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January / February 2008
November / December 2007
HOLIDAY SAFETY Hazards Lurk In The
Midst
By: Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay, Northeast Pediatrics
Holiday season means decorating, celebrating, and shopping. There
is a mad frenzy in every store from buying decorations to buying
presents. While enjoying the holidays, keep children and safety in
mind.
There are many different holidays being celebrated at this
time-Christmas, Kwanza, Hannukh, or Diwali-all of which have
lights and candles. Always check your light sets for broken or
loose connection, or bare wires. Throw away any damaged set. Do
not place more than 3 sets of lights per extension cord. Also make
sure the lights you use outside are labeled outdoor lights and
secure the lights appropriately. Turn off all lights before bed
because it can short circuit and cause a fire. Keep all candles
away from young children. Never leave children alone in a room
with a fireplace on, and screen the fireplace when in use. Beware
of the “fire salts” which give a colored flame-they contain heavy
metals that can make a child sick if ingested. Do not burn
wrapping in the fireplace-it can suddenly ignite.
Decorations are very important in most households. Use fire
resistant material, even the tree if it is not real. If you have a
real tree, make sure it is appropriately watered so it does not
dry out and become a fire hazard. Do not place lighted candles on
or near the tree. Avoid decorations that are sharp, breakable, or
resemble food or candy. Keep trimmings with small parts away for
kids. Place your tree on the side, not near a fireplace, radiator,
or in the hall in the way of house traffic.
Last but certainly not the least is toy safety. Be aware of age
appropriate toy selection. Pull toys with strings longer than 12
inches can be a strangulation hazard. Uninflated or broken
balloons can be a suffocation hazard. Toys with small parts can be
a choking hazard for under 3 years old. Be careful with plug-in
toys that can cause shocks or burns. Most recent concerns are the
lead paint in the toy, so make sure you have checked the recall
lists. Read labels on the toys for age recommendations. Also,
remember to clean up immediately after opening presents so no
chokable items are left behind for the kids to get to later.
Holidays can be a great time for family gatherings and fun times,
but many hazards lurk in the midst. You can have a great time if
you are just aware and careful with holiday dangers.
Dr. Bhumi Upadhyay, a Board Certified Pediatrician and active
member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, graduated from the
University of Miami six year Honors Program in Medicine. If you
have questions about this article or your child email Dr. Bhumi at
drbhumi@northeastkids.com. We are accepting new patients
please call to get to know the doctor 526-PEDS
July / August 2007
May / June 2007
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