How helmets can help prevent tragedies during “trauma season”

At Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, summer is “trauma season.” Birds are chirping, flowers are sprouting and kids are falling — off their bikes, scooters and while on their in-line skates. Last weekend, our Emergency Department admitted 12 kids with injuries related to summer activities. Half of them were bicycle injuries.

As a parent, we have many responsibilities, but none is more important than being a role model. Trust me — kids are watching. A couple of weeks ago, I bought my daughter a pair of in-line skates for her birthday. I have been blading for years, and she was excited to join …Continue reading →

Medicine Collection Day: Helping keep the earth clean and prevent poisonings

Medicine Collection DayA great way to get rid of outdated or unneeded medications, keep dangerous drugs out of the hands of our children and protect our drinking water is to participate in Medicine Collection Day on Saturday, April 27.

In 2012, 48 percent of calls to Wisconsin Poison Center involved either prescription or over-the-counter medications. By bringing these drugs in, you will help keep them from getting into the wrong hands or our local water supply. Remember, never flush or pour unused …Continue reading →

Laundry detergent packets: How dangerous are they to kids?

Laundry detergent packets: How dangerous are they to kids?Convenient and easy to use, detergent packets like Tide Pods, All mighty pacs or Purex Ultrapacks often are found in homes with young children. The packets are designed to dissolve quickly when exposed to water in the washing machine. They are colorful and squishy — some even look like candy or a toy — making them attractive to kids.

Poison centers receive many calls each year about children getting into laundry …Continue reading →

Five ways to keep your family safe while riding bikes

Every day, more than 600 children are injured due to bicycle-related crashes. Younger children are at higher risk, but even experienced teenagers, like my son, can be in danger. This summer it will be 10 years since we lost our son due to a bicycle/vehicle crash. Don’t think it can’t happen to your family.

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to start tuning up your bikes, checking helmet sizes and reviewing the rules of the road. Bike safety is a passion for my family …Continue reading →

Stopping the cycle of violence: Project Ujima and emergency care at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

In the Emergency Department/Trauma Center at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, we offer world-class medical care to children and comfort to families who may be facing the most traumatic situations of their lives. Our team considers it a privilege to support …Continue reading →

Car seat safety: What your child wears this winter makes a difference

installing a car seat

Have your car or booster seat checked to be sure it’s properly installed.

Don’t you just love the scene from A Christmas Story when Ralphie’s mom is bundling up his little brother, Randy, to go to school? She dresses the little boy in so many layers he can’t even bend his arms. Then, she tops him off with a scarf she wraps around and around and around his neck. I just laugh every time I see that scene!

Gone are the days of dressing my kids. Today, I just remind them to wear …Continue reading →

TV tip-overs: What every parent needs to know

TV or furniture tip-over accidents can occur in the blink of an eye. They can have long-lasting — even deadly — consequences. Please watch the video above to learn how you …Continue reading →

How to prevent choking hazards and keep your children safe during the holidays

It is hard to believe that 2012 is almost over and the holidays are right around the corner. This is typically a season when families give and receive a lot of gifts. As someone who works in injury prevention, I know this is also a time when children are at an increased risk …Continue reading →

Halloween safety: What every parent needs to know

As a mom, I know how fun and exciting Halloween can be for children. But as a pediatrician, I also know how important it is for parents to be involved in helping older children stay safe while trick-or-treating.

In the following video, I share what I think parents should know before letting their kids go out trick-or-treating:

…Continue reading →

Seven tips to keep your children safe on their walk to school

traffic safetyDid you know pedestrian injuries are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 5 to 14?

Children younger than 10 never should cross the street alone. Make sure your children follow these safety guidelines when walking to school: …Continue reading →