Syracuse Parent and CNY Family

Dr. Monica Jones is a pediatrician with Syracuse Pediatrics. Reach her at www.syracusepediatrics.com. To send a health-related question to the doctor, write to editor@syracuseparent.net

Injury remains leading cause of death in kids
Posted on Tue, August 14th, 2007
Written by: Monica Jones, MD, Pediatrician/Syracuse Pediatrics
email: editor@syracuseparent.net

If you look back at the columns I have written, you will see several that are focused on safety. No one thinks it will happen to them. This summer in Central New York is a reminder of why we talk about safety tips for children. There have been at least two tragic deaths—a toddler who died while climbing on a chair and an 18-year-old who drowned in a pool. My heart goes out to their parents and I hope that we can learn something from these tragedies and prevent it from happening again.
The leading cause of death in young children in this country remains injury. Most, like those mentioned above, are preventable. Kids are always running, climbing, jumping–as they should be–but there are some simple things to do to help keep them safe.
Younger children are out to explore their world. One way to do that is by putting things in their mouths, even if they taste horrible. Make sure to keep all medicines, household cleaners, makeup and all toxic products locked up and out of reach of children. Do not keep things underneath the sink. This is an area of easy access to young kids. Keep safety caps on at all times. Should your child ever get into any of these things, call the local Poison Control Center immediately. They now have a national number, 1-800-222-1222. Keep that number near your telephone in case you ever need it in a hurry.
Another preventable injury is falls. Make sure to use gates on stairways. Lock the doors to any dangerous areas such as a basement or deck. If you have furniture with sharp edges, like glass tables, either remove them from the area where your child plays or cover the edges with soft bumpers. Never leave out chairs or ladders near counters, table or windows where children can climb to high places and fall. Kids don’t understand these places are dangerous. They are usually just out to get something down like a cookie. If your child does have a serious fall, call your doctor immediately.
Lastly, when baking those yummy cookies, make sure to remember to watch your child carefully. Never leave young children unattended in the kitchen even for a moment. Children can be seriously burned with hot liquids, foods and grease. Consider some safe places for your child while cooking–buckled into a high chair, in a playpen. Don’t forget about leaving out your hot food or drinks. Children can easily grab them and get burned. If your child does get burned, place the injury in cool water. Then cover the burn loosely with a dry bandage and check with your doctor.
This column is only a smidgen of things to help keep your child safe. Talk with your doctor about other safety tips for home. Remember to think about babysitters and grandparents homes too. If they are watching your children, they should follow the same rules.
Have a safe and fun summer!

Dr. Monica Jones is a pediatrician with Syracuse Pediatrics. Reach her at www.syracusepediatrics.com. To send a health-related question to the doctor, write to editor@syracuseparent.net