December is Safety and Mental Wellness Month

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 120,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries each year. Sadly, many children die due to these injuries. Many times toy injuries may be caused indirectly due to improper handling and use of the toy. To prevent injuries, it is important to read toy labels for age appropriateness, for hazards, and warnings.

Quick Tips on Toy Safety:

1. Check for small detachable parts that can be swallowed accidently.

2. Be sure to check for “warnings/hazards” on toy labels:

· This ensures proper usage of toy and the recommended age of the child who should play with the toy

3. Key safety phrases to look for are:

· “flame-retardant/flame resistant” on fabric toys

· “non-toxic” on painted toys

· “UL (Underwriters Laboratories)” written on electric toys means that a toy has been tested for public safety

4. Do not buy used toys:

· They may contain lead which is hazardous to children

· They may have broken and loose parts which can be unsafe for children

5. Avoid toys with cords and strings. Children can become entangled and accidently strangled.

6. Monitor children with balloons:

· Balloons that are deflated can also cause choking and suffocation if swallowed

· The CPSC states that more children have suffocated on balloons and pieces of broken balloons than any other type of toy

7.. Toys with flying parts or propelling parts should be used with caution and not used as weapons:

· BB guns, airplanes, dart games, etc.

8. Place toys in a chest to prevent falling and tripping.

For more information about toy safety and toy recalls, visit: www.cpsc.gov

or call 1-800-638-2772

Quick Facts about Drinking & Driving:

· Impaired driving kills nearly 18,000 people each year

· 1.5 million people are arrested for drunk driving each year

· Many Americans will be affected by a drunk driving crime in their lifetime

For more information visit the following website: www.sjtsa.org

Quick Facts about Mental Wellness:

· At least 6 million men in the U. S. suffer from a depressive mood disorder every year

· 1 out of 5 women in the U. S. suffer from depression

· More than 2 million of the 34 million Americans age 65 and older suffer from some form of depression

For more information visit the following websites: www.nimh.nih.gov and www.fda.gov

Be Safe this Holiday Season, Check on a Loved One, Don't Drink & Drive, and if you're feeling down, go see you Doctor!