It is imperative that responsible adults maintain a safe home environment and be able to recognize possible symptoms of a poisoning. I am often asked which plants are toxic and which ones are safe for the home and garden areas. Listed here are more than a few relatively safe plants which if ingested are not likely […]
When pediatric specialists ask parents to pay close attention to prevent household poisonings they are speaking from experience. In a 5 year study of poisonings reported on by the American Association of Poison Control Centers, there were 3.8 million reported incidents in this country.* These occurred with infants & children up to the age of six. The […]
Drowning remains the second leading cause of injury death for infants and children less than 15 years of age in the U.S. Adding to this, children under 5 years of age and adolescents between 15-19 years have the highest rates of drowning in the country. How are parents to respond to these figures? What can you do to create […]
A recent medical report based on research in the UK and published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed no relationship between increased risk of allergic problems such as asthma or eczema (a skin condition) and childhood vaccinations. Researchers have been looking for possible causes of a known increase in allergic diseases in the […]
Choking is a leading cause of injury and death among children, especially children 3 years of age or younger. Food, toys and coins account for most of the choking-related events in young children, who put objects in their mouths as they explore new environments. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement, Prevention of Choking […]
Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a brief but specific set of parental recommendations to avoid becoming one of these victims. They include: • Never approach an unfamiliar dog • Never run from a dog and scream • Stay still when an unfamiliar […]
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) & The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a policy statement on hospital preparedness that is worth your time and interest. As an educator, I am frequently asked by parents, “Which is the best emergency room for my baby>” or “Does (this or that) hospital have good […]