Newswise — The countdown is on and the race to find the perfect holiday toy is here. But before you go out and spend your hard-earned dollars on something that may pose a hazard to your children or grandchildren, the Consumer Product Safety Commission hopes you keep a few things in mind.
The safety commission requires labels on all toys that might pose a choking hazard for children less than three years of age. The labels warn shoppers that the toy is not safe for younger children and describe why.
"It's very important that you select toys that are age specific to the child," says Benny Bolin, R.N., trauma coordinator, Baylor University Medical Center. "Incidents such as choking or kids that stick stuff up their nose, down in their ears or swallow things, are seen in the pediatrician's office. It is a fairly common occurrence."
When shopping for infants or small children, experts say avoid toys with small parts that can be pulled or broken off. Select toys that are too big to become caught in the throat, nose or ears.
"Depending on the age of the child, hopefully the parents have been to a CPR type class and know the Heimlich maneuver," says Bolin. "You should never stick your fingers in a small child's mouth to dig something out because you could push it farther down. Turn a small child upside down, hit them on the back so that hopefully it will fall out. As long as a child can talk or you can hear noise, they are actually moving air in and out."
Bolin also says to be sure and throw away all plastic toy wrappings to prevent infant or toddler suffocation.
So remember, picking the wrong toy for your little one this holiday season may end up being more of a mistake than you realize. Follow the above suggestions to keep you holidays merry.
For more information about Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
SOME HOLIDAY FOODS CAN CAUSE COMPLICATIONS WITH CERTAIN MEDICATIONS
Some everyday spices and common prescription drugs, may not mix with certain foods. Follow these tips to have a safe and pleasant holiday meal this season.
People who take vital medications such as anti-coagulants, cancer drugs or immuno-suppressants may need to plan an extra trip to their doctor or pharmacist prior to sitting down for their holiday meal.
"Studies have shown that many common holiday spices can interfere with the body's metabolism of certain drugs," says Amy Anderson, M.D., internal medicine physician on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center. "Often used holiday spices like cloves, thyme and sage can interfere by as much as 50 percent with the body's natural ability to utilize common drugs," says Dr. Anderson.
Some of the first concerns about certain foods slowing down drug absorption or worsening side effects arose nearly a decade ago when AIDS patients taking strong medications reported severe reactions. "If you are a patient who is taking perhaps blood thinning medication or a cancer patient taking a chemotherapy drug, I think it would be a good idea to ask your private physician before eating holiday foods to find out which foods may interact with your medication."
"If you notice you are having a reaction such as shortness of breath, itching or developing a rash, take something, like Benadryl, and then call your physician. However, if you're really having trouble breathing, proceed to the local emergency room or call 911."
For more information about Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
PREVENT CHOKING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season offers the perfect time to enjoy family, friends and food, but that enjoyment can quickly turn to tragedy if you're not careful. Each year, more than 300 people across the country die due to choking.
"There are several different things people need to watch out for, one thing is many people are in a rush and so they eat too quickly and eat too large of a bite," says Bill J. Johnson, M.D., internal medicine physician at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine.
Causes of choking can range from a foreign object in a child's mouth to guests choking on a bite of dinner.
When the air supply to the lungs is cut off or restricted, the person's face will become reddish. Shortly after, as the oxygen in the body is used up, the face can become gray and lips may even take on a bluish hue.
"The first thing you should do is make sure the victim is choking. If they can not respond to you or can not cough they probably aren't moving any air. If they are coughing, they can typically clear their airway and should be watched and aloud to cough. If they are choking, lean them over and bring your fists up into the sub diaphragm area and push up with thrusts upwards."
Have you ever wondered why you can't breathe when something gets stuck in your swallowing tube? Well, it's because the swallowing tube and the breathing tube share the same airway up until you get down into the chest. So something stuck in that tube blocks off both airways and you can't breathe.
For more information about Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
FOLLOW THESE TIPS FOR DEALING WITH CHRISTMAS ALLERGIES
Trees and decorations are popping up—Christmas is in the air. But for many with allergies, that's a problem.
It may be a Christmas pine tree, a wreath, or even dusty ornaments that can aggravate some people's allergies. Many will spend the holidays with itchy noses and runny eyes.
"For those with winter pollen allergies and mold allergies it's the season of wheezing, tearing up in your eyes and a runny nose. And, sometimes it can all be centered around your beautiful Christmas tree," says Mark Millard, M.D., pulmonologist on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center.
If it's not the pine triggering symptoms, it can often be dust mites on the trimmings or mold growing on the tree's stump.
"The good news is regardless of why you have symptoms at that time of year or when you get around the Christmas tree there's treatment that can prevent it, treatment that can reduce the symptoms and allow you to enjoy the holiday season," says Dr. Millard.
The following tips may be helpful: - dust regularly - keep ornaments in boxes - buy an artificial tree - take both a nasal spray and pills
Remember, allergies and asthma can also be triggered by other popular Christmas items like votive candles, foods with nuts and cold weather.
If you feel mild symptoms, there are some over-the-counter medicines that can help symptoms such as itchy eyes and runny noses, but if you feel any wheezing or have trouble breathing you should definitely see your doctor.
For more information about Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.BaylorHealth.com.
'TIS THE SEASON FOR EXCUSES TO OVEREAT AND NOT EXERCISE
The holidays bring us more than just spending time with friends and family. They bring us more time to make excuses regarding our eating habits and our exercise routines.
"It is easy to say you will only eat a little of this and a little of that or to say you will exercise tomorrow; and then tomorrow becomes the next day and then the next day and so on and so forth," says Taylor Swint, personal trainer with the Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center.
According to a recent government study, the average American only gains about one pound during the holidays. The participants were all influenced by two main factors: their activity and hunger levels. During the holidays, Swint offers the following tips to keep you on track to staying healthy and avoiding that holiday weight gain:
1. Stay active. If we could all manage to keep our normal routines during this time of year, we would probably all feel great. But the reality is there are too many things to do and not enough time to do them. So, we tend to sacrifice our morning walks to prepare food or our afternoon exercise class to prepare for guests. However, the good news is walking around the shopping malls and stores is exercise, so is cleaning your house for guests. Also, try parking farther away so you can get a good walk in before you start your shopping. Every little bit helps!
2. Do not arrive at a holiday party starving! Waiting all day to eat will only make the food available look even better. This will cause you to want more of everything. (Remember the saying "you're eyes were bigger than your stomach." ) Try to eat a decent meal before leaving your house. Bring a veggie plate. At least you will know there will be healthy snacks.
3. Keep portions small. This doesn't mean that you can have a little bit of everything. Fill your plate with salad and vegetables first and then add small portions of the other foods you want. By starting your meal with a salad, your body will sense that you have filled it up faster helping you to not eat as much.Whatever your plans are during this time of year, always remember to make them happy and enjoyable. Focusing on and enjoying time spent with your family and friends, giving and receiving gifts, putting up holiday decorations, and the spiritual aspects of the season are what truly make the holidays enjoyable. Happy Holidays!
For more information about the Baylor Tom Landry Health & Wellness Center, call 1-800-4BAYLOR or visit http://www.baylorhealth.com.
Baylor Medical Centers at Dallas and Grapevine are affiliated with the Dallas-based Baylor health Care System.
RSS