KEEP KIDS SAFE AT CHRISTMAS

By: GARY WEINBERGER, MD

Families seem busier than ever these days.  The hustle and bustle of the holiday season further complicates our lives.  It is essential that parents do not overlook important safety issues during the next several weeks whether families are at home or visiting relatives.

 Here are some safety tips to remember to keep your children safe:

•  Keep your live Christmas tree well-watered to prevent accidental fires from the tree lights

• Keep breakable ornaments and decorations out of reach of small children.  You

           do not want to make any unexpected trips to the emergency room for stitches!

• Do not forget about any food allergies your children may have.  Sometimes

there are unexpected ingredients in holiday foods.

•  Do not let children play with toys which have parts small enough to swallow.

• Remember that the brightly colored holiday plants attract children’s attention,

but they may be poisonous.  Keep plants out of reach of children

• If it snows this season, then be sure that kids do not play on sleds near trees.

• Never allow a child to play on a frozen pond or river.  The child’s weight may be enough to break the ice and cause drowning.

•  Be sure to properly restrain children in car seats or with well-fitted seat belts.

The Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic physicians and staff wish you a safe and happy holiday season!