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

Halloween Candy Solutions

Ever wonder what to do with all of that extra Halloween candy that you don't want to keep around your house?  Maybe we can help with that!  There are numerous dental and orthodontic offices around the valley that will pay you for your leftover Halloween candy!  Most of the offices who participate in this will donate the candy to a charitable cause.  There is even a dentist in our building that is paying people for their Halloween candy for the entire week after Halloween!  This particular office is donating all of the candy they collect to our troops overseas.  So if you are wanting to get rid of some of those mountains of candy, call up your dentist office and see if this is something they do!

UFAN Annual Halloween Party!

Utah Food Allergy Network is gearing up for their annual "food-free" Halloween party!  This is a great opportunity for children and families with food allergies to enjoy some Halloween festivities without worrying about possibly being exposed to something they are allergic to!  There will be many activities to participate in, including a costume parade, creative holiday crafts, and many festive Halloween games!

The party is this coming Friday, October 29th from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.  It will be held at the Carmen B. Pingree School, on 780 South Guardsman Way. 

**For more information and a detailed map, you can visit the UFAN website at http://www.utahfoodallergy.org/.

Teething Tablets Recall

Today we received word on a current recall that we wanted you to be aware of. The FDA states that Hylands Teething Tablets are being recalled because they contain a small amount of belladona which is a substance that can cause harm in large doses.

To read more about this current recall click on this link

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm230762.htm It is a great idea to check http://www.fda.gov/ for other updates and recalls on a weekly or monthly bases. It has several tips and great ideas. If you have any other questions please call our office.

Fact Friday--The World's Largest Puzzle!

If you have been in the office recently (within the past year or so!), you more than likely have seen the large jigsaw puzzle hanging in the main hallway!  The puzzle was put together mostly by Trishell, who works in our front office, and Amber, who works in the back with Dr. Memmott.  The puzzle took a little over 2 years for them to complete!  Here are some statistics on the puzzle:

• The puzzle consists of 24,000 pieces 
• It comes in 4 individual packages, which are divided up into 4 vertical sections
• The puzzle comes in a smaller, 3,000 piece version...but, what fun is that???
• This puzzle was released and put on store shelves on March 10, 2007.  The one that hangs on the Willow Creek wall was start in April, 2007.  We don't waste much time! 
• The box that the puzzle comes in is 22.5 inches wide, 13.5 inches deep, and 10 inches tall and weight approximately 26 pounds! 
• Once assembled, the puzzle measures 15 feet in lenght and 5 feet in height!

We are so proud of this puzzle hanging in our hallway!  It definitely adds character to our office and we are so proud of Amber and Trishell for sticking it out so we can have something fun for our little patients to look at!

**For more information on "The World's Largest Jigsaw Puzzle", click here

Introducing Dr. Kathy O'Mara!

This week's spotlight is Dr. Kathy O'Mara!

Dr. O'Mara was born and raised in Philadelphia. She has been practicing medicine for 18 years. She loves being a pediatrician because it is a great way to be around kids a lot!

Dr O'Mara has been married for 13 years and has two very active boys. One of her favorite things to do is to camp with her family.

Dr. O'Mara's favorite food is sushi! Her favorite book.....is the next one that keeps her up all night! Her hobbies and interests include running, biking, skiing and camping. One thing on Dr. O'Mara's "bucket list" is to do more international travel.

Dr. O'Mara is a huge asset to Willow Creek Pediatrics and if you can't find her in the office, check the mountains...that is where she will be! We love Dr O'Mara and know that all her patients would agree!

Facebook Contest!

Are you needing a little help with the upcoming holiday season?  Maybe we can be that help! 

Click here and "Like" us on Facebook!  Once have done that, post a comment on our wall and tell us what you LOVE about Willow Creek Pediatrics!  Everyone who follows us and posts on our wall by October 30th will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Target gift card!

Continue to follow us because there will be prizes given monthly through the holidays, including a big holiday gift basket!

**Employees of Willow Creek Pediatrics are not eligible!