ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS SUMMER 2011
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A HEALTH PUBLICATION FOR PARENTS 5RFN\0RXQWDLQ+RVSLWDO)RU&KLOGUHQ FRP
Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center North Suburban Medical Center Rose Medical Center Sky Ridge Medical Center The Medical Center of Aurora Swedish Medical Center
REGINALD WASHINGTON, MD, FAAP, FACC, FAHA CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN
A Note from
Dr. Washington
Dear Parents: “Children requiring emergency care have unique and special needs. This is especially so for those with serious and life-threatening emergencies.” These introductory sentences to the American Academy of Pediatrics Care of Children in the Emergency Department: Guidelines for Preparedness are the foundation for Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s development of superior pediatric emergency care for the communities we serve. During the past year, more than 50,000 children were seen in HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s emergency departments throughout the metro area. Because we see so many children in our emergency departments, this issue of Rocky Mountain Kids focuses on injury prevention—to help keep children safe. And, it features information about our innovations in emergency service, particularly our initiatives to minimize a child’s pain and to reduce wait times through coordinated care. Any parent who has made the trip to an emergency department with a sick or injured child knows the anxiety of wanting their son or daughter to feel better faster. But they also want to be sure that their child will receive quality care. That’s why the pediatric emergency rooms at HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children locations are staffed with fully trained, board certified pediatricians and pediatric emergency physicians. Specially trained nurses, pediatric pharmacists, pediatric equipment and all other components required for pediatric emergency services are in place to provide quality support for a child’s care. We hope you and your family have a safe summer full of healthy fun. But if you do need emergency care for your child, we have the “right stuff” for your summertime accidents and illnesses.
3HGLDWULF (5V 'HVLJQHG WR &$5( )25 .,'6 As a parent, there’s nothing worse than seeing your child sick or in pain. And when your son or daughter has a serious medical emergency, you want nothing less than the best care available. That’s why bringing your child to a hospital with an emergency room (ER) designed especially for kids is a good decision. There, doctors and nurses will provide your child with top-quality care and offer you peace of mind. SPECIALLY TRAINED STAFF Pediatric ERs are specially designed and staffed to handle the medical emergencies of babies, children and teens. Doctors receive extra training in pediatric emergencies and must pass a test that certifies them as pediatric emergency physicians. They are trained to deal with emergencies that may require unique techniques or procedures, or use special equipment. Also, they have expertise in easing the pain and anxiety that children’s emergencies can cause families. Board certified pediatric emergency specialists, nurses and social workers are skilled at:
• Explaining what is happening to your child during treatment • Understanding that children might react differently than adults • Providing instructions on how to care for your child when you get home • Assessing the unique treatment needs of children and teenagers KID-SIZED AND KID-FRIENDLY Crowded adult ERs can lead to long waits and a scary setting for young patients. But pediatric ERs are specially outfitted with kid-sized equipment, beds and supplies, including: • Lifesaving defibrillators customized for children • Child-sized blood pressure cuffs • Systems that quickly identify equipment and medicines appropriate for a child’s age and weight The waiting areas, hallways and examining rooms are also decorated and designed to be kid-friendly and put your little one at ease. COME PREPARED Develop an emergency plan with your child’s doctor and get familiar with the pediatric ERs in your community.
50+& (PHUJHQF\ /RFDWLRQV Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center 19th Avenue and High Street Denver, CO 80218 ER: 720-754-4115 q Open 24/7 Sky Ridge Medical Center I-25 and Lincoln Lone Tree, CO 80124 ER: 720-225-1900 q Open 24/7
The Medical Center of Aurora Potomac and Mississippi Aurora, CO 80012 ER: 303-695-2780 Rose Medical Center 9th and Clermont Denver, CO 80220 ER: 303-320-2455 North Suburban Medical Center Grant and Thornton Parkway Thornton, CO 80229 ER: 303-450-4519
Swedish Medical Center Hampden and Logan (three blocks east of Broadway) Englewood, CO 80113 ER: 303-788-6911 Swedish SW ER Wadsworth and Bowles Littleton, CO 80123 303-932-6911
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Through the kitchen window, you hear a scream, a thud, then crying. Your child has just fallen out of the elm tree while playing with friends. After comforting and taking a quick look, you believe an arm was broken. Here comes your child’s first trip to the emergency room.
Help!!
• Understand their worry about being separated from you and reassure them. • Be honest about what’s happening— if an upcoming test will be painful, let them know.
You may want to consider filling out a Consent for Treatment of a Minor form. This form helps your child-care provider find you quickly in case of an emergency. It also gives permission for emergency hospital care when you’re away from home.
BEFORE AN EMERGENCY Before an arm breaks or a fever spikes, there are a few actions parents can take to make a visit to the emergency room less stressful. • Organize your family’s medical histories. Keep track of any medications taken, allergies, previous visits to the hospital, operations and pre-existing conditions. • Post emergency numbers near a telephone. • Have health insurance information on hand.
MOM!!
Emergencies Don't Wait— Neither Should You
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE ER Generally, if you go to the hospital by ambulance, your child will be assigned to a bed in the emergency department. If not, your child will be assessed in a waiting room. A nurse will evaluate your child’s symptoms and vital signs—a practice called triage. The nurse will also ask for your child’s medical history, name and address. Triage may take some time, unless your child’s condition is severe. Emergency rooms are often busy. But the more information you bring with you, the quicker it can go. You may want to bring toys or books along to keep your child occupied. After triage, a doctor will examine your child in an examining room. At this time, tests might be ordered. The doctor will decide whether your child needs to stay at the hospital or go home with treatment, such as a cast or medications.
Find the closest HealthONE pediatric ER and average wait times with the HealthONE Fast LocatER tools. You can access ER wait times in four convenient ways: 1. Check out our website: www.healthonecares.com/er. 2. Download the app for iPhone and iPad. 3. Text “ER” to 720-523-3888. 4. Call 720-523-3888 for automated wait time updates. Visit www.healthonecares.com/er to view ER wait times right now. Or, scan this icon with your smartphone to access the website instantly! Download the free mobile scanning app with easy-to-follow instructions at http://gettag.mobi.
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD Going to the hospital can be frightening for young children. Here are some tips on how to help them: • Remain calm. If they see Mom and Dad staying calm, children in turn feel calmer. 5RFN\0RXQWDLQ+RVSLWDO)RU&KLOGUHQ FRP
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When a Child Needs an IV, It’s Pain-Free with the J-Tip Taking your child to the emergency room is stressful enough. Now we have a way to take some of the pain out of the experience. Placing IVs or drawing blood hurts even when we use the smallest of needles. Thanks to a new technology called the J-Tip, patients at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center are able to get treatment without feeling the stick of a needle. The J-Tip allows us to numb the skin without a needle before placing an IV or drawing blood. We’ll still use the tiniest needle to insert the IV or collect the blood, but now without pain. We’re proud to be the first and only pediatric hospital in Colorado to offer this revolutionary treatment to families in our community.
Babies and young children explore the world by putting objects into their mouth. Gulp.
Pennies, Batteries, Toys, Oh My! When Your Child SWALLOWS Something The small items children most commonly swallow include coins, batteries, pins, crayons, buttons, small toys, paper clips and marbles. When an object gets inhaled and caught in your child’s windpipe, it can be lifethreatening. If swallowing makes your child suddenly start to wheeze, choke or have trouble breathing, treat it as a medical emergency. Perform the Heimlich maneuver, and immediately call your community’s emergency number. Rocky Mountain Pediatric Gastroenterology, whose five physicians cover a majority of the Denver metro area emergency departments, remove approximately two esophageal or gastric foreign objects each week. “No swallowed foreign object is safe,” explains Ted Stathos, MD, of RMPGI. “However, there are certain objects that are more concerning than others and may require immediate attention. Button batteries, sharp objects and multiple magnets are items that, if swallowed, should be treated as a life-threatening medical emergency.
These objects are more likely to cause a perforation or tear, which is a very serious matter.” Babies and young kids aren’t the only ones at risk. Small magnetic balls called Buckyballs, popular among school-age children, can stick to intestines and cause serious injury or death if swallowed. Many schools have banned them. RMPGI has removed some quite unusual objects over the years, including a plastic dinosaur, Lego man, toothbrush, golf tee, nuts and bolts and even a sewing needle. Here’s how you can help prevent your child from swallowing or inhaling foreign objects: • Watch your kids carefully when they eat and play. • Baby-proof your house by bringing yourself down to your child’s level. Get on your hands and knees and search for dangerous items your child might find. • Keep small household items and toys with small removable parts out of toddlers’ reach. • Never give children younger than age 4 small foods like whole grapes, nuts, seeds or large chunks of meat or cheese.
Things That Go Buzz in the Summer: All About Insect Stings Itching, redness, swelling—they’re all normal reactions to a run-in with a bee, hornet or wasp. But for some people, insect stings could be severe or even life-threatening. Signs of anaphylaxis—a potentially deadly reaction—include feeling confused or anxious; trouble breathing; coughing or wheezing; nausea and vomiting; and a rash, itching or hives. If your child experiences anaphylaxis, call 911 right away. Scrape any visible stingers off the skin within 30 seconds using 6XPPHU 52&.< 02817$,1 .,'6
something firm, such as a fingernail or credit card. Your child might only have a mild reaction the first time he or she is stung. But the second sting could cause an allergic reaction. After a severe reaction, have your child see an allergist. Teach kids to walk calmly and slowly away if they spot flying insects. Keep food covered and check inside straws or canned drinks before sipping. Avoid perfumes and floral-patterned clothing, which can mimic pollen sources and attract bugs.
Sky Ridge Medical Center
Healthy Sleep Habits for You and Your Family “Adults aren’t the only ones who suffer from a poor night’s sleep,” says Dawn Stanley, MD, medical director of the Sky Ridge Sleep Disorders Center. “Did you know that more children are experiencing sleep issues than ever before?” Here are a few tips to help establish healthy sleep habits for your children: • Develop a realistic attitude. Sleeping, like eating, is not a state you can force. The best you can do is to create a sleep-friendly environment and try, try and try again. • Establish consistent bedtime “rituals.” Children function best when they have a routine and a sense of order. For example, brush teeth, put on pajamas, read, listen to quiet music or do other quiet activities. After you’ve given your undivided attention for at least 20 to 30 minutes, stick to the allotted bed time. • Put kids to sleep in their own beds. Make sure the room is quiet and dark. Fans or other soft white noise can be helpful. Low lights and a cool temperature, around 68–70 degrees, are best. • Have a regular wake-up time—even on the weekends. • A light snack before bedtime is fine, but avoid giving kids large amounts of liquid before bed. • Set predictable and consistent nap routines; good nappers tend to be good sleepers. If these tips don’t help, you may want to talk with your child’s pediatrician. “The key is to know when to seek help,” notes Dr. Stanley. “Snoring is NOT normal in children. If your child is snoring or exhibits behavioral problems such as daytime sleepiness or hyperactivity, you should talk with your doctor to possibly schedule a sleep study.”
PUT SLEEP TROUBLES TO BED The Sky Ridge Sleep Disorders Center treats children ages 8 to 18 as well as adults. For a referral or appointment request, call 720-225-5362.
WANTED: A Few Good Zzzs So how much sleep does your child need? The amount varies by age, but in general: AGE
AVERAGE SLEEP NEEDED
5 to 6 years
11 hours
7 to 10 years
10 to 10 ½ hours
11 to 14 years
9 to 9 ½ hours
15 to 16 years
8 ½ hours
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Preventing Childhood Tragedies Preventable injuries claim the lives of more than 12,000 U.S. children every year. That’s a higher toll than every childhood disease combined. Adult supervision is key to preventing childhood tragedies. Here are the main threats facing children—and advice to keep them safe. On-the-Road Safety
Safeguard Your Child from Falls
Traffic injuries are the deadliest preventable accidents children face. Every hour, emergency rooms treat 150 children younger than age 19 for vehicle-crashrelated injuries. The toll includes concussions and other head wounds, broken bones, sprains and cuts. Using age-appropriate safety seats and restraints is the best way to protect children in a car. Visit www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS to learn about child safety seats by age and how to properly install them. Older kids and teens should always wear seat belts.
Falls are the most common, preventable source of nonfatal injuries in every childhood age group. “Emergency rooms treat 8,000 kids a day for falls,” says Sue Kirelik, MD, chair of pediatric emergency medicine at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Sky Ridge Medical Center. “We suggest that parents invest in safety devices, such as guards on windows, gates at the top of stairs and guard rails on bunk beds. And, don’t forget to make sure your playground equipment is well-maintained and surrounded by a soft
surface in case of tumbles.” Regardless of your child’s age, set firm rules: no venturing onto fire escapes, rooftops or unsecured balconies.
Be Aware of Burn Hazards Every day, more than 400 kids end up in emergency departments with burns. And every day, two of those victims don’t survive. In toddlers and younger children, most injuries are scald burns sustained from hot liquids or steam. Older kids are typically burned by flames through direct contact with matches, lighters or fireworks. “To prevent burns, we recommend setting household water-heater thermostats no higher than 120 degrees to regulate sink and bath temperatures,” says Dr. Kirelik. “Never leave food unattended on a stove, and always supervise children near anything hot— from radiators to ovens.” Equip your home with smoke alarms on every floor and near every room where family members sleep. Families should establish an escape plan in case of fire.
Prevent Household Poisonings Accidental poisonings—typically from household cleaners, pesticides, personal care products and medicines— send 374 children to the emergency room every day. Two poisonings will prove fatal. Keep anything that shouldn’t be swallowed out of youngsters’ reach. Store cleaning solutions and medications in locked or childproof cabinets. Post the national poison control center phone number —800-222-1222—near your phones.
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L.E.A.N. On Us
Parents: You can now find pediatric ER wait times at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Sky Ridge Medical Center online at www.skyridgemedcenter. com. Wait times are also available by texting “ER” to 720-523-3888 or by calling 720-523-3888.
Avoid Drownings Children ages 1 to 4 are most vulnerable to drownings. Three children die every day in water-related accidents. Any water source can be a hazard— bathtubs, swimming pools, natural bodies of water. Careful supervision is the best prevention, but barricades are also important. Pools should be surrounded by a four-sided fence with self-closing, self-latching gates. When kids are boating, swimming or rafting, insist they wear life jackets—even if they know how to swim. It’s also wise to take a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) class so that you’ll know how to respond in a worst-case scenario.
When a child struggles with learning, behavior, performance, weight or overall health, the entire family feels the impact. Many parents seek help from tutors, coaches, counselors or medications. But in some cases, the solution may be found through changes in lifestyle, exercise, attitude and nutrition—L.E.A.N. Research confirms that to effectively impact a child’s health, change needs to begin at home. L.E.A.N. workshops—developed by William Sears, MD, one of America’s most renowned pediatricians—focus on educating and empowering parents and caregivers, which can dramatically improve the health of the child and the entire family. That’s why Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Sky Ridge Medical Center is pleased to offer L.E.A.N. workshops to our community. “The classes are fun and provide easy-to-implement tools and information,” says JoAnn Calder, parent education coordinator at Sky Ridge. “Dr. Sears’ programs offer sustainable strategies that help families develop a lifetime of good health.” Poor food choices can cause neurotransmitters, which pass information in the brain, to malfunction. Even children who look healthy can be suffering from nutrition deficit disorder, which can contribute to ADD and ADHD, developmental delays, learning disabilities, allergies, inflammatory disease and vision problems.
DURING THESE WORKSHOPS, PARENTS WILL LEARN: • Which foods are best for growing kids • Easy label-reading techniques • The type of fat children need most • How to make easy and delicious foods that kids love Our workshops are for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 12. Attendees receive a comprehensive workbook and experience new ideas through hands-on activities, group interaction and expert instruction.
SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP TODAY! To register online or for more info on the L.E.A.N. workshops, please visit www.skyridgemedcenter.com and select: Conditions We Treat > Pregnancy & Childbirth > Childbirth Classes > L.E.A.N. Start Program.
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, MD Getting to Know Jeremy Erdley
Chair of Pediatrics at Sky Ridge Congratulations on being named the chair of pediatrics at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Sky Ridge Medical Center. Tell us what your top priorities are in this new role.
can, and let them decide which ones to go through. Keep them safe and give unconditional love and support.
I would like to make sure that Sky Ridge pediatrics continues to provide the same level of superior care that has been the standard since the hospital opened eight years ago. As a general pediatrician practicing in the community, I hope to bring a primary care perspective to the delivery of care to children at Sky Ridge.
How has being a dad yourself helped you in your role as physician?
Stepping back, why did you choose to become a pediatrician? I went to medical school with an interest in primary care medicine. I quickly came to see that pediatrics afforded a great opportunity for preventive medicine. I love providing education and interventions for young patients that can lead to a lifetime of better health habits. What are some of the best lessons you have learned from your patients over the years? I have learned to always listen carefully to patients and families. The real issues at stake will usually be revealed in a careful and thorough history. Meaningful and effective care can only be achieved with a strong therapeutic alliance between doctor and family. This alliance is formed and strengthened through listening and clear and respectful communication.
I think that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely easier to relate to the challenges facing the families that I see in the office. My advice and suggestions carry more weight with parents since they know that I am a parent as well as a doctor. Also, when families struggle with medical decisions, I can tell them what I have done or would do with my own children in that situation. This often helps parents immensely. Talk a little about Sky Ridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to the parents and children of this community. Whenever I attend a meeting or event for Sky Ridge, I am struck by the priority that is placed on being a resource for families and a positive force for health and wellness in the community. The hospital goes out of its way to make sure that needs are being met, even when this may not be the best thing for the bottom line. A great example of this is having pediatricians in the emergency department 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This shows a commitment to the highest quality care for children in the community.
What advice can you offer to new parents?
What makes Sky Ridge a special place to practice medicine?
There is no one correct way to parent your children. There are as many effective ways to raise your kids as there are parents. And you will make mistakes! Remember that it is a marathon and not a sprint. You will have opportunities to learn from your missteps and be even better parents because of them. Open as many doors for your children as you
Everyone at Sky Ridge works together to create an environment of care that emphasizes state-of-the-art medicine coupled with patientcentered care and comfort. The administration actively seeks the input of clinicians and other support staff to make improvements. As a physician, you may not always get your way, but your voice is heard, which is great to know. 10334ME
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Patient Deborah Kisakye (right) pictured here with her mother, Mariam, was given a second chance at life thanks to the generous support and expert care offered at RMHC at P/SL.
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“Children have a remarkable power to heal hand injuries and return to a lifetime of full function. Timely treatment can make the difference.”—Laurel Benson, MD, orthopedic surgeon
“Watch Your Fingers” Is Still Good Advice Little fingers are constantly exploring—and getting in the way. And when it comes to pinched fingers, accidents can be serious. According to a study published in Pediatrics, about half of all childhood amputations treated in U.S. emergency rooms occur to fingers that have been slammed or pinched in doors. Children ages 2 and younger are at greatest risk. Older kids are vulnerable to door injuries, too. But they’re more likely to lose a finger from a lawn mower. Prevent injuries with these tips: • Hang a towel over the top of doors and close to the hinges so they can’t close completely. • Buy doorstops or door guards to prevent doors from slamming. • Be watchful when children play together. In one study, about half of door-related finger injuries occurred when another child shut the door.
• Make sure all riding mowers have a no-mow-in-reverse (NMIR) feature to prevent injuries. • Don’t let kids use a push mower until age 12 or a riding mower until age 16. “Children have a remarkable power to heal hand injuries and return to a lifetime of full function. Timely treatment can make the difference, though, in the length of recovery and the cosmetic result,” says Laurel Benson, MD, orthopedic surgeon. “We prefer seeing our little patients within a week of the injury, as most hand injuries have more favorable outcomes if the treatment is completed within 10 days. The patient and the family can then be assured that they are on the road to get up and go!”
PULL OUT AND SAVE! KEEP THIS CHECKLIST HANDY AND HELP KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE.
✁
10 Ways to Keep Windows Safe Approximately 4,700 children ages 14 and younger require treatment each year for window fall-related injuries. (National Safe Kids Campaign) While some falls occur from windows, it is important to realize that in the event of a fire, a window can also save a child’s life by providing a secondary means of escape or rescue.
About 18 children ages 10 and younger die each year from falls from windows
WINDOW SAFETY CHECKLIST 1. Make sure windows are not painted or sealed shut.
2. Keep windows closed and locked when children are around. 3. Don’t allow kids to play near windows, balconies or decks. 4. Install and maintain window and door safety devices. 5. Do not consider a window screen to be a safety device; screens keep bugs out, but don’t keep children in. 6. Make sure the window safety devices have emergency release mechanisms in case an emergency escape or rescue is needed.
7. Don’t install window air conditioner units in bedroom or other windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. 8. Keep furniture and other climbing hazards away from windows, balconies and decks. 9. Make sure landscaping underneath windows will help lessen the impact of a fall if one does occur. 10. Do not underestimate children’s mobility and/or ability to learn how to release safety devices.
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Visit www.youthsportsmed.com to learn more about children’s sports injuries and tips for parents on preventing injury.
Prevent Common Sports Injuries Doctors treat about 8,000 kids for sports injuries every day. But many of these mishaps can be prevented. This chart shows the most commonly hurt parts of the body for 10 activities and ways to make playing safer.
BASEBALL BASKETBALL BICYCLING FIELD HOCKEY FOOTBALL IN-LINE SKATING SKATEBOARDING
SOCCER
TENNIS VOLLEYBALL
{ { { { { { { { { {
Commonly Hurt
Required or Recommended Gear
Shoulder, ankle, head/face
Batting helmet with face guard, safety-release bases
Little League mandates pitch count limits that vary by age (see www.littleleague.org).
Ankle, foot, knee
Sport-specific footwear, mouth guard
After jumping, land with knees bent, not straight.
Arm, wrist
Helmet*
Avoid riding at night or on uneven or slippery surfaces; consider taking a riding skills course.
Ankle, face, head
Mouth guard, shin guards
Sticks should be kept below shoulder level at all times.
Ankle, knee, head (concussion)
Helmet, mouth guard, shoulder pads
Strength training and stretching can help prepare for this contact sport; don’t lead with the helmet when tackling.
Arm, wrist
Helmet**, wrist guard, knee and elbow pads
Skate on smooth surfaces, away from traffic.
Ankle, head/ face, wrist
Helmet**, wrist guard, knee and elbow pads
Using a skate park or other controlled environment may increase safety; children younger than 5 should not skateboard.
Ankle, knee
Shin guards, sport-specific footwear, mouth guard
Collisions with other players, not heading the ball, cause most concussions, but some leagues prohibit heading by players younger than age 10.
Elbow, shoulder, wrist
Sport-specific footwear, racquet with proper grip size
Strengthening the muscles used to extend and bend back the wrist can help prevent common injuries.
Ankle, fingers, shoulder
Ankle brace or taping
Use resistance training to strengthen lower back, legs and shoulders; avoid jumping on hard surfaces in practice.
Safety Tip
* Some form of bicycle helmet legislation is enforced by 21 states, the District of Columbia and more than 140 local governments. ** Children are required to wear helmets while using in-line skates, scooters or skateboards in eight states and the District of Columbia.
What Parents Should Know About Clavicle Fractures The clavicle is one of the most frequently fractured bones during childhood, according to John Polousky, MD, medical director of Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s Youth Sports Medicine Institute. Clavicle fractures most often happen when a child falls on to an outstretched arm. This injury is most frequent in athletes who participate in football, hockey and soccer, or in sports with a high risk of falling, such as biking or horseback riding. Initial treatment is focused on making the child more comfortable by immobilizing the injury and giving pain medication. 6XPPHU 52&.< 02817$,1 .,'6
Wearing a sling with the arm in a cradled position is often the most comfortable position for most people with this type of injury. Clavicle fractures in children and adolescents rarely require surgery. However, surgery may be needed if the fracture breaks the skin or if there is nerve or blood vessel damage. Young children tend to heal fractures very quickly and are often able to return to sports more quickly than adolescents and adults with the same type of injury. After allowing enough time for the bone to heal, most children don’t experience pain or limited movement, and they can gradually return to full activity.
TIPS FOR A GOOD HELMET FIT A helmet can reduce a biker’s risk for head injury by up to 85 percent. Buy a helmet with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker inside. Make sure the helmet fits and your child knows how to put it on correctly: • The helmet should be level on the head, so the front of the helmet rests just above the eyebrows. • Straps should fasten under the chin so the “Y” of the side straps comes just below the ears. Straps should be tight enough so that the helmet cannot rock back-to-front or side-to-side. • The chin strap should fit comfortably and securely under the chin. If the strap is uncomfortable and cuts into the chin, it’s too tight and should be loosened slightly. • Replace the helmet after an accident where the rider’s head hits something.
75%
HELMETS COULD PREVENT AN ESTIMATED 75 PERCENT OF FATAL HEAD INJURIES AND UP TO 45,000 HEAD INJURIES TO CHILDREN WHO RIDE BIKES EACH YEAR. —Safe Kids USA
Biking Do’s & Don’ts Bicycling is a great way for children to stay active this summer. To keep their cycling safe, review these important do’s and don’ts:
Do
• Make sure children wear helmets designed for bicycle use every time they ride, even if the law doesn’t require helmets where you live. If you ride, wear a helmet, too—to protect yourself and set an example. • Dress cyclists in bright, fluorescent-colored or reflective clothing so drivers can easily see them. • Teach your child to avoid bicycling at night. • Explain the proper hand signals and make sure children use them. • Make sure cyclists check the bike’s brakes and tires before riding.
Don’t
• Let any rider wear a helmet that fits poorly. • Buy a bike for your child to “grow into.” There should be about an inch between the child and the bike frame when the child’s feet are flat on the ground. • Ride against traffic or let kids do so. Teach children to ride with the traffic flow, as far to the right as possible. • Ride into a street or through an intersection without stopping and checking for traffic—even if there’s no stop sign or stoplight. • Let children ride without supervision until they’ve shown they can always follow the rules.
RIGHT
STOP
LEFT
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS
PRESORTED STD US Postage
PAID
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
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),567 $,' &+(&./,67 A well-stocked first-aid kit is your first line of defense in treating injuries and scrapes. Keep one in your home and each car, and stash one away in your suitcase. Prepackaged kits can be purchased at drugstores or you can assemble one of your own in a durable, waterproof case (plastic tackle, sewing or art supply boxes work well).
Keep your first-aid items in one convenient place with this FREE zippered pouch from Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. To get yours, visit www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com. Offer available to the first 250 applicants in the four-state region only (Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas).
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