat Safety

Spending too much time in the heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

• Stay hydrated: Water is best, but other fluids count if they do not include caffeine.
• Hot car danger: Make a habit of double-checking your backseat each time you get out of the car.
• Watch out for hot buckles on car seats, as these can cause burns on your child’s skin.
• Be aware of heat illness. Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Sun’s Out, Fun’s On

When it comes to sunburn, prevention is key. 

• Use a zinc oxide-based sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
• Cover skin with SPF clothing.
• Apply sunscreen generously and frequently, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
• For infants: Keep them out of direct sunlight, especially during peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Keep their skin covered with lightweight pants, a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Wear sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that protect your child’s eyes from at least 97% of the UV rays. 
• If you are worried about any burn, even if it seems minor, consult your child’s pediatrician.

Fireworks
Fireworks can cause severe injuries that are both harmful and painful to children. Children should never handle fireworks. Even seemingly harmless sparklers can heat up to more than 1,200 degrees, making them dangerous for young children.

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display.
• If setting off fireworks at home, adults should only set them off in a “kid-free” zone.
• Adults should not hold fireworks in their hands or keep any part of their body over them while lighting.
• Avoid accidental burns: keep children away from bonfires and grills.

“Hiding a gun under a mattress, in the closet, or on a high shelf is not safe storage,” Gonzalez explains. “Guns must be stored unloaded and locked away outside the reach of a child or teen.”

Gonzalez adds that safe storage can greatly contribute to reducing unauthorized use of firearms and gun violence among our youth.   

Cook Children’s Medical Center-Fort Worth treated 40 gun-related injuries in fiscal year 2025 (October–September). During the fiscal year 2024, Cook Children treated 62 gun-related injuries.

June 6 marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the beginning of Wear Orange Weekend, a time dedicated to raising awareness about gun violence prevention and honoring victims.

“Summer especially is a great time to practice the 3 T’s of gun safety: Talk, Teach, and Take Action,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez and Dan Guzman, M.D., a pediatric emergency medicine physician and Medical Director of the Aim For Safety® program, work together to educate the community, primarily focusing on preventing unintentional gun injuries by encouraging safe gun storage. Dr. Guzman has seen and treated an unfortunate number of children injured or killed due to firearms. As a gun owner and parent, he understands the importance of safely securing firearms.

“I don't want to watch another child die as a result of a firearm,” Dr. Guzman said.

He emphasizes that the initiative is not about advocating for or against gun ownership; the focus is on providing people with the tools and resources to be safe around guns.

The Aim For Safety® program has provided education and resources to thousands across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

“We highlight how safe storage greatly reduces the risk of unintentional injuries, as well as how it contributes to keeping children safe during mental health crises and reducing the risk of use for gun violence,” Gonzalez said.

Between October 2024 and April 2025 alone, the program provided 252 gun safes and 206 gun cable locks to the community. This is in addition to almost 1,000 gun cable locks provided to families in the emergency department over the last year.

“That’s a total of 458 families which now have tools to keep their families safe,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez explains that safety extends beyond firearms such as handguns and also includes air-powered guns such as BB, pellet, and paintball guns.

“Guns should never be used without a guardian’s permission and should only be used while an adult is supervising,” Gonzalez said.

Open Dialogue: Talking to Other Parents about Gun Safety

• Keep the conversation focused on safety, not on whether someone should or should not own a gun.
• Simply ask if there are firearms in the home and if so, are they properly stored (unloaded and locked with a cable lock or in a gun safe).
  • If not, visit the Cook Children’s Aim For Safety website for tips on how to keep guns safely stored or for resources that we can offer to assist in safely storing the gun.

Aim for Safety in the Community

Aim for Safety will be out in the community throughout the summer:

• Defenderpalooza on July 12
• Fort Worth’s Premier Gun Show on August 23-24
• Scheels Great Outdoor Expo September 6-7
• If anyone is interested in a presentation, please reach out to  eric.gonzalez@cookchildrens.org

Lives Impacted by Gun-Related Injuries and Prevention Efforts at Cook Children's

• In FY 2025, Cook Children’s Medical Center-Fort Worth has treated 40 gun-related injuries
• In FY 2024, Cook Children’s Medical Center-Fort Worth treated 62 gun-related injuries
• Most non-fatal injuries were caused by air-powered guns (BB guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns, etc.), while most severe or fatal injuries were caused by handguns.
• Between October 2024 and April 2025 alone, we provided 252 gun safes and 206 gun cable locks to the community through various events.

Sophia Price, with Cook Children's Trauma and Injury Prevention says Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth reported its first snakebites of the season in late April and early May, including its first copperhead bite in May. In 2024, the Cook Children's Health Care System treated 30 snakebites, with the first reported in March.

Jay Pearson, P.A., a physician assistant with Cook Children’s Trauma Services, offers crucial advice for parents on keeping children safe from snakebites. Price recommends avoiding walking in tall grass and wearing protective boots. She also warns that at night, snakes may rest on warm surfaces like driveways or sidewalks. Price emphasizes that individuals should never attempt to touch or handle a snake, even if it appears dead.

North Texas is home to three species of pit vipers:

• Copperheads
• Cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins)
• Rattlesnakes

A snakebite can cause localized pain and swelling that may spread as venom progresses. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and an increased heart rate. In severe cases, patients may experience difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or bleeding disorders.

If a snake bites a child, seek immediate medical attention at the closest emergency department.

What to do if bitten by a snake:

• Do not try to capture, photograph, or kill the snake.
• Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or attempt to suck out venom.
• Immobilize the affected limb and keep it at heart level if possible.

How snakebites are treated at Cook Children's:

Once at the hospital, patients with moderate to severe envenomation may receive antivenom, which is readily available at Cook Children’s Medical Center.

Patients are closely monitored for symptom progression and may require hospital admission for observation and supportive care. 

On May 2, 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled the Mill Valley Jr.—a six-drawer kids’ dresser sold exclusively at Rooms to Go—after determining it to be a tip-over risk. The distributor, LFN Ltd., is offering a free, updated replacement to anyone who bought the recalled model. Until these replacements arrive, the CPSC is urging consumers to keep their families away from the dresser. 

 This dresser recall is the first action CPSC has taken under the STURDY (Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth) standard since it went into effect in 2023. STURDY requires rigorous safety testing for the stability of dressers, armoires, wardrobes, and other clothing storage units, and the Mill Valley Jr. violated the performance requirements.

Furniture tipping is an often overlooked, yet all-too-frequent cause of injury and death in children. In honor of National Safety Month, we’re highlighting the risks of tip-overs and how to prevent them.

How Big of a Risk is Furniture Tipping?

Every year, hospital emergency rooms see thousands of injuries and dozens of deaths—the majority of which occur in children under six years old—from furniture tipping. Though Cook Children’s hasn’t encountered a tipping-related fatality in many years, serious injuries persist.

“We've had liver lacerations, pancreatic lacerations, and broken bones as a result of furniture falling on kids,” said Cook Children’s Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, Sharon Evans. 

According to Evans, dressers, bookshelves, and televisions are the top three culprits in tip-over cases. The majority of incidents involve climbing or the application of force, so if you know your child likes to climb or hang on furniture, their risk for harm is even higher. 

How to Prevent Tip-Over Incidents

1. Anchor It!: A quick, simple, and effective way to protect your kids is to anchor all furniture, TVs, and appliances to the wall. Many products now come with anchor kits, but if yours doesn’t, you can find them at home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. 
2. Make sure your furniture is STURDY compliant: The CPSC STURDY standard requires all dressers, armoires, wardrobes, and other clothing storage units to undergo rigorous testing for stability—and include anchor kits. To ensure the utmost safety of your furniture, ask the seller or manufacturer if it is STURDY compliant before you buy.  
3. Store your heaviest items at the bottom of your furniture: When loading up a dresser or bookshelf, place your heaviest clothing, books, and any other weighty items in the bottom drawer or shelf. Reserve your lightest items for top shelves and drawers. 
4. Keep tempting items off of furniture: To prevent your children from climbing, keep tempting items like toys, remote controls, or anything else they might want to get a hold of away from the top of furniture.
5. Keep TV cords out of reach of children: Ensure any cords or wires are out of reach to prevent your child from pulling a TV or piece of furniture over. 
6. Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been implemented: Until you follow these guidelines, supervise your children closely around all furniture, TVs, and appliances.

A Quick Fix That Saves Lives

Evans implores parents to consider anchoring furniture as another simple, yet vital step in childproofing their home. The time it takes to complete the task pales in comparison to the peace of mind of knowing your child is safe.

“These things can be easy to blow off because you don't think it's going to happen to you,” Evans said. “But it does happen, and it's way easier to repair a wall than it is to repair a child.”

To learn more about how to anchor furniture and prevent tip-overs, visit https://www.anchorit.gov/.