Tag Archives: safety

Riding Toys

Posted on June 11, 2018 by L. M. Asta

Wheels. What fun! Ride on toys are terrific for toddlers. Look for low, stable toys, and a helmet. While balance bikes are the latest craze, learning to pedal is an important developmental achievement for your three year old. Again, low, … Continue reading →

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Teething Necklaces

Posted on May 7, 2015 by L. M. Asta

Necklaces made from amber beads are the latest trend. They allegedly reduce teething pain, although there isn’t any science to back up the claims. What pediatricians do know is that the necklaces pose a risk for choking and strangulation. Do … Continue reading →

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Humidifier

Posted on December 23, 2014 by L. M. Asta

Humidifier or Vaporizer? Humidifier, hands-down. A cool mist humidifier is what you want to sooth irritated airways. Vaporizers heat water into steam and they can burn or scald children who are naturally curious and active. It’s unclear whether adding anything … Continue reading →

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Heat Illness and the Heat Index

Posted on July 9, 2014 by L. M. Asta

Kids don’t adapt to extreme temperatures as well as adults. They generate more metabolic heat per mass when active, have a reduced capacity to sweat, and their high surface area to body mass ratio means they absorb more heat from the environment. When … Continue reading →

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Measles

Posted on June 1, 2014 by L. M. Asta

When I hear the word measles I think: cough, coryza and conjunctivitis. That’s the way I learned it in medical school. Infected children have a cough, runny nose (coryza) and red eyes (conjunctivitis). They also have distinctive white areas inside the cheeks … Continue reading →

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Overuse Sports Injury Prevention

Posted on May 23, 2014 by L. M. Asta

Preventing overuse sports injuries is easier than treating them—or sitting on the bench. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says the key is to avoid overdoing any single sport while giving growing bodies enough rest between practices and games. Some tips … Continue reading →

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Picking a Stroller

Posted on May 21, 2014 by L. M. Asta

My mom’s stroller, circa 1971, weighed a ton. By baby number three, the canopy was gone. It was all metal and collapsible; the seat reclined for napping. The rack underneath was handy for packages. You’ll want a stroller for your … Continue reading →

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Are Expired Medicines Safe to Use for Children?

Posted on January 18, 2014 by L. M. Asta

Read one pharmacist’s answer here. Briefly: Expiration dates were established in 1979 to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medications. Medications that have been stored in their original containers under controlled conditions (not your medicine cabinet) retain much of their original … Continue reading →

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Pest Control

Posted on January 10, 2014 by L. M. Asta

Spiders? Ants? Fleas? Mosquitoes? Parents want effective ways to deal with pests that are safe for children and pets.   The University of California Integrative Pest Management Program has comprehensive information that’s easy to access and put into action. Start here before … Continue reading →

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Lead Information and Resources

Posted on January 10, 2014 by L. M. Asta

Lead paint and leaded gas may be gone, but their toxic legacy lingers. Before you remodel or plan your fruit and vegetable garden, find answers about testing your home’s paint and soil for lead here. More information about home gardens and lead … Continue reading →

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