Are your kids going to help you in the kitchen this Thanksgiving?  If so, check out this age-appropriate guide to having them help safely from the National Fire Protection Association.

Kids in the Kitchen

 

This new Children’s Safety Network resource guide provides links to organizations, programs, publications, and resources focused on Internet safety, as well as information on a variety of subtopics related to the Internet, including: alcohol and drugs, cyberbullying, sexting, social networking, and suicide and self-harm.  Each item in this resource guide includes a short description and a link to the resource itself.

Internet Safety Guide

by Dr. Cindy Haines, HealthDay TV

 

Laundry detergent pods can pose “a serious poisoning risk to young children.” according to a new study published in the journal Pediatrics.

Researchers analyzed records from the National Poison Data System and found that more than 17,000 children under the age of six were exposed to laundry detergent pods from 2012 through 2013. Nearly 80 percent were exposed through ingestion, most of them one and two years of age. Half of the children were treated at home, about a third were treated at a health care facility and released, and around 4 percent were hospitalized. While most of the young patients experienced minor injuries, more than 7 percent suffered a moderate to major medical outcome. One child died.

The researchers say the pods have a colorful, candy-like appearance that may attract children, especially during developmental periods when they commonly place items in their mouths. They are asking pediatricians and other health care providers to educate parents and other caregivers about the dangers of these products, as well as the importance of safe storage and careful use.

They strongly recommend that households with young children use traditional laundry detergent. The study authors also say a national safety standard is needed to improve product packaging and labeling.

*A new study shows that about 63,358 children experience medication errors every year in their HOME!

*A quarter of these were infants under one year of age

*Most common mistakes involved pain medications, like aspirin. After that, it is cold and cough medications.

What can we do as parents and caregivers?

– Use measuring cups for liquid medications to help give the correct dose!

– Use smart phone apps to schedule and track medication doses

Before giving a medication, STOP! Make sure you have the 3 RIGHTS:

-Right dose 

-Right medication 

-Right time 

Make sure to read the labels before giving any type of medication and consulting with a doctor for any questions and concerns

If a medication mistakes does happen, call  the American Association of Poison Control Centers  at 1-800-222-1222. 

Halloween Safety

Did you know?

• Only 1/3 of parents have talked to their kids annually about Halloween, although 3/4 report having Halloween safety fears.

• On average, twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year.

• Only 18% of parents use reflective tape on their children’s Halloween costumes.

• An amazing 12% of children five years of age or younger are permitted to trick-or-treat alone.

What can you do to keep your kids safe?

• Children under the age of 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths.  If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far to the side as possible.

• Cross the street at the corner (crosswalks, traffic signals) and watch for cars backing out of the driveway.

• SLOW DOWN when driving through the neighborhoods.  Children move in unpredictable ways.  Park the car and walk with your kids…it’s great exercise for everyone!