December - Safe Toys and Celebration Month
Did you know that along with family and fun, the holiday season can be a dangerous time? Each holiday season, toys - including some seemingly innocent ones - and sporting equipment are responsible for thousands of eye injuries to children each year. In 2003, more than 10,000 children under the age of 14 were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for eye injuries caused by toys and sporting equipment. Toy guns contributed to the largest number of eye injuries, followed by playground equipment, bicycles, and balloons.
Virtually all of these eye injuries are preventable. Parents can help keep their kids safe by showing them proper use of the toys, supervising them if very young, and by purchasing safe toys, rather than following the latest fad. It is very easy to get caught up in buying the "cool" toy, especially when begging and pleading are involved. But some toys, especially those with a lot of small parts, can be poorly constructed and could cause serious injuries. With the holiday season upon us, consider the following safety guidelines and helpful tips when purchasing children's toys.
- Read all warnings and instructions.
- Make certain children wear appropriate eye protection for sports (face shields, helmets).
- Consider a child's ability rather than age when purchasing toys; age warnings on toys are not guarantees of safety.
- Avoid toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, protruding or projectile-firing parts.
- Inspect toys for safe, sturdy construction. Children's toys should be durable and able to withstand impact.
- Look for the letters "ASTM". This means the toys meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Repair or replace damaged or defective toys.
- Check the lenses and frames of children's sunglasses before buying them; many (particularly the inexpensive, novelty type) can break and cause injuries.
- Stay away from flying toys. Bows, arrows, slingshots, and darts are extremely dangerous. These types of toys invite children to target other kids.
- BB guns are not toys and should not be given to children too young to handle them safely.
- Keep toys intended for older children away from younger children.
- Do not give toys with small parts to young children. They tend to put them in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.
Christmas trees can also present a hidden danger to one's eyes. To prevent injuries.
- Branches and needles can be hazardous to eyes. When untying your tree, be very careful. Branches can quickly lurch forward, hitting and injuring eyes.
- Glass ornaments should be hung out of a child's reach. If broken, shattered fragments can greatly damage the eye.
Champagne corks are another holiday-related hazard to the eyes. Make sure to follow these guidelines when opening a bottle of bubbly.
- Make sure champagne is chilled to at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit before opening. The cork of a warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly.
- Hold down the cork with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood. Point the bottle away from yourself and others at a 45-degree angle. Place a towel over the entire top and grasp the cork, slowly and firmly twisting it to break the seal.
- Keep the bottle at a 45-degree angle, hold it firmly with one hand and use the other hand to slowly turn the cork with a slight upward pull. Continue until the cork is almost out of the neck. Counter the force of the cork using slight downward pressure just as the cork breaks free from the bottle.
By following these simple safety tips, you and your family can enjoy festive and injury free holidays.
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