Countdown to Good Health the 5-2-1-0 Way!

This week Dayton Children's launches our next installment of the Kohl's A Minute for Kids campaign with tips from our very own Dr. James Ebert, lead physician in the lipid clinic.

For the next two months those in our service area will hear a radio clip featuring Dominique Samuels and his mother, Diana. They discuss how small steps can make big changes for your health and share with listeners the 5-2-1-0 tips from Dr. Ebert.

Here are the 5-2-1-0 tips that your family can use:

• Children should get at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
• Along with eating healthy, children should spend less than 2 hours in front of the TV, computer, or video game screen each day.
• To stay physically fit, at least 1 hour of aerobic activity everyday will keep your heart strong.
• Finally, 0 is the amount of sugary drinks that should be consumed on a daily basis.

These four easy steps create a simple way for families to maintain their overall health and will be a great start to a healthier 2010!

For a sneak preview and additional resources, check out our Kohl's microsite at: http://kohlsminutes.childrensdayton.org/Topics/Healthy_Eating_5-2-1-0.html.

Eight ways to keep children warm and safe

We're starting to see colder temperatures and some of that fun, white stuff! Make sure to follow these tips from our pediatric experts to keep kids safe during their winter break (and all winter long).

1. Dress children in layers and have them wear insulated boots. Double socks and double mittens will keep children insulated and add a little extra warmth. Mittens are warmer than gloves because they keep all fingers together.
2. Change socks and mittens frequently. If children sit in wet, cold clothing they may be more susceptible to illness including hypothermia or abnormally low body temperature.
3. Remember to cover the body’s most susceptible regions: ears, fingers and toes. Keep hats on children because most body heat escapes from the head.
4. Clothes should be kept dry.
5. Set reasonable time limits on outdoor play– bring children in periodically to warm up and change from any wet clothing.
6. Check children every 15 to 20 minutes to make sure they aren’t too cold and their layers remain ON.
7. If you are in an area with deep snow, dress children in bright-colored clothing so they can be seen among snowdrifts.
8. Don’t forget sunscreen. The winter sun reflects off winter snow increasing dangerous rays.

Children should be encouraged to play in the snow and enjoy this weather but parents should make sure weather conditions are appropriate for playing outside. With proper precautions children can be safe and have a great time enjoying winter weather.

For more tips about safe winter play visit our website.

Recall Alert: Window Covering Recall

Window Covering Safety Council Recalls to Repair All Roman and Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation

On December 15, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) are announced a voluntary recall to repair all Roman shades and roll-up blinds to prevent the risk of strangulation to young children. This recall involves millions of Roman and roll-up blinds. About five million Roman shades and about three million roll-up blinds are sold each year.

CPSC has received reports of five deaths and 16 near strangulations, since 2006, in Roman shades and three deaths, since 2001, in roll-up blinds. Strangulations in Roman shades can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Strangulations in roll-up blinds can occur if the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

“Over the past 15 years, CPSC has been investigating window covering hazards and working with the WCSC to ensure the safety of window coverings. We commend the WCSC for providing consumers with repair kits that make window coverings safer and look forward to future steps to eliminate these hazards,” said Inez Tenenbaum, CPSC Chairman.

Over the years, CPSC has been investigating deaths associated with different types of window coverings and has worked with the WCSC to address the hazards posed by them. In 1994 and in 2000, CPSC and WCSC announced recalls to repair horizontal blinds to prevent strangulation hazards posed by pull cord and inner cord loops. As a result of CPSC investigations, the industry has modified its products and provides free repair kits for existing horizontal blinds and other window coverings. In October 2009, CPSC issued a new safety alert to warn parents about the dangers associated with window coverings.

Consumers that have Roman or roll-up shades in their homes should contact the WCSC immediately at http://www.windowcoverings.org/ or by calling (800) 506-4636 anytime to receive a free repair kit.

To help prevent child strangulation in window coverings, Dayton Children's reiterates the advice of CPSC and the WCSC by urging parents and caregivers to follow these guidelines:

• Examine all shades and blinds in the home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC and the WCSC recommend the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.
• Do not place cribs, beds, and furniture close to the windows because children can climb on them and gain access to the cords.
• Make loose cords inaccessible.
• If the window shade has looped bead chains or nylon cords, install tension devices to keep the cord taut.