Bus Bullying

Bullying on the Bus : How Should You Handle It?

 

 

School buses are one of the top places where childhood bullying happens. With fewer adults around and a bus driver focused on the road-unable to monitor everything. 

 

How to tell if your child is being bullied on the bus:

 

Recognizing something is going on with your child

Your child makes excuses to not ride the bus or to avoid school entirely

Watch for stress related symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, nausea and dizziness

 

Kids may worry that if they report the bullying it will lead to more bullying.

 

Follow the link below for helpful information on bus bullying

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Bullying-on-the-Bus.aspx

 

 



Tips for buying safe toys

 

 

Kids are filling their wish list with toys. Read below for some tips to keep your kids safe this Holiday season from Healthychildren.org

 

Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child's mouth to prevent choking

Avoid toys with toxic material

Electric toys should be "UL approved"

Avoid toys that shoot object into the air

Be extra cautious of toys that contain button batteries.

Keep magnets away from young children who may swallow them.

 Educate your kids about the dangers of swallowing magnets.

Choose the right toys for the right age.

Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet Part 1

        Over the next few weeks will be giving you some great information about Internet Safety for your kids. Allowing kids to go online without supervision or ground rules is like allowing them to explore a major metropolitan area by themselves. The internet, like a city, offers an enormous array of entertainment and educational resources but also present some potential risk. Kids need help navigating this world. By exploring the Internet with your kids, you greatly expand its capacity as an educational tool. By providing guidance and discussions along the way you increase kids' online skills and confidence along with their ability to avoid potential risk.

Where do kids connect?
--Kids go online almost anywhere. They surf the Internet and send messages from a home computer or one of friend's home, library or school.
--Kids connect at coffee shops and other "hotspots" using laptops and wireless connections
--Internet-enabled, video-game systems allow them to compete against and chat with players around the world.
--Wireless devices enable kids to surf the web and exchange messages photographs, and short videos from just about anywhere

Browsing the Internet
--Browsing the Internet is like having the world's largest library and entertainment system at your fingertips. Kids are able to read stories, tour museums, visit other countries, play games, look at photographs, shop and do research to help with homework
--Potential RISK--
Kids may come across websites containing adult images or demeaning, racist, sexist, violent or false information.

Tips to Minimize Potential Risk
--Chose search engines carefully. Some are specifically designed for kids and others off kid-safe options.
--Tell kids when they come across any material making them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused to immediately tell you or another trusted adult.
--Help kids find information online. By searching the Internet together you can help them find good resources and show them how to do it the correct way.

Using Email
Kids and adults can communicate and a rapidly and cost effectively with people all over the world.
**Potential Risk
-- Kids are able to set up private accounts without asking parents permission
-- Anyone using email is vulnerable to receiving "spam" which can encourage the recipients to buys something, visit a website or spam may be sexually suggestive or offensive.
**Tips to Minimize Potential Risks
--Talk with your kids about their email accounts. Remind them to never share passwords with anyone but you. Not even their closest friends.
--Teach your children to not open up spam mail and if they do receive something have them to show it to you.


** info from May Clinic--And National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Is your Laundry Room Childproof

Is your Laundry Room Childproof? Anything within your child's reach can end up in his or her hands and mouth. Don't forget to check for safety hazards in your laundry room.

 Here are some great safety tips:

• Keep laundry detergent and other cleaning products in their original packaging
• Call Poison Control for Help 800-222-1222
• Store all cleaning products in locked cabinets or containers, out of sign and reach of children
• Install safety latches that lock when you close the door on child-accessible cabinets.
• Never let your children touch single-use laundry packets. The packets dissolve  quickly when in contact with water, wet hands or saliva
• Always follow the instructions on the product label
• Use childproof locks on front-loading washers and dryers
• Make sure laundry chute doors are childproof
• Keep irons and iron cords out of reach of children

 

Info from AAP 

Parents urged to use Caution : Bumbo Baby Seats

We wanted to make sure you know about the most current recalls and warnings to protect your child. For more information click on www.saferproducts.gov

Serious Head Injuries to Infants Continue Due to Falls from Bumbo Baby Seats Used on Elevated Surfaces Injuries occurring despite previous recall warning; parents urged to use caution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Due to the serious risk of injury to babies, CPSC and Bumbo International Trust of South Africa ("Bumbo International") are urging parents and caregivers to never place Bumbo Baby Seats on tables, countertops, chairs or other raised surfaces. Infants aged 3-10 months old have fallen out of the Bumbo seat and suffered skull fractures and other injuries.
CPSC and Bumbo International are aware of at least 45 incidents in which infants fell out of a Bumbo seat while it was being used on an elevated surface which occurred after an October 25, 2007 voluntary recall of the product. The recall required that new warnings be placed on the seat to deter elevated usage of the product. Since the recall, CPSC and Bumbo International have learned that 17 of those infants, ages 3-10 months, suffered skull fractures. These incidents and injuries involved both recalled Bumbo seats and Bumbo seats sold after the recall with the additional on-product warnings.
CPSC and Bumbo International are also aware of an additional 50 reports of infants falling or maneuvering out of Bumbo seats used on the floor and at unknown elevations. These incidents include two reports of skull fractures and one report of a concussion that occurred when babies fell out of Bumbo seats used on the floor. These injuries reportedly occurred when the infants struck their heads on hard flooring, or in one case, on a nearby toy.
The Bumbo seat is labeled and marketed to help infants sit in an upright position as soon as they can support their head. The product warnings state that the seat "may not prevent release of your baby in the event of vigorous movement." Infants as young as 3 months can fall or escape from the seat by arching backward, leaning forward or sideways or rocking.
At the time of the 2007 recall announcement, CPSC was aware of 28 falls from the product, three of which resulted in skull fractures to infants who fell or maneuvered out of the product used on an elevated surface. CPSC and Bumbo International are now aware of at least 46 falls from Bumbo seats used on elevated surfaces that occurred prior to the 2007 recall, resulting in 14 skull fractures, two concussions and one incident of a broken limb.
Approximately 3.85 million Bumbo seats have been sold in the United States since 2003. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product alert or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov 
info from : http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12047.html

Black Friday: Toy tips and warnings before you buy

As you begin your shopping this holiday season we hope you keep a few things in mind. "Safety and Quality"

SAFETEY:
The consumer advocate's report, released Tuesday, found just over a dozen toys on store shelves that violate federal safety standards. Some had unsafe levels of lead or chemicals called phthalates, and others contained small parts that young children could choke on. Government figures show 34 toy recalls in fiscal year 2011 -- down from 46 recalls the previous year; 50 in 2009 and 172 in 2008. Recalls related to lead were down from 19 in 2008 to four this past year.To read the full article and see the list of "unsafe" toys click HERE and for the full list click HERE.
QUALITY:

Babies rely primarily on their 5 senses (seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, and—yes—tasting) to play and explore. If you keep this concept in mind, it will serve you well when selecting the best toys for your baby.

• Eye catching. Babies typically prefer objects with bright colors, high contrast, simple designs, and clear lines.
• Shakes, rattles, and rolls. Your baby’s exploratory efforts will be rewarded with both sounds and movement.
• Touchy feely. Remember to let your baby explore various textures. Think soft, smooth, fluffy, and fuzzy.
• Holds its own. Look for toys that will be easy to hold so your baby can get a good grasp.
• Drool resistant. As soon as they’re able, babies use their mouths to explore their world. Fortunately, there are plenty of baby toys today designed with this in mind.
• Stands up under pressure…not to mention all of the pushing, pulling, dropping, and smushing that baby toys are inevitably subjected to.

Be Pro-Active

When it comes to toys (and, ultimately, learning), active play always wins out over passive entertainment such as watching a TV. Although your newborn certainly won’t be getting a full-fledged workout just yet, she’ll be moving more in a matter of mere months. As she does, offer her toys that she can reach for and hold, look at, listen to, wave, shake, chew on, make noise with, and more. An activity mat that you put on the floor can make an excellent fitness center for your new baby as she learns about the textures and sounds of different objects as well as works on her depth perception skills by trying to grab such items as hanging rings and plastic mirrors.

The Perfect Fit

Finally, be sure to offer toys to your baby that are at an appropriate level for her development. While you may love the idea of building Legos together, she won’t yet have the required dexterity (or self-control to avoid eating the pieces) to make them a good fit. If a toy is too advanced (or too simplistic) for a child, they will quickly lose interest or get frustrated.
**info from The Boston Globe/Associated Press
**info from http://www.healthychildren.org/

Fact Friday: Crib Bumpers are more harm than good

Parents will soon hear from their pediatricians that bumper pads should not be used in cribs because babies can suffocate against or be strangled by the popular bedding product.The American Academy of Pediatrics set the guideline for its physicians as part of updated policies to create safer sleep environments for babies and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. To read more about this article and the new guidelines click here. Here is part of the article with some great "FACTS". Remember to talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions.

Every five years the pediatrics academy updates its official policies, which serve as a guide to pediatricians and other medical professionals throughout the country. Previously, the policies stated that if crib bumpers were used, they should be thin, firm, well secured and not "pillow-like" — a vague term that irked safe-sleep experts and SIDS groups.

"It was just confusing," said Nancy Cowles, director of Kids in Danger, a safety advocacy group. "I think this clarifies things — bare is best."

In a statement, the academy said that although the number of deaths associated with sudden infant death syndrome has declined in the last two decades, sleep-related deaths from suffocation, entrapment and asphyxia have increased.

Besides stating that bumper pads should not be used, the group also recommended that babies always sleep on a firm surface, not in car seats or other products that babies sit in. Wedges and positioners shouldn't be used, and the policies recommend breast-feeding and immunizations to reduce SIDS deaths

Info from AAP and http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-crib-bumper-warning-20111018,0,1998372.story

Fourth of July Firework Safety

We hope you are all having a safe and wonderful Fourth of July weekend! The AAP(American Academy of Pediatrics) continues to urge families NOT to buy fireworks for their own or their children's use. Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death. The AAP is part of the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, a group of health and safety organizations that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and to only enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.

However, here are a few tips if you choose to be around Fireworks this weekend.

Fireworks Safety Tips: From the Consumer Product Safety Commission or www.cpsc.gov
**Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
**Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
**Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
**Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. **Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
**Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
**Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
**Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
**Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
**Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
**After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
**Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

To read more about firework safety go to www.cpsc.gov/info/fireworks
Also click here for a great link about safety for kids and fireworks.
Or check out this website http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/fireworkssafety.htm
Happy Fourth of July from everyone here at Willow Creek Pediatrics!


**info from AAP and cpsc.gov

Fact Friday: Portable Pool Safety

About two dozen children each year drown in portable pools, according to a study published this month in Pediatrics. Nearly all are under age 5.

Unlike permanent pools, portable pools aren't typically required to meet any local safety standards, says study author Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Smith notes that portable pools are increasingly popular and come in all sizes. Hard-plastic wading pools, which hold about 18 inches of water, may cost only a few dollars at a local drugstore. Family-size, inflatable pools, nearly as large as a small, in-ground pool, can cost closer to $1,000, he says.

These pools pose unique risks, says Meri-K Appy, president of Safe Kids USA, an advocacy group. Few people, for example, are willing to invest in building a safety fence around a portable pool — one of the best ways to prevent drownings — because a fence could cost more than the pool itself.

"These pools are too small for people to invest in an isolation fence but too large to drain every time," Appy says.

**About 11% of all pool drowning deaths in kids under 5 take place in portable pools, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says.

**Children drowned in as little as 2 inches of water, according to the study, based on data from a total of 209 deaths from 2001 to 2009.

**About 43% of the children were being supervised when they went under water; 39% were unsupervised; and 18% of kids died during a "lapse" in supervision.

"Parents don't always understand that it just takes a couple of minutes for children to be submerged under water for their breathing and heart to stop," Smith says. "What's different about drowning is that it's quick, it's silent and it's final."

When supervising kids in the water, Appy says, caregivers need to give children their full attention and be only an arm's length away. Children have died at swimming parties, surrounded by others, because adults weren't within reach.

Drowning is the leading cause of death from unintentional injuries in children ages 1 to 4, causing 29% of these deaths — more even than traffic accidents, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They include not only pools and lakes but bathtubs. Parents also should learn CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, says Susan Baker, professor with the Johns Hopkins Center for Injury Research and Policy. The study notes that few parents even attempted CPR, perhaps because they doubted their skills.

Full article click here or for additional information check out www.aap.org
**info from Pediatrics and USA today and CDC

Fact Friday: 2.4 million people swallow or have contact with poisonous substance

Each year, approximately 2.4 million people – more than half under age 6 – swallow or have contact with a poisonous substance. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some important tips to prevent and to treat exposures to poison.

To poison proof your home: Most poisonings occur when parents or caregivers are home but not paying attention. The most dangerous potential poisons are medicines, cleaning products, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, pesticides, furniture polish, gasoline, kerosene and lamp oil. Be especially vigilant when there is a change in routine. Holidays, visits to and from grandparents’ homes, and other special events may bring greater risk of poisoning if the usual safeguards are defeated or not in place.

• Store medicine, cleaners, paints/varnishes and pesticides in their original packaging inlocked cabinets or containers, out of sight and reach of children.


• Install a safety latch – that locks when you close the door – on child-accessible cabinets containing harmful products.


• Purchase and keep all medicines in containers with safety caps. Discard unused medication.


• Never refer to medicine as “candy” or another appealing name.


• Check the label each time you give a child medicine to ensure proper dosage.


• Never place poisonous products in food or drink containers.


• Keep coal, wood or kerosene stoves in safe working order.


• Maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Treatment: If your child is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures due to poison contact or ingestion, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. If your child has come in contact with poison, and has mild or no symptoms, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222

Different types and methods of poisoning require different, immediate treatment:

• Swallowed poison – Remove the item from the child, and have the child spit out any remaining substance. Do not make your child vomit. Do not use syrup of ipecac.


• Skin poison -- Remove the child’s clothes and rinse the skin with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.


• Eye poison -- Flush the child’s eye by holding the eyelid open and pouring a steady stream of room temperature water into the inner corner for 15 minutes.


• Poisonous fumes – Take the child outside or into fresh air immediately. If the child has stopped breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and do not stop until the child breathes on his or her own, or until someone can take over. ©American Academy of Pediatrics 3/11 http://www.healthychildren.org/English/News/pages/Tips-for-Poison-Prevention-and-Treatment.aspx **info from AAP

During your spring cleaning this year, it is a great time to look very carefully at your house. If you have any questions please call your pediatrician.

Updated Car Seat Safety Recommendations

As you may know, car seat safety is always a question on parents' minds!  We always want to try to be as clear and concise and up-to-date as we can with these recommendations as we know that it is an important issue for all parents!  The AAP has recently released updated recommendations for car seat safety.

The following is a quick view of the current recommendations (as of March, 2011) from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

1. Infant-only seats
• Are used for infants up to 22 to 35 pounds, depending on the model.
• Are small and have carrying handles (and sometimes come as part of a stroller system).
• May come with a base that can be left in the car. The seat clicks into and out of the base so you don’t have to install the seat each time you use it. Parents can buy more than one base for additional vehicles.
• Are used only for travel (not for positioning outside the vehicle).
2. Convertible seats (used rear-facing)
• Can be used rear-facing, then “converted” to forward-facing for older children. This means the seat can be used longer by your child. They are bulkier than infant seats, however, and do not come with carrying handles or separate bases.
• May have higher rear-facing weight (30–40 pounds) and height limits than infant-only seats, which make them ideal for bigger babies.
• Usually have a 5-point harness that attaches at the shoulders, at the hips, and between the legs. Older convertible seats may have an overhead shield—a padded tray-like shield that swings down over the child.
3. 3-in-1 seats (used rear-facing)
• Can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, or as a belt-positioning booster. This means the seat may be used longer by your child.
• Are often bigger in size so adequate space within the vehicle when rear-facing should be determined.
• Do not have the convenience of a carrying handle or a separate base; however, they may have higher rear-facing weight (35–40 pounds) and height limits than infant-only seats, which make them ideal for bigger babies.

You can view the article in its entirety here.

If you ever have any questions regarding car seat safety, please feel free to call our office.  Primary Children's is also another great source for car seat safety information.  The car seat safety hotline is 801-662-CARS (2277).

AAP-Letter about Nuclear Crisis and Japan Earthquake

Our hearts go out to everyone that has been affected by the Earthquake in Japan. We know that it may have been family or friends that have experienced this horrible disaster. We also know that many people are concerned about the radiation level in the United States. Dr Lynch received this letter from the AAP yesterday about the concerns of the Nuclear Crisis. Please read below and look at the wonderful links at the bottom of this article.

Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Crisis March 16, 2011 From: AAP Executive Committee

The AAP conveys its heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by the earthquakes, tsunami and resulting nuclear power plant crisis in Japan. The AAP has contacted the Japan Pediatric Society and offered to provide support. We have heard from members that parents in the U.S. have questions about radiation. Federal and state agencies have been monitoring air and water in the U.S. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has stated that currently there is no health risk for radiation exposure to U.S. residents from events in Japan. People in the U.S. need not be concerned about additional health risks as a result of this disaster. They should not use countermeasures such as potassium iodide unless advised to by local or federal health authorities. Previous disasters and the current events in Japan can serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster planning for health care providers, families, and communities. Improving day-to-day emergency readiness begins with personal and family preparedness. AAP members should develop their own plans and talk with parents about family emergency preparedness. As pediatricians, we know that images and news accounts of disasters can be extremely distressing, especially for children. You can help by encouraging parents and caregivers to minimize children's access to the media. Remember that if parents are watching, listening, or viewing news media, children are also being exposed. Encourage parents to ask questions about what children have already heard and answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner, while assuring them about their safety. For more information on responding to parents' concerns, including a tip sheet you may post or e-mail to patients, visit healthychildren.org.
Additional References
Links: CDC Information http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/ http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/ki.asp
AAP Children and Disasters Web site http://www.aap.org/disasters/index.com
Helping Children Understand and Cope with Disasters http://www.aap.org/disasters/adjustment.com
Radiation Disasters in Children http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/pediatrics;111/6/1455
We will keep you updated if any information that we receive.

Safety and Injury Prevention

Did you know that injuries are the number one cause of death for children and adolescents ages 1 to 21?  There are many important steps parents, pediatricians, and communities can take to prevent injuries from happening.  When an injury does happen, it is important to take quick action to reduce the consequences of the injury.  The following is a link for numerous resources about safety and first aid:

http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/safety.cfm

The AAP also does "The Injury Prevention Program".  You can visit http://www.aap.org/family/tippmain.htm for handouts and recommendations on injury prevention.  We also have these handouts available in the office!

As always, if you ever have any questions, feel free to contact your physician!

Fact Friday: WInter Safety Tips

Whether winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm.

What to Wear
-Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
-The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
-Blankets, quilts, pillows, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment. Sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers is preferred.
-If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby’s chest, so the infant's face is less likely to become covered by bedding materials.
Hypothermia
-Hypothermia develops when a child's temperature falls below normal due to exposure to colder temperatures. It often happens when a youngster is playing outdoors in extremely cold weather without wearing proper clothing or when clothes get wet. It can occur more quickly in children than in adults.
-As hypothermia sets in, the child may shiver and become lethargic and clumsy. Speech may become slurred and body temperature will decline in more severe cases.
-If you suspect your child is hypothermic, call 911 at once. Until help arrives, take the child indoors, remove any wet clothing, and wrap him in blankets or warm clothes.
Frostbite
-Frostbite happens when the skin and outer tissues become frozen. This condition tends to happen on extremities like the fingers, toes, ears and nose. They may become pale, gray and blistered. At the same time, the child may complain that his/her skin burns or has become numb.
-If frostbite occurs, bring the child indoors and place the frostbitten parts of her body in warm (not hot) water. 104° Fahrenheit (about the temperature of most hot tubs) is recommended. -Warm washcloths may be applied to frostbitten nose, ears and lips.
-Do not rub the frozen areas.
-After a few minutes, dry and cover the child with clothing or blankets. Give him/her something warm to drink.
-If the numbness continues for more than a few minutes, call your doctor.
Winter Health
-If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds, try using a cold air humidifier in the child's room at night. Saline nose drops or petrolatum may help keep tissues moist. If bleeding is severe or recurrent, consult your pediatrician.
-Many pediatricians feel that bathing two or three times a week is enough for an infant’s first year. More frequent baths may dry out the skin, especially during the winter.
-Cold weather does not cause colds or flu. But the viruses that cause colds and flu tend to be more common in the winter, when children are in school and are in closer contact with each other. Frequent hand washing and teaching your child to sneeze or cough into the bend of her elbow may help reduce the spread of colds and flu.
-Children 6 months of age and up should get the influenza vaccine to reduce their risk of catching the flu.
Winter Sports and Activities
-Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Have children come inside periodically to warm up.
Ice Skating
-Allow children to skate only on approved surfaces. Check for signs posted by local police or recreation departments, or call your local police department to find out which areas have been approved.
-Advise your child to:
Skate in the same direction as the crowd
Avoid darting across the ice
Never skate alone
Not chew gum or eat candy while skating.
Consider having your child wear a helmet while ice skating.
Sledding
-Keep sledders away from motor vehicles.
-Children should be supervised while sledding.
-Keep young children separated from older children.
-Sledding feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down head-first, may prevent head injuries.
-Consider having your child wear a helmet while sledding.
-Use steerable sleds, not snow disks or inner tubes.
-Sleds should be structurally sound and free of sharp edges and splinters, and the steering mechanism should be well lubricated.
-Sled slopes should be free of obstructions like trees or fences, be covered in snow not ice, not be too steep (slope of less than 30º), and end with a flat runoff.
-Avoid sledding in crowded areas.
Snow Skiing and Snowboarding
-Children should be taught to ski or snowboard by a qualified instructor in a program designed for children.
-Never ski or snowboard alone.
-Young children should always be supervised by an adult. Older children’s need for adult supervision depends on their maturity and skill. If older children are not with an adult, they should always at least be accompanied by a friend.
-Consider wearing a helmet.
-Equipment should fit the child. Skiers should wear safety bindings that are adjusted at least every year. Snowboarders should wear gloves with built-in wrist guards. Eye protection or goggles should also be used.
-Slopes should fit the ability and experience of the skier or snowboarder. Avoid crowded slopes.
-Avoid skiing in areas with trees and other obstacles.
Snowmobiling
-The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.
-Do not use a snowmobile to pull a sled or skiers.
-Wear goggles and a safety helmet approved for use on motorized vehicles like motorcycles.
-Travel at safe speeds.
-Never use alcohol or other drugs before or during snowmobiling.
-Never snowmobile alone or at night.
-Stay on marked trails, away from roads, water, railroads and pedestrians.
Sun Protection
-The sun’s rays can still cause sunburn in the winter, especially when they reflect off snow. -Make sure to cover your child’s exposed skin with sunscreen.
Fire Protection
-Winter is a time when household fires occur. It is a good time to remember to:
-Buy and install smoke alarms on every floor of your home
-Test smoke alarms monthly
-Practice fire drills with your children
-Install a carbon monoxide detector outside bedrooms

arcticle by AAP http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/decwintertips.cfm

"Parents should play it SAFE over the holidays"

Four more days until Christmas.....We have one more tip to go along with all your holiday plans. Thanks to Dr. Jopling for sharing this article.

James Schmidt, an emergency room physician at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, sees plenty of avoidable accidents at this time of year — and all year round.

"Each year," he says, "parents are warned of holiday hazards, including toxic mistletoe and dangerous toys. Unfortunately most of the holiday hazard stories miss the larger point regarding children's safety. Most of the household injuries that occur during the holiday are the exact same types of injuries that occur commonly throughout the year -— poisonings, chokings, falls and burns."

In fact, he adds, the single most dangerous item during the holidays may be grandma's purse, where her medications may be left in places accessible to children. They may even be set out for her to remember to take them, he adds. While the potential toxicity of some Christmas plants always gets attention during the holidays, according to Schmidt emergency room doctors see far more children who have ingested their grandparents' blood pressure pills than children who have eaten mistletoe.

There is however, one common seasonal injury — that's when a child pulls over a Christmas tree. Trees should be securely fastened to the wall and toddlers should not be permitted close enough to a tree to tug on it, cautions Schmidt.

Other dangers to watch for include easy access to alcohol at holiday gatherings. "During a large party, guests may leave half-imbibed cups around the house. Small children may wander the house sampling the drinks. Children often show up at ERs showing symptoms of alcohol poisoning," he says.

Schmidt further warns about the potential for mishaps in visits to homes that haven't been "child-proofed." "Parents need to be vigilant and inspect homes for unblocked stairways and other hazards non-parents may have missed," he says.

Altogether, Schmidt urges families not only to decorate safely, give age-appropriate toys, and secure their Christmas trees and candles this holiday season, but he also wants to remind parents to stay vigilant for common household dangers that cause the most injuries — and to consider how travel and visitors may impact their children.

**more info http://www.dailypress.com/topic/health/hospitals-clinics/childrens-hospital-of-the-kings-daughters-PLCUL000134.topic

Toy Safety in your shopping list

'Tis the season for holiday gift shopping. The hustle and bustle to find just the right toy for a child can present challenges. A wonderful article published by the AAP gives some wonderful consideration while shopping for toys this holiday season.

When choosing toy gifts this holiday season, keep safety , age-appropriateness, and the child's needs and interests in mind . Following are tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) to consider while shopping for toys:

-When selecting stocking stuffers and other trinkets, beware of toy or jewelry that may contain lead or cadmium. Both substances can be harmful to children who put into their mouths.

-Small items also can be risky for young children. For children under age 3, choose toys that are at least 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long, so they will not lodge in a child's mouth or throat.

-Toys containing magnets also pose risk to young children. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.

-For older children who find electronic gifts exciting, parents can help set a balance by also offering creative toys. The AAP recommends that children over age 2 have no more than two hours of screen time each day from all sources of media (e.g., television, video games, and the Internet). Check the label to make sure electronic toys are "UL Approved."

-If a hobby or chemistry kit seems like a wise educational gift, the AAP recommends giving these types of toys to children age 12 or older.

-With tight economic times, parents may opt to purchase gently used items from garage sales, online sources and secondhand stores. While it may save money, parents should check that the item has not been involved in a recall by visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site, www.cpsc.gov.

Finally the AAP advises parents to share toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids' toys away from young children. If a toy is not in good condition, throw it away.

www.aapnews.org

Are your kids buckled properly?

We know that many of our patients will be traveling over this holiday season and wanted to give you a reminder to check your restraint systems in your car. (article provided by Dr Lynch)

First--REMEMBER, that children under 13 should ride in a rear vehicle seat. A child in front is 40% more likely to be injured, whether they are air bags, advanced air bags or no air bags. Never place a child in a rear-facing seat near an active frontal air bag! Here are four common misuses of restraints:

Face the Front: Children should ride in the front-facing child seats with harness until they reach the height or weight limits of the harnesses. All models can be used up to 40 pounds, but many newer harness designs can be used until children weigh 50, 65 or more pounds. Front-Facing harness spread force over wide areas of small bodies.

Face the Rear: Children should ride in the rear-facing child seat until they reach the height or weight limits of rear-facing convertible seats--research shows that children are five times safer facing the rear until they are two years old. Rear-facing child seats provide the best protection for the head, neck and spinal cord.

Booster Seats: Children should ride in booster seats used with lap and shoulder belts, until the seat belts alone fit correctly. Depending on the child and the specific vehicle, this usually occurs between 8 and 11. The lap belt should fit flat across a child's upper thighs (NOT across the soft abdomen) and the shoulder belt should cross snugly over the middle of a child's shoulder (NOT over the neck, or, behind the back). Booster seats help belts stay on strong body parts that don't injure easily.

Seat Belt: Seat belts are designed and crash tested to fit a person at 4 feet 9 inches. Seat belts fit if a child can sit all the way back with knees bent naturally over the seat edge. While sitting all the way back against the vehicle seat, the lap belt should fit flat across a child's upper thighs (NOT across the soft abdomen) and the shoulder belt across snugly over the middle of a child's shoulder (NOT over the neck, or, behind the back.) This belt placement must stay consistent throughout the ride. Seat belts distribute force and keep people in protected space.

We know this can be confusing but there is a great link that gives more information plus several different places to go get your child seats check. www.intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/primarychildrens/childhealth/parenting/carseats/pages/home.aspx

For MORE information or to schedule a FREE CAR SEAT INSPECTION call: 801-662-2277(CARS) A service of Primary Children's Medical Center. http://www.primarychildrens.org/

Fact Friday - Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is such an exciting time of the year for kids and we all want to make sure that children have a safe holiday with the following tips from the AAP. Dr Lynch found this article and asked we share it with our "blogging" friends!

"13 Halloween Safety Tips for Little Ghost and Goblins"

ALL DRESSED UP

1- Because they can obstruct a child's vision, mask are not recommended. If a child wears makeup, parents should look for non-toxic, hypoallergenic kits.

2- Costumes should be flame-retardant and fit properly. Avoid oversized shoes, high heels and long skirts or pants that could cause a child to fall.

3- Children who will be trick-or-treating after dusk should have reflective tape on their costumes and carry a flashlight.

CARVING A NICHE

4- Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers, then parents can do the cutting. Under parents' supervision, children ages 5-10 can carve a pumpkin with cutters equipped with safety bars.

5- Battery operated lights or votives are best for candlelit pumpkins.

6- Lighted pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects and should never be left unattended.

(....blogger note, my children are small so we carved orange peppers and it was great because they have a softer skin and look very similar to a pumpkin)

SWEET TREATS

7- Children shouldn't snack while they're trick-o-treating. Parents should check treats at home.

8- Watch for signs of tampering, such as small pink holes in wrappers and torn or loose packages.

9- Parents of young children should get rid of choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.

HOME SAFE HOME

10- To keep their home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove anything a child could trip over such as a garden house, toys, bikes or lawn decorations.

11- Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.

12- Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

13- Remember that Halloween is for children all ages....so get involved with your little ghost or goblin!!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween from all of us at Willow Creek Pediatrics

**www.aap.org

Safety Recalls

We know that keeping your children safe is probably one of your top priorities. The AAP gives us an updated recall list monthly. Follow the link below to see if any of the items you have in your home have been recalled http://aapnews.aappublications.org/  Checking other websites like http://www.cpsc.gov/ are great resources to check current recalls. Recalls can be something as small as a pacifer and as large as a crib. Look at your home this next week and see what you can do to make your home a safer enviornment.