Posts filed under 'Child Safety'
Did your mom ever tell you not to eat apple seeds or an apple could grow in your stomach? Well, your mom may have been right. You shouldn’t eat apple seeds, but it’s not because of the apple tree. Apple seeds contain substances called cyanogenic glycosides (a cyanide containing compound) which could cause health problems if consumed in very high quantities. Apple seeds aren’t the only fruit seeds that contain cyanide, so do the seeds of peaches, apricots, cherries, and raspberries, to name a few. It’s quite likely you’ve swallowed a few apple seeds in your life, if they’re poisonous, why didn’t you experience any serious symptoms?
Cyanide ?
Cyanogenic glycosides, as the name suggests, contains cyanide attached to a sugar molecule. When this compound is acted on by an enzyme, the sugar molecule is cleaved off, leaving behind the well known poison, cyanide. The truth is if you were to eat apple seeds in large quantities, they could kill you, but in most cases, the seeds pass through the digestive system without releasing significant amounts of cyanide unless you chew on them to release the toxin.
Even if some poison is released from the seeds, your body has the capability of neutralizing small amounts of cyanide and you probably wouldn’t experience serious effects unless you were to eat apple seeds in very high amounts.
Unfortunately, a small child or a pet may not be so lucky. It might not take a large number of apple seeds to cause symptoms in a child or pet which means you should avoid giving your pets apples unless you remove the seeds. The same applies to children.
What kind of symptoms would develop if you were to eat apple seeds to the point of toxicity? You might experience neurological symptoms including seizures, headache, lightheadedness, and dizziness along with fluctuations in heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Vomiting and excessive salivation could occur. If you consumed enough seeds, you might develop severe breathing problems followed by respiratory failure and death. Because of the large quantity of seeds needed to poison a human, this isn’t commonly seen, although animals are not infrequently affected.
The bottom line? You probably shouldn’t panic if you swallow a few apple seeds. Just make sure your children and pets don’t eat apple seeds. (or other fruit seeds and pits).
Whatever you do – keep giving the kids those seedless apples! They’re a healthy source of fiber and antioxidants.
More great children’s health help at Child n’Parent.
Pregnant? We can help! Check our fun to read ebook “My Bloomin Belly.”
Dr. Kristi
March 4th, 2009
In today’s economy, every dollar counts. There are many “child proofing” experts out there that would be happy to charge you hundreds and even thousands of dollars to child proof your home. The big secret is that you can do it yourself for very little cost.
The first step in the child proofing process is to draw a basic layout of your home. Identify areas in your home that present a child safety concern. Include electrical outlets that are low to the ground, outside doors and stairs. Identify big hazards which would include a pool, sauna and any area where your child might be tempted to climb to an unsafe height. Identify environmental hazards by red marking any rooms where your child might find unsafe things to play with such as matches, guns, knives and sharp scissors. Each danger area is a red zone until you make it safe for your child.
Good Work! You have designed your layout, now go room by room and make a list of items that you will need to childproof each area. Some of the items may include:
- Protective Covers: One for each electrical outlet.
- Stair Guard: A protective barrier that can be purchased at a local store. It is designed to fit snugly against a wall and is tall enough to prevent babies and toddlers from climbing over. You will need two, one for the top and one for the bottom of the stairs.
- Plastic Tubs or Storage Bins: For putting away dangerous objects and keeping toys organized.
- Door Knob Covers: Covers that make it difficult for a child to open an outside door.
- Door Alarms: They sound off when a child has opened a door.
- Cupboard Locks: These will keep your child out of cupboards that contain dangerous substances such as household cleaners.
- Pantry Lock: To keep your child from getting into the food and climbing up the pantry.
- A Cabinet and/or Lock: For storing and protecting guns or locking up a pool gate.
- A self swing and self locking gate: For those areas that are difficult to constantly monitor such as a pool area or any dangerous area in your back yard.
With your list of the childproofing items you need, make some trips to your local department and hardware stores. Look for deals, but do not compromise on safety. If a lock or barrier seems too easy for you to open, chances are that your child will eventually figure out how to open it too.
Once you have made your plans and purchases, enlist the help of your husband, brother, uncle, or manly friend. Give them an opportunity to show off their muscles and “tool time” skills. While they are busy installing, you can cover electrical outlets and enlist other family members to help put away all of the dangerous stuff.
Put your sewing needles in a protective plastic container that your child cannot open. Store the scissors and matches in high places that your child cannot reach. Barricade your stairs and play safety police once a week where older siblings can scour the house while looking for potential safety hazards. Set it up with colors or numbers for the different levels of danger. A super danger zone could be labeled as red or a five, while a safe zone could be considered white, or a zero. While playing this game, give out ideas on how older siblings can help keep little brothers and sisters safe. Pick up the toys just before bed and have family stranger danger and fire escape plans in place.
Protecting your child both inside and outside of the home is a challenging parental goal. With a little masculine help and family team work, you will soon be able to declare your home a safe white zone. Happy childproofing!
See our recent post and protect your child from school germs!
By: Debby Hoffer
February 24th, 2009
Approximately 600,000 Americans suffer sports-related eye injuries every year¹, and approximately 43 percent occur in children younger than 15 years of age². If your child is signed up for tee-ball, baseball, softball, tennis or soccer this spring, a few simple steps can help protect them from becoming a statistic.
One big misconception is that “normal” eyewear is sufficient for your child to wear while playing sports. It’s not. Wearing the proper protective eyewear is important to fully protect their eyes, say the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA) and American Optometric Association (AOA).
According to these groups, conventional frames and lenses don’t meet the minimum requirements for impact resistance in most sports, so even a small collision can easily turn into a sight-threatening injury. Sports-protective eyewear, on the other hand, is tested to meet rigid safety standards, and some have been independently verified and received the AOA Seal of Acceptance.
It’s also important to take your child for an eye exam before letting him or her play. These exams can detect vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, all of which can diminish your child’s performance on the field or court.
Many parents may not realize that the sport of paintball is especially dangerous to their child’s eyes. The size of the paintball and the velocity with which it’s projected make it particularly threatening. Participants and bystanders alike can sustain injuries from this popular sport.
Every 13 minutes, an emergency room in the United States treats a sports-related eye injury3, nearly all of which could be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear. Whether your child is playing for fun or for competition this spring, do all you can to ensure they play – and see – well.
Brad Smith is an optometric physician in Portland and a member of the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association. See an OOPA informational on kids’ sports vision.
Check out Parenting Tips for children’s safety at Childn’ Parent.
¹ Tri-Service Vision Conservation and Readiness Program, Eyes (Ears) and Workers Compensation
² U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
3 US Consumer Product Safety Commission
April 8th, 2008
When I strap my child into a car seat, I want the confidence that she is safe and secure. Last year, car seat safety testing by Consumer Reports magazine had many parents questioning the safety of their children in the car seats. The magazine later revised its recommendations, stating that all of the car seats met federal testing standards and that their method of testing was different.
Now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has revamped its consumer ratings system for child safety seats. The new rating is a five star system based on the seat’s ability to secure a child, the ease of use and installation, and clear labeling and instruction manuals.
To ensure safety, it is important to never use second hand safety seats, since having been in a previous accident could affect the seat’s stability in a crash. Check your car seat’s expiration date if you’ve used it for more than one of your children. The buckle case on one of my car seats cracked. When we checked the date, it was expired. Also check your car seat against recent recalls.
The Evenflo Company has issued a voluntary recall of 1 million child safety seats. Tests showed the seats could become separated from their base in a high impact side collision. The recall concerns Discovery infant car seats models 390, 391, 534, and 552 made between April 2005 January 2008.
To correct the problem, Evenflo is offering a free supplemental dual hook fastener to ensure the seat remains attached. It is not necessary for users to return the car seat, only to use the new fastener. To order the fastener call, 1-800-356-2229 or visit the Evenflo website.
For more Parenting Tips and a more complete guide to keeping your kids safe in the car see our website at childnparent.com
By: Megan C. Wallgren
March 9th, 2008
It is odorless, colorless, tasteless. This silent killer, without a sound, can kill your sleeping child. It is called the “unseen enemy.” This chemical gas, carbon monoxide, is produced when fuel such as kerosene, charcoal, oil, wood, or natural gas is burned. Today, many families have gas appliances in their homes as well as recreational vehicles that burn fuel. Many families also have diesel or gas powered generators used in electrical emergencies. These too, if not monitored carefully, can be dangerous and produce a toxic level of carbon monoxide. With more and more parents becoming aware of this potential danger, extra measures of safety are being taken to make sure that children are protected from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Why is Carbon Monoxide Dangerous?
Oxygen is carried by red blood cells to various parts of the body. At a high level, carbon monoxide interferes in this process, bonding to the red blood cells and blocking oxygen from reaching the delicate tissues of the body. Red blood cells actually pick up carbon monoxide faster than oxygen. Being exposed to higher levels of carbon monoxide inhibits the body’s ability to get the oxygen it needs. Internal tissue damage can occur and, at toxic levels, even death. All of this can happen in a very short time. Sleeping children and adults seem to absorb carbon monoxide faster, and when you are asleep, symptoms are not readily apparent. Parents need to be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to keep their child safe from its deadly effects.
Recreational activities can be killer culprits in carbon monoxide poisoning. Grilling and boating can be especially dangerous if preventative safety measures are not in force. When firing up the grill be sure to do it outside in a well ventilated area. Grilling in cabins and/or tents is a fire hazard and could also cause a build up of carbon monoxide. Matches need to be controlled as well so that little children don’t wind up playing with them.
The danger of carbon monoxide poising while boating comes largely from the boat’s gasoline powered engine. Houseboats with onboard electric powered generators also pose a threat. Generators that vent toward the rear of the boat present a significant danger to those swimming on the swim deck, or near the rear swim platform. Carbon monoxide tends to accumulate just above the water and near the rear platform. It can fill the air space beneath the stern deck and reach toxic levels in minutes. Carbon monoxide can also build up around any exhaust vents inside or outside the boat.
Read this family safety article with help on symptoms, treatment, and monitors at Childn’Parent.
By: Debby Hoffer
November 6th, 2007
