Child Car Seat Safety
Most summers are characterized by family outings, trips, and vacations — all of which include car time. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of injury and death among children in the United States. Proper precautions and safety measures can significantly reduce this risk and keep your children safe.
Car safety guidelines to keep in mind:
- Birth-2 years old: Child should be in rear-facing car seat.
- 2-5 years old: Child should be in front-facing car seat.
- 5+ years (until regular seat belt fits appropriately): Child should be in booster seat.
Seat belts fit properly when the shoulder belt lays across the child’s chest (not the neck) and the lap belt fits across their upper thighs (not the stomach). For best protection, keep kids safely buckled in the back seat of the car.
Always strap your kids in, double-check they are securely fastened in their seats, and never leave them in the car alone.
Source: CDC Child Passenger Safety: Get the Facts www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html
Bike Helmet Safety By: Barrett Curnutte, MD, Emergency Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — College Station
Summer bike rides through the neighborhood are enjoyable and beneficial for the whole family. Not only is it a great bonding experience, it also gets kids active and moving. However, bike rides with the kids require certain safety measures to keep children safe and protect them from avoidable injury.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800 bicyclists were killed in 2010 and an estimated 0.5 million sustained bicycle-related injuries requiring emergency department care. Annually, 26,000 of these injuries to children and adolescents are traumatic brain injuries. Despite this grim report, the Cleveland Clinic reports that cyclists who wear helmets reduce their risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.
Proper helmets should have a sticker denoting approval by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Snell Foundation. Refer to your local bicycle shop or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site (www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety) to help with proper fit of a helmet. Happy riding!
Pool Safety By: Joseph Bales, MD, Emergency Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — College Station
Swimming is a great way to cool off in the hot summer sun, but while you’re enjoying the cool water, remember to be vigilant and keep your family safe. Drowning remains the No. 2 cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-14, just behind motor vehicle accidents. More than 700 children die from unintentional drowning each year. Annually, more than 3,500 children are treated in an ER for nonfatal injuries, half of which will require life-saving interventions and hospitalization. Some of these cases even result in long-term mental or physical disabilities.
To prevent drowning and other pool accidents:
- Teach your kids pool safety and swimming skills and know their skill levels and endurance.
- Never swim alone (this goes for adults and kids).
- Wear an approved flotation device or life jacket.
- Learn CPR and administer immediately when necessary.
- Supervise your kids and watch them closely when in and around pools.
Remember, seconds count when it comes to pool safety. Always have someone watching and ready to intervene. Stay cool this summer and enjoy the water!
Source: www.cdc.gov
Courtesy of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - College Station
