How To Prevent Your Child From Choking

Yesterday I talked about potential choking hazards and now I want to address how parents can help prevent their child from choking. Of course there are no guarantees, but parents can do their best to eliminate those items that are potential choking hazards from their child’s diet and keep dangerous objects out of reach. Many parents do not realize how easily a child can choke at mealtime. About 60% of children treated for choking related episodes choked on a food item. Dr. Barrios, an ENT in San Francisco has treated many children for choking. He says, “The best advice I … Continue reading →

Choking Hazards

In 2000, 160 children died from choking related episodes and another 17,537 were treated. Of the children treated, 60% choked on a food item. Candy and gum were the cause of 25% of the choking episodes and in children under the age of four coins made up 18% of the choking-related episodes. The rates were highest for children under the age of one and decreased with age up to fourteen. The statistics were compiled by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program and analyzed by the CDC. Surprisingly enough many parents and caregivers do not recognize potential choking hazards. … Continue reading →

Flu Shots For Toddlers

With the approach of winter many people are lining up to get flu shots. Just last week I was in Sears and they had a table set up where you could get shots. I’m a big baby. I hate needles so I’ve never gotten a flu shot. I figure I’ll just have to struggle through the season. I have considered getting one for Tyler but I had concerns about their safety. A new study released from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention finds that flu shots are safe for babies and toddlers. I’m still not sure I will get … Continue reading →

Father Blocks Circumcison

Like many boys born in the United States, Tyler was circumcised in the hospital after he was born. Although I would have opted for the procedure anyway, it never dawned on me that I had a choice in the matter. A growing number of parents, however, are opting not to have their baby boys circumcised. In fact, the percentage of circumcision has fallen since 1970, from 90% to about 60%. A Chicago father actually sued to block the circumcision of his 9-year-old son. He was quoted as saying that “circumcision is an extraordinary medical procedure,” and he feels his son … Continue reading →

FDA Recalls Certain Teething Rings

The FDA recalled several teething rings made by The First Years today. Certain teething rings have been found to carry a certain bacteria, which, if the ring is punctured and the liquid is swallowed could be harmful to your baby. It is important to check the following list carefully to see if your teething ring has been recalled. Those items recalled are: * Disney Days of Hunny Soft Cool Ring Teether * Disney Soft Cool Ring Teether, style #Y1470 * Disney Soft Cool Ring Teether, style #Y1490 * Sesame Beginnings Chill & Chew Teether, style #Y3095 * Cool Animal Teether, … Continue reading →

The Gift of a Bad Birth Experience

Eleven years ago I gave birth to my first son. I was young but passionate and relatively educated for those pre-internet times. I had planned out my conception, pregnancy and birth in many ways but none prepared me for the emotional toll I was about to endure. On Halloween night, while watching trick-or-treaters at a local mall, I went into labor; quietly, painlessly. Early labor, but I knew. I took secret pride walking around the mall, largely pregnant, in the earliest stages of labor with my very first child. Contractions increased and we thought it important to head off to … Continue reading →