Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 16)

ay pl The new rules of Keeping your kids safe while keeping your head By ellen ranTa olson 16 SPRING 2 014 hover faCtor: Many kids get their first taste of freedom when they learn how to ride a bike. But before your youngsters pedal off into the sunset, make sure they know how to stay safe. "Bike safety always starts with wearing a helmet," says Barbara Huggett, director of research and development for the National Child Safety Council. Make sure the helmet fits correctly: It should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward, backward or side to side. The helmet straps should always be buckled, but not too tightly. Huggett recommends a helmet with reflective strips to increase visibility. "And if riding at dusk, dawn or after dark, use lights. Don't assume cars can see you," she says. It's also important to gauge your child's skill level in determining where he can ride. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, it can be hard for kids to judge the speed and distance of cars until about age 10, so limit riding to sidewalks, parks or bike paths. No matter where they ride, teach your children to stay alert and watch for cars and trucks. photography by getty/bozena Cannizzaro P arents worry. We can't help it. Our antennas are on high alert when it comes to common hazards like swimming pools and busy intersections. And we expend a lot of anxiety weighing the dangers of safe zones, too. But before you go into full helicopter parent mode and encase your child in Bubble Wrap, know that there are ways to help your little ones stay safe and have fun at the same time. Read on to learn more about the potential dangers of five playtime activities, how to make them as safe as possible and just how much parental guidance is required for each one. Bicycling

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
Staying Ahead of Concussions
The Recovery Zone
Occupational Hazards
The New Rules of Play
Shopping for Two
Back to Basics
Burn, Baby, Burn
Angelina Jolie
Rock Your Health
Breaking Up with Salt
Disgusting! (or Not?)
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Ready, Set, Run!
You Can Change the World
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - Gwinnett Medical Center