Archive for December, 2008

Did you know that each year during the 60 days surrounding the end of the year holiday season almost 11,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries sustained while decorating? A gut reaction may be to snicker or maybe a flash of Chevy Chase trying to hang Christmas lights on his house in the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has just flashed through your head. These injuries, ranging from falls, cuts, shocks, burns, etc., are no laughing matter. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that each year an average of 240 fires involving dried-out Christmas trees results in 16 deaths and millions in property damage. Can you guess what other fire hazard results in 170 deaths and $390 million in property damage annually? You guessed – candles are the culprit according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

These statistics and holiday hazards seem like a killjoy but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few simple safety precautions and staying alert your holiday can be full of peace and joy.

Check out these helpful suggestions:

Trees and Decorations:

• If you’re into artificial trees, purchase one that is fire resistant (it doesn’t make you exempt from any fire but it will certainly help)
• If you’re into live trees, purchase one that is fresh (strong needles, sticky with resin) and keep it that way by watering it regularly
• Place your tree away from fireplaces, vents and radiators as well as away from high traffic areas
• Trim your tree using only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials
• If you have children use ornaments and decorations that are kid-friendly (avoid the sharp or breakable, small pieces that could be swallowed/choked on, trimmings resembling candy or food)

Lights:

• Use lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized laboratory for both indoor and outdoor lights
• Use lights that have thicker wiring and safety fuses
• New or old, check each set up lights for broken/cracked sockets, frayed/exposed wires or loose connections (toss them if any of these descriptions apply)
• Do NOT use electric lights on a metallic tree (electricity charge + human touch = possibly electrocution)
• Off to bed or out the door make sure you unplug the lights

Candles:

• Keep burning candles within your view
• Keep burning candles away from flammable items
• Use non-flammable holders and keep out of reach of children and pets
• Put out the flame when off to bed or out the door

Fireplaces:

• Use color-producing fire salts with caution and keep away from children and pets
• Do NOT burn wrapping paper or plastics in your fireplace
• Use a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby flammable material (like your shirt when you’re sitting by the fireplace to stay nice and toasty)

Stay safe and warm.

Happy Holidays,

School Kids Healthcare

Source: EHS Today

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Have you heard of Body and Mind (BAM) on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website? BAM is designed for kids 9 – 13 years old to provide them with information to make healthy lifestyle choices.

It’s a pretty snappy website that is colorful, user-friendly and offers up quizzes and information on diseases, food and nutrition, physical activity, safety, life, and body.

Although the BAM website is geared towards kids 9 – 13 years old as an adult it doesn’t hurt to check it out. It allows you to stay involved with your kids. It may give you insight on ways to talk to your children about peer pressure, self-esteem and more. As a school nurse or teacher there’s also the BAM! Classroom link that helps incorporate BAM! Topics into the classroom.

Check it out the BAM! website and take a moment to comment on the School Kids Healthcare Blog on how you communicate with your kids on the basics. Do you provide them with books, talk with them directly, both? Explain to us how you work with your children to help them ease into the preteen years.

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The holidays are upon us and it won’t be long before we’re ringing in the New Year. With the New Year so quickly approaching the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign is reminding Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009. This nationwide effort is designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the coming New Year.

Emergency preparedness is a simple three step process:

These simple steps may take a few moments of your time now but could save your life and others in the event of an emergency or national disaster. Keep in mind to have a supply kit not only in your home but your car as well. You never know when an icy road or snowstorm could leave you temporarily stranded. Emergency kits should contain the basic necessities such as water, food, and first aid supplies to help you survive until help is available - for a complete checklist check out: www.ready.gov.

By committing to Resolve to be Ready in 2009 and following the simple emergency preparedness steps in advance you will minimize the impact of emergencies and their effect on you and your loved ones.

Lan Lamphere provides a wonderful website – www.LanLamphere.com - and an AM public radio show called OvernighAM that covers an assortment of public interest topics including emergency preparedness, current events and more. Take a moment to check out Lan Lamphere and listen live or read his articles online.

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Youth who report drinking before the age of 15 are more likely than those who begin drinking later in life to have other substance abuse problems during adolescence; to engage in risky sexual behavior; and to be involved in car crashes, unintentional injuries, and physical fights after drinking, both during adolescence and in adulthood.

On the bright side the level of alcohol use dropped among those aged 12 to 17, from 17.6 percent in 2002 to 15.9 percent in 2007. However, the level of underage drinking by persons aged 12 to 20 has remained unchanged since 2002, at 27.9 percent.

As a school nurse, teacher or parent what can you do? Educating children about the effects of alcohol is a great start. Teaching age appropriate information will increase the chances your child will say “no” when they are presented with the opportunity. Give your child suggestions as to how to deal with peer pressure and other stresses in a positive manner. Build their self-esteem and reinforce healthy behaviors.

As responsible as you may be, at the end of the day your child, teenager, or young adult is going to make the decision as to whether or not they choose to drink. If they do decide to try alcohol be aware of how easy it is for them to obtain it. It could be as simple as a friend or irresponsible adult offering them a drink or to “take a sip”. Curiosity, peer pressure or addiction could lead to sneaking liquor or beer from their home. Do not assume all stores check IDs, even if they do, it is possible that your teenager or young adult may have a fake ID and are able to purchase it on their own.

The holiday season is in full swing. Family and social gatherings abound and there’s a strong chance alcohol will be available at these functions. Regardless of the amount of adult supervision there is at these outings it’s important to talk to your child about the effects of alcohol and alcohol abuse. Be a good role model and practice what you preach.

Sources: Family Guide, KidsHealth.com, StopAlcoholAbuse.Gov

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