Tag Archives: Choking

Protecting Preschoolers from Choking

Dealing with a picky preschooler at the dinner table may be the least of your concerns, according to a new study.  Instead of stressing about your child’s refusal to eat his veggies, researchers warn parents that they should be carefully monitoring four year olds while they chow down on classic kid favorites, like hot dogs, as the number of choking incidents among preschool-aged children is dangerously high. Researchers say a staggering 34 children a day are admitted to hospital emergency rooms due to choking.  That translates to more than 12,000 emergency room visits a year, though the study’s author notes … Continue reading →

Should Foods Come with Choking Warnings?

Warning labels for choking hazards are required on certain toys — especially those with small parts and balls. Here in the United States, it’s a federal law! But there isn’t a similar law on the books for foods that may be choking hazards. The American Academy of Pediatrics — the largest group of pediatricians in the United States — would like to see a similar federal law for foods that may be choking hazards… or see more foodmakers willingly add choking hazard warnings to their labels. Another alternative would be redesigning foods to make them less of a choking hazard … Continue reading →

Common Choking Hazards for Pets

Let’s face it — pets eat some weird things. I’ve caught my boxer mix Lally chewing on things like wicker baskets and even the cord of my vacuum cleaner. My other dog, Moose, is more of a licker than a chewer, but I’ve seen him licking the comforter, the floor, and even the walls. Like I said, weird taste. Younger animals are more likely to sample non-food objects than older ones are — some veterinarians think that’s just the curiosity of the young. Eating strange things may also be a throwback to wild animals that eat the entire body of … Continue reading →

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 →

Do Greenies Pose a Health Risk?

About a year ago, a warning went around saying that Greenies treats were unsafe for dogs. A television station in Seattle, Washington reported that the treats could indeed be unsafe, and told the story of three different dogs who had to undergo surgery to remove intestinal blockages caused by teeth-cleaning treats like Greenies. A total of nine people came forward to KIRO-TV to claim that their dogs had died from intestinal obstructions after eating Greenies or similar products. If you’ve never heard of Greenies and other teeth-cleaning treats, here’s the scoop: Greenies are toothbrush-shaped dog treats that are harder than … Continue reading →

Toy Cars Recalled for Choking Hazard

March 30, 2006 Release #06-126 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 763-8869 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Primary Sounds Toy Vehicles Units: About 3,500 Importer/Distributor: Kids Preferred LLC, of Dayton, N.J. Hazard: The hubcaps on the toy’s plastic wheels can detach posing a choking hazard to young children. … Continue reading →

RadioShack Corp. Recalls Toy Pliers Due to Choking Hazard

March 28, 2006 Release #06-121 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 843-7422 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the RadioShack Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas, today announced a voluntary recall of the Child Guidance Toy Pliers. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Child Guidance Toy Pliers There are about 25,000 units Importer/Retailer: RadioShack Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas Hazard: The toy’s sliding yellow knob can detach, posing a choking … Continue reading →

Pet First Aid: Choking

Last night, as I was sitting at the computer, I heard an awful hacking from the bedroom. For a very frightening second, I thought I was going to need to do the Heimlich maneuver on Moose! I ran to his side just in time to watch him spit up a half-chewed rawhide. Yummy! But this is probably a good time to review what to do if your pet is choking. 1. Determine if your pet is choking, or just coughing. If he is coughing, there’s still air going in. Trying to help could injure him. If he’s choking, there is … Continue reading →

Teen Choking Game – A Potentially Deadly High Pt 1

By Nicole Allard Recently, my nephew, Justin B. Allard, who was mentally challenged accidentally killed himself by playing what is known by teens as the choking game. He died after passing out with a belt around his neck at the ripe age of seventeen. I am not writing this article to scare you, only to raise your awareness of this potentially deadly game, and recognize signs that your teen could be trying it. There have been several deaths among teens all across the US that have been blamed on this game that is a growing activity among teens. A list … Continue reading →