With the snow finally melted away, and the weather officially beginning to feel like spring, we know that the day is nearing when we be starting the lawn mower for our first official mow of the season! Although this is something many of us look forward to after a very long winter, there are also many dangers that we need to be aware of regarding lawn mowers to keep our kids safe.
For a pediatrician from California, Wisconsin winters are one thing I don’t think I’ll ever get used to. If your family does decide to venture out into the cold, here are a few important things to keep in mind.
Winter Warmth
Keep your infants and children warm by dressing them in layers. How do you know if your baby is warm enough? Generally, a good rule of thumb for older babies and children is to dress in one more layer than what an adult would need for adequate warmth.
Tilt your head back to stop a bloody nose? That old-fashioned advice for kids is just plain wrong. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation on how to stop this common childhood malady. Dr. Diane Heatley, medical director of American Family Children’s Hospital, says old-time remedies like lying down or holding the head back will not work, because children’s nosebleeds usually start in blood vessels in the front of the nose.
With the days getting shorter and cooler, it means it is that time of the year to make sure everyone in the family is ready with the essentials: winter coats, snow pants, boots, mittens, hats and flu shots.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
Does this situation sound familiar?
“You have a doctor appointment for a check-up today after school.”
“Am I going to get a shot? I hate shots. I don’t think I want to go to the doctor today.”
Before the age of 2 years old, the CDC recommends children receive 24 immunizations. While this sounds like a lot of shots, and it is, immunizations are one of the Public Health initiatives that have resulted prevention of the most deaths and disability early in life.