The holidays are a great time for family and friends but can pose certain risks. Kona Community Hospital’s Chair of Emergency Medicine Dr. Richard McDowell, offers these tips to help children stay safe and avoid injuries during the holiday season.
For Choking
- Keep such common holiday food such as nuts and popcorn away from very young children since they cannot chew them.
- Only buy toys that are appropriate for the child’s age.
- Keep such common household objects and holiday items out of reach of children under 4 yrs. of age.
For Poisoning
- Common holiday plants such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias are poisonous and should be kept out of children’s reach. If you suspect poisoning, call your local doctor, or the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
For Burns/Fire
- Fire is a real hazard during this season. According to Dr. McDowell:
- Keep candles away from flammable items.
- Keep lights and trees secured well or in a sturdy stand so that they do not fall, or are accidentally knocked over by children or pets. Do not overload indoor or outdoor electrical outlets.
For Toys
- Keep an eye on toys. Dr. McDowell offers the following recommendations:
- Toys such as bicycles and skateboards but may lead to serious injuries if used improperly. Safety gear, such as helmets, kneepads, elbow guards, etc., is recommended when giving these toys as gifts.
- Always read instructions carefully before having your child play with any new toy and monitor your children’s play.
Coming to the ER during the holiday season takes away from enjoying family time. We hope these simple tips will encourage families to be safe.