• • Safe Toys and Gifts Month

With stores and online holiday sales and discounts, it is important that children’s safety be at the top of the shopping list. In a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), injuries related to toys actually increased from the previous year. In fact, there were close to 186,000 injuries that required emergency room treatment for those ages 15 and younger in 2009, compared with approximately 173,000 in 2008. And, 90,600 of those injuries were to those less than 5 years of age. The majority of injuries were to the head and face area, including the eyes. Lacerations, abrasions and contusions made up most of these injuries.
Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Month. The group encourages everyone, whether they are buying gifts for their own family or friends or for charitable donations, to make conscientious decisions based on what is best for the child. For material an information please visit Prevent Blindness America website

..................................................................................

• DEC. 4 -10 • Washing hands week

Hands pick up germs, spreading them from surface to surface, food to food and person to person. Keeping hands clean prevents illness at home, at school, and at work. Hand hygiene practices are key prevention tools in healthcare settings, in daycare facilities, in schools and public institutions, and for the safety of our food.
Wash your hands in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Wash front and back, between your fingers and under your fingernails. Sing two choruses of “Happy Birthday” or the “Alphabet Song” (both take about 20 seconds) — and teach your children to do the same. For materials and more information please visit henry the hand website