Brain injury is a common problem with young children, but a problem that can be avoided with a few preventative measures from parents.

Brain injuries can be caused by trampoline accidents when children land on their head or neck, sports injuries are another common area that can result in brain injury and brain injuries among the skateboarding community are also very common.

Many of these injuries can be prevented if parents to make sure their child wears a helmet anytime they are riding their bicycle, a skateboard or scooter and when skiing – water or snow. Avoiding pediatric brain injury can be done by making sure your baby or toddler is in the right car seat, booster seat or other appropriate child restraints for your child’s age, height and weight.

Getting your child or teenager to wear a helmet when it just isn’t “cool” can be a real challenge. One way to make it work is to show them the professional athletes who are wearing helmets doing the same activities your child loves to do – cycling, skateboarding and even skiing.

Even the smallest accident that involves a head injury can cause irreparable brain damage. Be sure to follow the same safety measures on a daily basis – no bicycling or skateboarding without a helmet and never go on a car ride without buckling up. Place infant seats, booster seats and other small child restraints in the back seat where they are safe from the air bags should they be deployed. Finally, lead by example. If you are on a family bike ride, be sure to wear your helmet and ever ride in the car without your seatbelts properly buckled.

Thank you for reading- stay safe!

We’re well aware of the most common types of poisons that may be lurking in the cupboards in our homes:

• Cleaning products
• Pesticides
• Automotive products like windshield washer fluid and antifreeze
• Insect repellants
• Animal products like flea and tick killers
• Swimming pool chemicals
• Mold and mildew killing products
• Health and Beauty products like shampoos, conditioners and cosmetics
• Weed killers and other lawn care products

What we tend to overlook sometimes are the most uncommon poisons that can be a danger to our children. Among these uncommon poisons are plants we have in and around our home.

We make our home pretty and some of the common house plants that don’t cause a problem are African Violets, Begonias, Forsythia, Petunia and Poinsettias at Christmas time.

However, there are several pretty plants that can be deadly:

• Azaleas
• Daffodils
• Lily-of-the-Valley
• Mistletoe
• Morning Glory
• Oleander

Also among these poisonous plants are any of the wild mushrooms you may see growing around your yard are also deadly.

Preventing poisoning in your home is simple enough by keeping these harmful products kept under lock and key and plants up and out of reach of little fingers. Here are a few tips:

• Store chemicals and pesticides in locked cabinets away from children and even your pets
• Use the safest products you can – sometimes “green” products are a safer route
• Be sure the lids on all products are replaced and tightened after every use
• If you are using rodent killer, use packaging that is tamper resistant and child-proof
• Do not transfer chemicals or cleaners out of their original containers

No matter if there is an interaction with poisonous household products or the plants we have to make our home pretty, a phone call to your local Poison Control Center is critical. Spring Cleaning is approaching quickly be sure to take a mental note of these!

Thank you for reading!

Many people think of air pollution as only being a problem when you step outside. But the fact is, it can be just as big of a problem inside your home. Many normal household products emit volatile organic compounds or VOCs that can cause problems like headaches, rashes, nausea and eye and throat irritations.

These irritants can be particularly harmful to children who breathe faster than we do as adults. Babies are at a particularly higher risk because they are closer to the ground where the heavier contaminants hang in the air.

The eye and throat irritations typically come after carpeting is installed. Not only can the carpeting cause problems but also the padding and adhesive that is used. If you are planning to have carpeting installed in your home, choose a low-VOC product and ask the installers to unroll it several days beforehand to allow it to air out. Make arrangements to stay somewhere else while the carpet is being installed and keep your home well-ventilated for several days after the installation. If your children are prone to allergies or have been diagnosed with asthma, consider using other flooring options.

Paint and paint strippers are another pair of harmful pollutants that are found in the home. When you paint, again, use a low-VOC paint and keep the windows open during your painting party and after while the paint dries completely. Don’t store paint cans because gases can leak even if the cans are sealed. If you do have to store the containers keep them away from your main living areas.

Another area that can cause problems is Teflon. Using cookware with the nonstick abilities can release fumes into the air when they are exposed to very high temperatures. Avoid these problems by not using these products in the oven or on the high setting on top of your stove.

Finally, craft supplies can also be an issue. When your kids are feeling crafty you don’t have to tell them no, just head outside or to a well-ventilated area to let them create their masterpieces. Fumes from markers, glue, paint and other supplies can not only cause headaches but also eye nose and throat irritations as well.

Simple measures can be taken to minimize the dangers you expose your children to – be careful and cautious and keep your children healthy.

Thank you for reading!