Greetings from the Pediatrics site at BellaOnline! Your source for the latest and greatest information regarding your child's health.

Today's Tips:

Playground Safety: According the the National Playground Safety Institute (who knew such a thing existed?!?!?!), nearly 80% of all playground injuries are caused by falls, about 45% are severe and include fractures, dislocations, concussions, and internal injuries (see http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100707/Nations-emergency-physicians-urge-parents-to-be-aware-of-playground-injuries.aspx?page=2)

What does this mean for us as parents? If you want to avoid a trip to the ER, keep a close eye on your children as they play at the park this summer! For an older child you will probably just have to remind them to be careful as they get so caught up in their games they forget. However, for a younger child such as a toddler or pre-schooler, you might want to walk with them over the high parts or teach them to not go near the open spaces.

Water Safety: It's summer, water is our second habitat! So how can we ensure our children keep it safe? Always make sure they have proper flotation devices. I put them on my children even if they are in the shallow part of the beach so that if can rest a bit easier. If they are not using any flotation device, the key is to watch them like a hawk. Child drowning ranks very high on the fatality list, and it always happens when the parent "just looked away for a second". It happens in a blink of an eye, so pay extra close attention and leave your book for a different day.

Check out my latest article:

When Should Your Child see the Doctor
How sick is too sick? When should you take your little one in to the Emergency, the doctor, or just stay home and wait it out?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1874.asp

To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Pediatrics located here:

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=401

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy week and enjoy the sunshine!

Rebecca Spooner, Pediatrics Editor
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/pediatrics