Why are helmets important for preschoolers on tricycles?
Helmets can not only prevent serious head injuries, they can
also prevent injuries to the face, nose, and teeth. For low-risk
activities such as riding a tricycle on a level surface, the act
of putting on a helmet encourages development of self-help skills
while promoting development of safety habits.
What kind of helmet should I buy?
New helmets should have the Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) label of approval. Older helmets should have either Ansi
or Snell approval labels. Helmets come in sizes for toddlers,
children, and (small, med., large) youth and adults.
What other safety gear should I consider?
Wrist, elbow, and knee guards help protect joints during activities
such as skating or skateboarding. Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
are required for water activities such as boating (older children).
Safety goggles provide eye protection during activities such as
woodworking or spatter-painting.
More on Medicine: Adverse & Allergic Reactions
What is a drug side effect?
It is an adverse or undesired reaction to a medication by one's
body.
What are some common side effects?
Drowsiness, headache, stomach ache, fatigue, muscle aches,
or dizziness can occur with some medication use.
What are common signs of an allergic reaction?
Rash, itching, selling, dizziness, or breathing difficulties
can be signs of an allergic reaction.
Are side effects or allergic reactions dangerous?
Many side effects are well known and expected, and are usually
mild problems. However, an allergic reaction, such as breathing
problems, can be serious and may require emergency medical help.
Cover-up Clothing for Sun Safety
What clothing is best to provide sun protection?
Look at the style, weave, and color of clothing. Choose clothes
that cover the most skin; fabrics that have a tight weave between
threads; and darker colors.
Which is better, dark or light colored clothing?
Lighter colored fabrics feel cooler because they reflect infrared
light, but darker colors provide more protection because they
absorb harmful UV light better.
Do hats provide protection?
Hats with at least a three inch brim all around provide the
most protection from direct sunlight.
Should children wear sunglasses?
All children (and adults) should wear protective sunglasses,
but check the label to be sure the sunglasses provide good UVA
and UVB protection.
Safe Handling of Bottled Milk
Can bottles be prepared in advance?
Each child's bottle should be prepared fresh that day, and
labeled with the infant's full name and that day's date. At the
end of each day, unused bottles should be emptied and cleaned,
or sent home with the parent.
Can the same bottle be used for two feedings?
Each bottle should contain only enough formula or milk for
one feeding. If the infant does not finish the bottle, then the
bacteria from the infant's mouth mixes with the formula or milk,
and bacteria can grow to harmful levels.
Can I warm a bottle in the microwave?
Microwaves are not recommended for warming bottles. Bottle
contents quickly become dangerously hot, or have "hot spots"
which can seriously burn the infant.
Exercise Minutes!
How can I exercise with my children?
Start the day with movement to music. Play outside with the
children during recess. Act out stories during story time.
I need to relax during the day. How?
Children's naptime is a great time to do stretching and relaxation
exercises to reduce stress and increase flexibility.
