Wednesday, April 30, 2003

Play it safe -- don't play

Spring is here and summer's coming, and with it all manner of dangers from which we're called to protect our young ones. What are the top-five greatest perils for children in the warm-weather months? Sunburn? Heat stroke? Dehydration? Mosquitos? Ticks? Nope. According to a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it's bicycling, basketball, football, baseball/softball and soccer. These sports account for the most injuries that bring children ages 5-14 into emergency rooms. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends things like abiding by the rules, wearing the right equipment, and warming up as ways to play and stay out of the ER, but personally, I know the best way to keep my family safe: Keep them inside the air-conditioned house, watching TV and staying out of harm's way. That'll give me a happy lazy summer, anyway.

No comments: