Along with choking, strangulation injuries send approximately 20,000 children to the emergency room each year. Every parent and child care provider should be aware of strangulation risks and how to remove them.

1. Never tie anything around a child’s neck. This includes pacifiers. Do not use baby bibs with ties and always remove your baby’s bib after mealtime. Never allow a child to sleep with a bib still around their neck.

2. Be aware of furniture risks. Young children can strangle by simply getting their head caught in furniture. Check for recalls on juvenile furniture such as cribs, high chairs, swings, strollers and portable cribs. Don’t forget about recliners. When foot rests are extended, they pose a risk to young children who crawl around and play near them.

3. Remove the danger of window treatment cords by choosing curtains without cords or ensuring all cords are tied up out of a child’s reach. Some designs suggest cutting through the loop, however anything that can wrap around your child’s neck poses a risk.

4. Choose outfits that do not include drawstrings in hoods and jackets. Use necklaces and scarves with caution or choose break away jewelry.

5. Many children are strangled during dangerous play and exploration. The “choking game” is spreading around young adolescents, experimenting with altered levels of consciousness. Believing this to be a “safe” way to get high, kids are causing severe brain damage and even death by restricting their airflow. Every parent should explain the dangers of engaging in such risky behavior to their children. Be proactive and give your child the tools and information they need to stay clear of this dangerous game.

The news headlines are heartbreaking. Every year children die when left in or trapped in cars and trunks. Its a tragedy so easily prevented simply by never leaving your child unattended in any motor vehicle. All children need to be taught never to play in or around cars. The trunk is not a hiding spot for hide and go seek, and it’s never a good idea to leave your children, even for a few minutes, while you run into the store on your errand. Always lock your vehicle, even when it’s in your own garage or driveway. Too often curious children will climb into cars, yet do not have the dexterity to open car doors to exit.

A car can be a large, metal oven in a matter of minutes. On a 90 degree day, a parked car can reach 131-172 degrees in only 15 minutes. At that temperature, children who are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, will die or suffer permanent disability in only a matter of minutes. Cracking a window does not prevent your car from still reaching dangerous temperatures.

Heat exhaustion can occur when temperatures reach 90 degrees. Heat stroke occurs when temperatures reach 105. Even on cooler days, the greenhouse effect will heat up a car’s interior. There have been cases where children, over dressed in jackets, have died from heat stroke after being left in the car on a 60-70 degree day. Everyone must be aware of heat related illness, but children, the elderly and pets are at a greater risk.

Never leave anyone in a parked car, even for short amounts of time. It may mean waking your sleeping child or leaving your pets at home, but this small inconvenience is worth saving a life. What would happen if you went into the store alone, leaving  your child in the car, and something happened to you? Who would know your child was back in the car all alone?

As your child’s primary caretaker, be aware of your capacity to care for your child. Are you too tired and stressed? Running on auto pilot, are you at risk for leaving your baby in the backseat? Have a plan for support on those hectic days. It may seem like common sense, “I would never leave my child in the car,” but this tragedy has happened to loving, attentive parents. All it takes is one mistake.

Here are some great tips for reminding yourself baby is on board with you.

1. Place your cell phone, purse, wallet, anything you will need that day on the floor in the back seat.

2. Place the car seat in the back seat on the passenger’s side. You’re more likely to catch sight of the car seat this way. In most of the cases where children died left in cars, their car seats were behind the driver’s seat.

3. Place a teddy bear in the empty car seat. When baby is riding in the car, move the teddy bear to the front seat, next to you, as a reminder your baby is on board.

4. Invest in a car seat alarm, which will alert you if you’ve stopped your car but left your child in their seat.

5. Ask your daycare provider to call you if your child is absent.

6. Program your cell phone to send you a reminder

For more information check out Forget Me Not USA.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your average sized person should be using enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass. Most people end up using only about 1/4 to 1/2 that amount. If not applied correctly, your sunscreen will not offer the SPF- Sun Protection Factor, you may think you’re getting. Sunscreen has to be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and must be reapplied every two hours, after sweating and after getting wet, even waterproof products.

Did you know while sunscreen will prevent you from suffering a sunburn, it may not prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging? According to the FDA, sunscreen sold in the U.S. has not yet been proven to protect you from skin cancer. This is because most sunscreens are made with ingredients to block UVB rays but not UVA rays. The FDA is currently working on new guidelines to bring sunscreen products to the U.S. market which will block both UVB and UVA rays. Currently you may see products on the market labeled “broad spectrum” however, The Environmental Working group found a popular children’s sunblock, labeled 100 SPF, was shown to only have a UVA protection factor of 9. Under the new FDA guidelines you will be able to see how much protection a product offers you from UVB and UVA rays. Most dermatologists recommend using sunscreens with a SPF rating of 50.

In the meantime, how can you keep yourself fully protected? The best protection comes from hats, clothing and shade! Tanning beds still damage your skin cells with UVA rays and although you should allow yourself a few minutes of sun exposure a few times a week to allow your body to produce vitamin D, its best to avoid the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA rays in order to prevent skin cancer.

Scratch, itch, ouch! It must be summer and mosquitoes are stealing our joy. Here are some ways to prevent and treat the annoying bites.

Prevention-

1. Use insect repellent according to package directions. Although highly effective, DEET needs to be used with caution. Never apply DEET near your face and avoid spraying children’s hands. Fingers usually find their way to mouths. Use only enough product to cover exposed skin and never apply under clothing. Once you return indoors, wash DEET off with soap and water and launder any clothing sprayed with DEET. For more information check out this U.S. EPA website.

2. Speaking of clothing, did you know mosquitoes tend to be attracted by dark colors rather than lighter ones? Wearing long sleeved, lightly colored shirts and long pants will help prevent bites.

3. Certain plant oils have shown to be effective in repelling mosquitoes. Cedar, lemongrass, geranium, citronella, and even soy bean oil are all good alternatives to using chemical DEET.

4. All insect repellents, oils included, should not be used on infants. Cover strollers with mosquito netting instead.

5. Remove all sources of standing water around your home. Tire swings, kiddie pools, clogged rain gutters, are all attractive places for mosquito moms to lay their eggs.

Treatment-

1. Products containing hydrocortisone will help alleviate the itch. Look for creams containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone and apply directly to the bites.

2. Calamine lotion, its not just for chicken pox! Using a cotton ball, dab on calamine lotion to cool and soothe those bites.

3. Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply directly to the bite.

4. Aloe Vera gel reduces swelling and itching.

5. Cold compresses, ice packs wrapped in towels, cold wet wash clothes, held against the bite will reduce swelling and prevent you from scratching.

6. Mosquitoes can carry harmful diseases such as West Nile Virus, Malaria and Dengue fever. The signs and symptoms of a more serious mosquito born illness include, fever, severe headaches, body aches, nausea and vomiting.  If you develop any of these symptoms or those of an allergic reaction; swelling of the throat, hives, wheezing,  its time to see a doctor.

It won’t be a celebration of our country’s freedom if anyone gets hurt. Here’s our checklist of how to keep the festivities fun and safe for everyone!

1. Fireworks are not toys. Children and pets need to be kept from touching them. Perhaps the best way to enjoy fireworks is to spread out the blankets and turn your eyes up. Leave the explosions to the professionals.

2. Drink responsibility. Simply stated, alcohol effects judgment.

3. Hold the mayo. All salads made with mayonnaise need to be kept at cold temperatures to prevent salmonella. If you’ll be picnicking without refrigeration, try making a pasta salad  made with olive oil.

4. Stay hydrated. Parties, festival fun, it’s easy to forget to keep drinking your water, but that’s exactly what you need to do to prevent heatstroke and dehydration. Don’t forget your water bottle!

5. They’re out for blood. The mosquitoes will be expecting you, so don’t forget to pack your bug spray. Cover infants and small children with mosquito netting or use more natural bug repellents such has citronella oil candles.

6. Prevent a nasty sunburn. Be sure to cover any exposed skin with a higher SPF sun block. Reapply as necessary, especially after swimming.

7. Remember your water safety tips!  All children need to constantly supervised around water. Sitting near the water isn’t enough. Your attention must be on your child.

8. Remember what Smokey The Bear said! Fires need to be supervised and used with caution. Keep children and pets at a safe distance and when you’re finished, be sure the fire and all embers are completely out.

9. Don’t Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket! All boaters need to wear a coast guard approved life vest. Bringing along the vest but not wearing it will not help you if you fall from the boat. Trying to put the jacket on, once you’re in the water is very difficult.

10. Check on each other for signs of heat exhaustion. Remember to drink plenty of water and take rest breaks. Be especially watchful of children, the elderly and your pets.

Keep safety in mind this holiday and enjoy your time spent with those you love! Happy Independence Day!

To prevent drownings and increase water safety, the American Academy Of Pediatrics now recommends children between the ages of 1 and 4 learn to swim. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 through 19 and in light of this disheartening statistic, the AAP is asking parents to consider swim lessons for their children as part of a multilayered approach to water safety.

In addition to helping your child learn to swim, every parent should know CPR. As your child’s primary caregiver, the responsibility of being the first person able to respond in the event of an emergency could fall on your shoulders. Knowing ahead of time how to react will make a difference in your child’s life and wellness.

Children need to be supervised at times, especially around water. Children can drown in as little as a few inches of water. Kiddie wading pools, buckets, open toilets, they all pose a risk when children are left unsupervised for any length of time.

Secure your pool with fencing at least 4 feet high on all sides. So many families inflate seasonal pools not realizing the potential danger they pose. The American Red Cross has an online pool maintenance class to help you correctly set up your pool.

The American Academy Of Pediatrics does NOT recommend inflatable swimming aids because they can lose air and are NOT designed for life saving. Use only personal flotation devices recommended by the the U.S Coast Guard. The AAP has a wonderful link with more information on personal flotation devices, http://www.aap.org/family/tippslip.htm

Now that we are spending more time outside, have you made sure the outside of your home is just as safe as the inside?

Check the condition of your yard. Be sure there are no debris hazards such as broken glass, rusty metals or discarded construction materials. Piles of wood or yard waste can be tempting to climb on and pose many hazards. Stepping on a rusty nail will take all the fun out of your summer day!

Inspect and maintain swing sets and climbing gyms. Mulch your play areas with at least 12 inches of loose mulch or other cushioning material.

Cover up outside electrical outlets! You probably remembered to cover up your indoor outlets, but don’t forget to child proof your outdoor ones as well.

Encourage your children to play away from the street. Soccer balls have a tendency to roll into hazardous areas when you play too close to roadways.

Wash your hands always after playing outside. Deck and play equipment made with unpainted or unsealed older wood may contain copper chromium arsenate. Good old fashioned dirt and sand may contain other contaminants as well.

Sandboxes should be covered when not in use to discourage neighborhood cats from turning your sandbox into a litterbox. Always wash your hands after playing in the sand regardless!

Last but certainly not least- SUNBLOCK! Don’t forget to always apply sunscreen and try to avoid exposure during peak hours, 11:00am-3:00pm.

We certainly are enjoying a beautiful spring. Its hard to think severe weather could come our way, but it could be just around the corner. The peak tornado season for Wisconsin is April through August, but tornadoes can occur at any time of the year. Remember the January 7, 2008 tornado in southern Wisconsin?

Every family should have an emergency plan to help them stay safe during threatening weather.  Set up a disaster supply kit with drinking water, a change of clothing and a first aid kit. My family keeps these supplies in a container located in our basement, in a central room without windows. When the tornado siren goes off, we don’t have to waste time looking for shoes and the radio. They are in our emergency container waiting for us.

If you don’t have a basement, the next best room to seek shelter in, is an interior room without windows. Its never a good idea to watch the storm. Wind will turn debris into dangerous projectiles capable of severe injury or death.

Know the weather alert lingo. A Tornado Watch means conditions could produce severe thunderstorms which could develop possible tornadoes. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions could produce thunderstorms with large hail and strong winds. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning indicates a storm with hail and strong winds has been reported or indicated by weather radar. A Tornado Warning means a report has come in of a confirmed tornado sighting. When a Watch has been issued, be alert for the threat of severe weather. If a Warning has been issued, seek shelter immediately.

The snow has melted and April showers are on their way. Its time to review how to stay safe when flooding occurs.

According to Floodsmart.gov, flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles when drivers think it is safe to drive through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock a person off their feet and most vehicles will float in as little as 2 feet of water. Never drive around barriers and be alert for Flash Flood warnings. Remember to TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN!

If your house is flooding, turn off the power at the service box. Electrical currents will travel through water so stay away from power lines. Electrocution is the second leading cause of death during flooding.

Children and pets need to be kept away from ditches, culverts and storm drains. Flood water often contains raw sewage and carries harmful bacteria and parasites. It is never a good idea to play and splash in flooded areas.  In addition to the hazards in and under the water,  underwater currents could render children helpless.

It’s a great time of year to SPRING into Safety with these safety reminders!

• Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Don’t wait for that annoying beep to alert you. Use Daylight Savings Time to remind you. Whether we SPRING forward or Fall back, when you change your clock, change your batteries too.

• Review your fire escape plan. As you test your smoke detector, have your family practice TWO escape routes from your home and make sure everyone knows where to meet up outside. Remember to crawl low, face covered to avoid smoke inhalation and to feel doors before opening. Try finding your way with your eyes closed. In the event of a real fire, the smoke could make things very dark.

• Practice your severe weather drills. Know where the safest place in your home is in the event severe spring weather brings tornadoes. This spot is usually a middle or low lying room without windows. We store a tote filled with flashlights, first aid supplies, blankets and extra shoes  at our family’s designated tornado shelter area. This saves us time because all we have to do is take shelter.

• Properly store cleaning supplies. As you rev up your spring cleaning, remember to properly store cleaning supplies away from children and pets. Properly dispose of used products according to manufacturer guidelines. Consider using eco friendly products which are safer for the environment and safer for you. At Swim West, we use non toxic, biodegradable Simple Green.

• Swap out your helmets. The snow is melting, so store away those ski and snow board helmets and strap on your bicycle or skateboarding helmet.  Make sure straps are adjusted to ensure a snug fit. Your children may have grown quite a bit over the winter.