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The Parent Times>
Halloween Safety and Flu Shots
October 1, 2009
Hope everyone has had a successful and easy back to school transition.
Of course in this newsletter I will be going over Halloween Safety! Most of these safety tips are obvious but here goes:
HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Costume Safety
1. fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers
see you
2. Try to use face paint instead of a mask that may cover your
child's eyes
3. make sure the costume is short enough so your child won't trip
over it
4. swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be soft
and flexible material
5. purchase costumes that are light and bright colors so that
your child can more easily be seen
6. make sure the costume is made from flame resistant material.
Pedestrian Safety
1. Hold a flashlight or wear a glow stick necklace to be seen
2. Walk in groups
3. Always use a sidewalk when available
4. Make sure to use your road safety rules
General
1. Only go to homes that are well light and welcoming
2. Never enter someone's home unless you are accompanied by an
adult
3. Always check your child's candy prior to them eating ANY of it
If it looks remotely suspicious throw it in the garbage,
better safe than sorry
4. If you are expecting trick-or-treaters make sure to make the
walking area and stairs well lit and obstacle free
5. If your child's candy bag becomes to heavy, you should bring a
spare bag that you can transfer candy into
6. Try to provide healthier treats such as bags pretzels or trail
mix;
7. Remember about peanut allergies and to ask parents or kids if
they are allergic to nuts if you are handing out treats that
may contain traces
OCTOBER IS INFLUENZA PROTECTION MONTH
WHAT IS INFLUENZA
Influenza viruses causes respiratory infections every year during the winter months. They are most serious for young children and the elderly. Features include high fever, aches and pains, fatigue, headache, stuffy runny nose and sore throat.
HOW DOES INFLUENZA OCCUR?
Influenza virus occurs through contact with the contaminated respiratory secretions produced by sneezing and coughing. The virus then enters the body through the nose, eye or mouth.
Frequent and proper washing of the hands is a very important method to prevent infection.
IMMUNIZATION AGAINST INFLUENZA
Canada's National Advisroy Committee on Infection recommends annual immunization against the flu for children over six months of age. The recommended time for influenza immunization is the period from October to med-November. The immunization usually has adequate protection against the new season's virus and is active against the viral strains of the previous season.
Influenza vaccination cannot cause influenza because the vaccine does not contain live virus. Side effects are usually mild and limited to mild soreness at the palce where the needle went into the arm and maybe a slight fever or aching for the first day or two after immunization. The flu vaccine is safe for breatfeeding mothers and for pregnany women at all stages of pregnany but best to discuss the flu shot with your doctor prior to getting it.
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommend that if you have children that are less than 2 years old, everyone living in the home should get a flu shot. Also any children who are at high risk of complications from the flu such as chronic heart or lung disorders, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, etc should receive the flu shot.
PEOPLE WHO SHOULD NOT GET THE FLU SHOT!
The Canadian Paediatric Society advises children should NOT get a flu shot if they:
1. are under 6 months of age
2. have a sever egg allergy, the vaccine is made in chicken
eggs
3. have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu shot
If your child has an allergy to thimerosal, ask about the
availability of thimerosal-free vaccine.
For more information you can check out The Canadian Paediatric Society website.
Please note that all tips are offered as suggestions only. While we have tried to provide you with some suggestions to help parents keep their kids safe, unfortunately we cannot think of everything and it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children’s safety.
Check us out on Facebook (Childproofers BC), Twitter (http://twitter.com/childproofersbc) and Blogspot (Child Safety BC) for regular updates. Links to these sites will be posted.
Erin Johnston
Child Safety Professionals
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