Rocky Mountain Kids Rose Edition

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS SUMMER 2011

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A HEALTH PUBLICATION FOR PARENTS 5RFN\0RXQWDLQ+RVSLWDO)RU&KLOGUHQ FRP

Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center North Suburban Medical Center Rose Medical Center Sky Ridge Medical Center The Medical Center of Aurora Swedish Medical Center

REGINALD WASHINGTON, MD, FAAP, FACC, FAHA CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN

A Note from

Dr. Washington

Dear Parents: “Children requiring emergency care have unique and special needs. This is especially so for those with serious and life-threatening emergencies.” These introductory sentences to the American Academy of Pediatrics Care of Children in the Emergency Department: Guidelines for Preparedness are the foundation for Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s development of superior pediatric emergency care for the communities we serve. During the past year, more than 50,000 children were seen in HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s emergency departments throughout the metro area. Because we see so many children in our emergency departments, this issue of Rocky Mountain Kids focuses on injury prevention—to help keep children safe. And, it features information about our innovations in emergency service, particularly our initiatives to minimize a child’s pain and to reduce wait times through coordinated care. Any parent who has made the trip to an emergency department with a sick or injured child knows the anxiety of wanting their son or daughter to feel better faster. But they also want to be sure that their child will receive quality care. That’s why the pediatric emergency rooms at HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children locations are staffed with fully trained, board certified pediatricians and pediatric emergency physicians. Specially trained nurses, pediatric pharmacists, pediatric equipment and all other components required for pediatric emergency services are in place to provide quality support for a child’s care. We hope you and your family have a safe summer full of healthy fun. But if you do need emergency care for your child, we have the “right stuff” for your summertime accidents and illnesses.

3HGLDWULF (5V 'HVLJQHG WR &$5( )25 .,'6 As a parent, there’s nothing worse than seeing your child sick or in pain. And when your son or daughter has a serious medical emergency, you want nothing less than the best care available. That’s why bringing your child to a hospital with an emergency room (ER) designed especially for kids is a good decision. There, doctors and nurses will provide your child with top-quality care and offer you peace of mind. SPECIALLY TRAINED STAFF Pediatric ERs are specially designed and staffed to handle the medical emergencies of babies, children and teens. Doctors receive extra training in pediatric emergencies and must pass a test that certifies them as pediatric emergency physicians. They are trained to deal with emergencies that may require unique techniques or procedures, or use special equipment. Also, they have expertise in easing the pain and anxiety that children’s emergencies can cause families. Board certified pediatric emergency specialists, nurses and social workers are skilled at:

• Explaining what is happening to your child during treatment • Understanding that children might react differently than adults • Providing instructions on how to care for your child when you get home • Assessing the unique treatment needs of children and teenagers KID-SIZED AND KID-FRIENDLY Crowded adult ERs can lead to long waits and a scary setting for young patients. But pediatric ERs are specially outfitted with kid-sized equipment, beds and supplies, including: • Lifesaving defibrillators customized for children • Child-sized blood pressure cuffs • Systems that quickly identify equipment and medicines appropriate for a child’s age and weight The waiting areas, hallways and examining rooms are also decorated and designed to be kid-friendly and put your little one at ease. COME PREPARED Develop an emergency plan with your child’s doctor and get familiar with the pediatric ERs in your community.

50+& (PHUJHQF\ /RFDWLRQV Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center 19th Avenue and High Street Denver, CO 80218 ER: 720-754-4115 q Open 24/7 Sky Ridge Medical Center I-25 and Lincoln Lone Tree, CO 80124 ER: 720-225-1900 q Open 24/7

The Medical Center of Aurora Potomac and Mississippi Aurora, CO 80012 ER: 303-695-2780 Rose Medical Center 9th and Clermont Denver, CO 80220 ER: 303-320-2455 North Suburban Medical Center Grant and Thornton Parkway Thornton, CO 80229 ER: 303-450-4519

Swedish Medical Center Hampden and Logan (three blocks east of Broadway) Englewood, CO 80113 ER: 303-788-6911 Swedish SW ER Wadsworth and Bowles Littleton, CO 80123 303-932-6911

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Through the kitchen window, you hear a scream, a thud, then crying. Your child has just fallen out of the elm tree while playing with friends. After comforting and taking a quick look, you believe an arm was broken. Here comes your child’s first trip to the emergency room.

Help!!

• Understand their worry about being separated from you and reassure them. • Be honest about what’s happening— if an upcoming test will be painful, let them know.

You may want to consider filling out a Consent for Treatment of a Minor form. This form helps your child-care provider find you quickly in case of an emergency. It also gives permission for emergency hospital care when you’re away from home.

BEFORE AN EMERGENCY Before an arm breaks or a fever spikes, there are a few actions parents can take to make a visit to the emergency room less stressful. • Organize your family’s medical histories. Keep track of any medications taken, allergies, previous visits to the hospital, operations and pre-existing conditions. • Post emergency numbers near a telephone. • Have health insurance information on hand.

MOM!!

Emergencies Don't Wait— Neither Should You

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE ER Generally, if you go to the hospital by ambulance, your child will be assigned to a bed in the emergency department. If not, your child will be assessed in a waiting room. A nurse will evaluate your child’s symptoms and vital signs—a practice called triage. The nurse will also ask for your child’s medical history, name and address. Triage may take some time, unless your child’s condition is severe. Emergency rooms are often busy. But the more information you bring with you, the quicker it can go. You may want to bring toys or books along to keep your child occupied. After triage, a doctor will examine your child in an examining room. At this time, tests might be ordered. The doctor will decide whether your child needs to stay at the hospital or go home with treatment, such as a cast or medications.

Find the closest HealthONE pediatric ER and average wait times with the HealthONE Fast LocatER tools. You can access ER wait times in four convenient ways: 1. Check out our website: www.healthonecares.com/er. 2. Download the app for iPhone and iPad. 3. Text “ER” to 720-523-3888. 4. Call 720-523-3888 for automated wait time updates. Visit www.healthonecares.com/er to view ER wait times right now. Or, scan this icon with your smartphone to access the website instantly! Download the free mobile scanning app with easy-to-follow instructions at http://gettag.mobi.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD Going to the hospital can be frightening for young children. Here are some tips on how to help them: • Remain calm. If they see Mom and Dad staying calm, children in turn feel calmer. 5RFN\0RXQWDLQ+RVSLWDO)RU&KLOGUHQ FRP

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When a Child Needs an IV, It’s Pain-Free with the J-Tip Taking your child to the emergency room is stressful enough. Now we have a way to take some of the pain out of the experience. Placing IVs or drawing blood hurts even when we use the smallest of needles. Thanks to a new technology called the J-Tip, patients at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center are able to get treatment without feeling the stick of a needle. The J-Tip allows us to numb the skin without a needle before placing an IV or drawing blood. We’ll still use the tiniest needle to insert the IV or collect the blood, but now without pain. We’re proud to be the first and only pediatric hospital in Colorado to offer this revolutionary treatment to families in our community.

Babies and young children explore the world by putting objects into their mouth. Gulp.

Pennies, Batteries, Toys, Oh My! When Your Child SWALLOWS Something The small items children most commonly swallow include coins, batteries, pins, crayons, buttons, small toys, paper clips and marbles. When an object gets inhaled and caught in your child’s windpipe, it can be lifethreatening. If swallowing makes your child suddenly start to wheeze, choke or have trouble breathing, treat it as a medical emergency. Perform the Heimlich maneuver, and immediately call your community’s emergency number. Rocky Mountain Pediatric Gastroenterology, whose five physicians cover a majority of the Denver metro area emergency departments, remove approximately two esophageal or gastric foreign objects each week. “No swallowed foreign object is safe,” explains Ted Stathos, MD, of RMPGI. “However, there are certain objects that are more concerning than others and may require immediate attention. Button batteries, sharp objects and multiple magnets are items that, if swallowed, should be treated as a life-threatening medical emergency.

These objects are more likely to cause a perforation or tear, which is a very serious matter.” Babies and young kids aren’t the only ones at risk. Small magnetic balls called Buckyballs, popular among school-age children, can stick to intestines and cause serious injury or death if swallowed. Many schools have banned them. RMPGI has removed some quite unusual objects over the years, including a plastic dinosaur, Lego man, toothbrush, golf tee, nuts and bolts and even a sewing needle. Here’s how you can help prevent your child from swallowing or inhaling foreign objects: • Watch your kids carefully when they eat and play. • Baby-proof your house by bringing yourself down to your child’s level. Get on your hands and knees and search for dangerous items your child might find. • Keep small household items and toys with small removable parts out of toddlers’ reach. • Never give children younger than age 4 small foods like whole grapes, nuts, seeds or large chunks of meat or cheese.

Things That Go Buzz in the Summer: All About Insect Stings Itching, redness, swelling—they’re all normal reactions to a run-in with a bee, hornet or wasp. But for some people, insect stings could be severe or even life-threatening. Signs of anaphylaxis—a potentially deadly reaction—include feeling confused or anxious; trouble breathing; coughing or wheezing; nausea and vomiting; and a rash, itching or hives. If your child experiences anaphylaxis, call 911 right away. Scrape any visible stingers off the skin within 30 seconds using 6XPPHU 52&.< 02817$,1 .,'6

something firm, such as a fingernail or credit card. Your child might only have a mild reaction the first time he or she is stung. But the second sting could cause an allergic reaction. After a severe reaction, have your child see an allergist. Teach kids to walk calmly and slowly away if they spot flying insects. Keep food covered and check inside straws or canned drinks before sipping. Avoid perfumes and floral-patterned clothing, which can mimic pollen sources and attract bugs.

Rose Medical Center

KNOW AS YOU GROW:

Pregnancy Tips for Moms-to-Be When a woman first finds out she’s pregnant, a long list of questions and uncertainties will probably pop into her head. There are so many details to think about during this exciting, yet scary time, and with new research and recommendations coming out nearly every day, it can feel overwhelming for a new mom, not to mention her partner, grandparents, siblings and others close to her. Fortunately, women have a new variety of great resources available, through their hospitals, their physician or midwife’s office and online. Rose Medical Center now offers a FREE weekly e-newsletter called the Rose Babies Club, which is customized to the mother’s week of pregnancy and continues through the first year of the baby’s life. Each week, the e-mail includes pregnancy/parenting facts, milestone issues and previews of what life with a new baby will

be like. This information is all based on research by physicians, scientists and parent education experts. For example, did you know that: t :PV DBO NBLF ZPVS GFUVT NPWF CZ UPVDIJOH PS SVCCJOH UIF outside of your stomach? t #BCJFT XIP BSF CSFBTUGFE IBWF B TMJHIUMZ IJHIFS *2 BU years old than those fed formula? t :PV OFFE BO BWFSBHF PG FYUSB DBMPSJFT B EBZ EVSJOH pregnancy in order to gain sufficient weight? t :PVS GFFU NBZ HSPX VQ UP UXP TJ[FT MBSHFS EVSJOH QSFHOBODZ and stay one size larger after you give birth? t 8PNFO XIP FYFSDJTF SFHVMBSMZ EVSJOH QSFHOBODZ IBWF MFTT pain and shorter labors than women who don’t? For tips, fun facts and helpful information during your pregnancy, the Rose Babies e-newsletter is a great place to start.

Sign up to receive the FREE Rose Babies e-mail newsletter at www.theparentreview.com/rose. You’ll get helpful information customized by your week of pregnancy and interesting articles about developmental milestones through the first year of your baby’s life. To learn more about maternity services at Rose Medical Center, visit www.rosebabies.com. RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com

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Eating Right with Color It’s not always easy getting kids to eat healthy. Vegetables get a bad rap as tasting “yucky,� and many times the list of foods kids don’t like is a lot longer than the list of foods they do. RAISE HEALTHY EATERS *U T VQ UP QBSFOUT UP DSFBUF B HPPE OVUSJUJPOBM GPVOEBUJPO UIBU XJMM TUBZ XJUI UIFJS DIJMESFO UISPVHIPVU UIFJS MJWFT *OWPMWJOH your children in nutrition by having them take part in shopping and meal planning, along with educating them about what is good and bad for them, is a very important step in raising a healthy eater. Explore a variety of foods from around the world, eat meals together as a family and make nutrition fun.

COLORFUL FOODS PACK NUTRITIONAL PUNCH The American Dietetic Association’s campaign “Eat Right with Color� encourages parents to take time to make sure their children are getting all of the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. 6

Summer 2011

ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS

“By learning to eat brightly colored foods, including fruits and vegetables, children create long-term lifestyle habits,â€? says Bethany Braunstein, clinical nutrition manager at Rose .FEJDBM $FOUFS i*O UVSO UIJT DPVME QSFWFOU NBKPS EJTFBTFT including cancer, diabetes and heart disease in the future.â€? "EEJOH DPMPS UP ZPVS QMBUF EPFTO U KVTU NBLF JU BQQFBMJOH to the eyes, but it also contributes to your overall wellness BOE MPOHFWJUZ *U T JNQPSUBOU GPS LJET UP MFBSO IPX UP FBU SJHIU and eating fruits and vegetables with an array of colors is important for everyone. Making a colorful plate at mealtimes can be entertaining, fun and healthy!

A RAINBOW OF HEALTHY CHOICES Here’s a summary of what the color of a food means, and recommendations for fruits and veggies that fit that category: Rose Medical Center

PREVENT HOUSEHOLD POISONINGS

Clip and save these recipes for a healthy meal idea any night of the week! Make it a family affair by asking the kids to help you gather and prepare the ingredients.

GREEN produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks. Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi and lime Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers and leafy greens such as spinach ORANGE and DEEP YELLOW fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity and reduce the risk for some cancers. Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach and pineapple Vegetables: carrots, yellow peppers, yellow corn and sweet potatoes PURPLE and BLUE options may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks. Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums and raisins Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage and purple-fleshed potato RED indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks. Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grapefruit, red grapes and watermelon Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes WHITE, TAN and BROWN foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks. Fruits: white nectarines and white peaches Vegetables: cauliflower, garlic, onions, ginger, turnips and white corn

Make Tonight’s Dinner a Healthy One

Accidental poisonings—typically from household cleaners, QFTUJDJEFT QFSTPOBM DBSF QSPEVDUT BOE NFEJDJOFT‰TFOE children to the emergency room every day. Two poisonings will prove fatal. Proper storage is the key to keeping children from ingesting toxic substances. Many chemicals carry warning labels, but even seemingly harmless items such as vitamins can poison a curious child. Baked Chicken Rainbow Fruit Salad Keep anything that shouldn’t be swallowed out of  Fingers with Honey youngsters’ reach. Store cleaning solutions and medications in Ingredients locked or childproof cabinets. When giving children medicine, Mustard Sauce Fruit salad: read and follow directions exactly to avoid an accidental øMBSHF NBOHP QFFMFE BOE EJDFE overdose. Post the national poison control center phone Ingredients DVQTøGSFTI CMVFCFSSJFT OVNCFS‰ ‰OFBS ZPVS QIPOFT ž lb. chicken tenders øCBOBOBT TMJDFE FHH XIJUFT MJHIUMZ CFBUFO DVQTøGSFTI TUSBXCFSSJFT IBMWFE UCTQ IPOFZ DVQTøTFFEMFTT HSBQFT DVQT DPSOnBLFT mOFMZ DSVTIFE øOFDUBSJOFT VOQFFMFE BOE TMJDFE Freshly ground pepper to taste øLJXJ GSVJU QFFMFE BOE TMJDFE Cooking spray  UCTQ SFEVDFE GBU NBZPOOBJTF Honey-orange sauce: UCTQ %JKPO NVTUBSE šâ „Âł DVQøVOTXFFUFOFE PSBOHF KVJDF šâ „8 tsp. salt UCTQ øMFNPO KVJDF UCTQ øIPOFZ Directions UTQ øHSPVOE HJOHFS 1. 1SFIFBU PWFO UP ÂĄ' Dash nutmeg 2. Combine egg whites and  UCTQ IPOFZ JO B TIBMMPX CPXM Directions $PNCJOF DPSOnBLFT BOE QFQQFS 1. Prepare and combine the fruit. on a plate. 2. Combine all the ingredients for 3. Dip each tender in egg white the sauce and mix. NJYUVSF UIFO SPMM JO DPSOnBLF 3. Just before serving, pour the mixture to coat. sauce over the fruit. 4. Arrange tenders on a baking  sheet coated with cooking spray, Nutritional Information UIFO CBLF UP NJOVUFT PS Yield:ø TFSWJOHT until tenders are cooked through. Serving size:ø P[ 5. Meanwhile, prepare honeyEach serving provides: mustard sauce by combining DBMPSJFT H UPUBM GBU AVOID DROWNINGS NBZPOOBJTF NVTUBSE BOE UCTQ MFTT UIBO H TBUVSBUFE GBU $IJMESFO BHFT UP BSF NPTU WVMOFSBCMF UP ESPXOJOHT 5ISFF ZPVOHTUFST EJF FWFSZ honey until smooth. NH DIPMFTUFSPM ø øNH TPEJVN day in6. water-related accidents. Any water source can be a hazard—bathtubs, Sprinkle tenders with salt and swimming natural sauce bodiesonofthe water. servepools, with dipping Careful supervision is the best prevention, but barricades are also important. Pools side. should be surrounded by a four-sided fence with self-closing, self-latching gates. When Nutritional kids are boating, swimming, or rafting at the beach, insist they wear life Information KBDLFUT‰FWFO JG UIFZ LOPX IPX UP TXJN Yield: TFSWJOHT *U T BMTP XJTF UP UBLF B DBSEJPQVMNPOBSZ SFTVTDJUBUJPO $13 DMBTT TP UIBU ZPV MM Each serving provides: know how to respond in a worst-case scenario. DBMPSJFT H UPUBM GBU H TBUVSBUFE GBU NH TPEJVN H UPUBM DBSCPIZESBUF H EJFUBSZ mCFS H QSPUFJO

RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com

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The Best Care for the Tiniest Patients Sometimes, newborns require special NFEJDBM DBSF SJHIU BGUFS CJSUI *G ZPVS baby arrives too early or is born with certain health problems—such as a low birth weight or pneumonia—he or she may need special care in a neonatal JOUFOTJWF DBSF VOJU PS /*$6 5IF OFXFTU /*$6 JO UIF %FOWFS NFUSP area is open for patients at Rose Medical $FOUFS *UT NJTTJPO JT UP QSPWJEF UIF highest quality of health care in collaboration with the family, while supporting the optimal development of the infant. This new unit allows Rose to EP KVTU UIBU

GIVING BABIES ROOM TO GROW First, Rose made sure that the environment offered developmental TVQQPSU GPS 3PTF CBCJFT 5IFSF BSF single family rooms, designed with the baby in mind. Low sound and lighting are key for newborns. The room’s lighting offers several different settings, BOE DFJMJOHT BOE nPPST BSF TQFDJBMMZ designed to soak up noise. Each bed space is equipped with a state-of-the-

art Giraffe radiation warmer/isolette for optimal temperature regulation.

KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER /FYU UIF /*$6 XBT EFTJHOFE UP CF B welcoming place that encourages families to participate in their baby’s care and be a part of making medical decisions. With single rooms, families can have the privacy and room that they need. “We know that for newborns, it is important they spend time with their parents and families to aid in their growth and development,â€? says Neonatologist Janis Johnson, MD. “We want the new 3PTF /*$6 UP CF B QMBDF XIFSF QBSFOUT feel welcomed and comfortable. The new unit provides that, along with giving families the reassurance and knowledge that their baby is in the best of hands, with the best doctors and the newest equipment available.â€?Â

MAKING SAFETY A PRIORITY Finally, patient safety is of utmost importance. There are an abundance of sinks for hand washing to prevent

HFSNT BOE UXP OFHBUJWF BJS nPX SPPNT for isolation. Each room has a hi-tech computer terminal for easy scanning of medications and breast milk, so that nurses and staff can keep track. Constant monitoring of the babies is also important, and the unit is equipped with the latest monitoring system from GE. Nurses can monitor any baby from any room, and can retrieve information retrospectively in the case of critical events. Additionally, Rose has all new, stateof-the-art equipment, including the GE Shuttle System. Rose is the first hospital in Colorado and only the second in the nation to have this transportation device, which allows efficient and safe transport PG /*$6 CBCJFT Neonatology is constantly evolving with advancements in medical technology and new knowledge about the best way to care for premature newborns. Rose strives to have the best physicians and outstanding nurses and staff, and now, it features some of the newest technology available as well.Â

The Rose NICU team has 55 combined years of experience in treating premature and ill newborns. Plus, our nursing staff has an average of 16 years of experience in neonatal intensive care alone.

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Summer 2011

ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS

Rose Medical Center

“Children have a remarkable power to heal hand injuries and return to a lifetime of full function. Timely treatment can make the difference.”—Laurel Benson, MD, orthopedic surgeon

“Watch Your Fingers” Is Still Good Advice Little fingers are constantly exploring—and getting in the way. And when it comes to pinched fingers, accidents can be serious. According to a study published in Pediatrics, about half of all childhood amputations treated in U.S. emergency rooms occur to fingers that have been slammed or pinched in doors. Children ages 2 and younger are at greatest risk. Older kids are vulnerable to door injuries, too. But they’re more likely to lose a finger from a lawn mower. Prevent injuries with these tips: • Hang a towel over the top of doors and close to the hinges so they can’t close completely. • Buy doorstops or door guards to prevent doors from slamming. • Be watchful when children play together. In one study, about half of door-related finger injuries occurred when another child shut the door.

• Make sure all riding mowers have a no-mow-in-reverse (NMIR) feature to prevent injuries. • Don’t let kids use a push mower until age 12 or a riding mower until age 16. “Children have a remarkable power to heal hand injuries and return to a lifetime of full function. Timely treatment can make the difference, though, in the length of recovery and the cosmetic result,” says Laurel Benson, MD, orthopedic surgeon. “We prefer seeing our little patients within a week of the injury, as most hand injuries have more favorable outcomes if the treatment is completed within 10 days. The patient and the family can then be assured that they are on the road to get up and go!”

PULL OUT AND SAVE! KEEP THIS CHECKLIST HANDY AND HELP KEEP YOUR KIDS SAFE.

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10 Ways to Keep Windows Safe Approximately 4,700 children ages 14 and younger require treatment each year for window fall-related injuries. (National Safe Kids Campaign) While some falls occur from windows, it is important to realize that in the event of a fire, a window can also save a child’s life by providing a secondary means of escape or rescue.

About 18 children ages 10 and younger die each year from falls from windows

WINDOW SAFETY CHECKLIST 1. Make sure windows are not painted or sealed shut.

2. Keep windows closed and locked when children are around. 3. Don’t allow kids to play near windows, balconies or decks. 4. Install and maintain window and door safety devices. 5. Do not consider a window screen to be a safety device; screens keep bugs out, but don’t keep children in. 6. Make sure the window safety devices have emergency release mechanisms in case an emergency escape or rescue is needed.

7. Don’t install window air conditioner units in bedroom or other windows that may be needed for escape or rescue in an emergency. 8. Keep furniture and other climbing hazards away from windows, balconies and decks. 9. Make sure landscaping underneath windows will help lessen the impact of a fall if one does occur. 10. Do not underestimate children’s mobility and/or ability to learn how to release safety devices.

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Visit www.youthsportsmed.com to learn more about children’s sports injuries and tips for parents on preventing injury.

Prevent Common Sports Injuries Doctors treat about 8,000 kids for sports injuries every day. But many of these mishaps can be prevented. This chart shows the most commonly hurt parts of the body for 10 activities and ways to make playing safer.

BASEBALL BASKETBALL BICYCLING FIELD HOCKEY FOOTBALL IN-LINE SKATING SKATEBOARDING

SOCCER

TENNIS VOLLEYBALL

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Commonly Hurt

Required or Recommended Gear

Shoulder, ankle, head/face

Batting helmet with face guard, safety-release bases

Little League mandates pitch count limits that vary by age (see www.littleleague.org).

Ankle, foot, knee

Sport-specific footwear, mouth guard

After jumping, land with knees bent, not straight.

Arm, wrist

Helmet*

Avoid riding at night or on uneven or slippery surfaces; consider taking a riding skills course.

Ankle, face, head

Mouth guard, shin guards

Sticks should be kept below shoulder level at all times.

Ankle, knee, head (concussion)

Helmet, mouth guard, shoulder pads

Strength training and stretching can help prepare for this contact sport; don’t lead with the helmet when tackling.

Arm, wrist

Helmet**, wrist guard, knee and elbow pads

Skate on smooth surfaces, away from traffic.

Ankle, head/ face, wrist

Helmet**, wrist guard, knee and elbow pads

Using a skate park or other controlled environment may increase safety; children younger than 5 should not skateboard.

Ankle, knee

Shin guards, sport-specific footwear, mouth guard

Collisions with other players, not heading the ball, cause most concussions, but some leagues prohibit heading by players younger than age 10.

Elbow, shoulder, wrist

Sport-specific footwear, racquet with proper grip size

Strengthening the muscles used to extend and bend back the wrist can help prevent common injuries.

Ankle, fingers, shoulder

Ankle brace or taping

Use resistance training to strengthen lower back, legs and shoulders; avoid jumping on hard surfaces in practice.

Safety Tip

* Some form of bicycle helmet legislation is enforced by 21 states, the District of Columbia and more than 140 local governments. ** Children are required to wear helmets while using in-line skates, scooters or skateboards in eight states and the District of Columbia.

What Parents Should Know About Clavicle Fractures The clavicle is one of the most frequently fractured bones during childhood, according to John Polousky, MD, medical director of Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s Youth Sports Medicine Institute. Clavicle fractures most often happen when a child falls on to an outstretched arm. This injury is most frequent in athletes who participate in football, hockey and soccer, or in sports with a high risk of falling, such as biking or horseback riding. Initial treatment is focused on making the child more comfortable by immobilizing the injury and giving pain medication. 6XPPHU 52&.< 02817$,1 .,'6

Wearing a sling with the arm in a cradled position is often the most comfortable position for most people with this type of injury. Clavicle fractures in children and adolescents rarely require surgery. However, surgery may be needed if the fracture breaks the skin or if there is nerve or blood vessel damage. Young children tend to heal fractures very quickly and are often able to return to sports more quickly than adolescents and adults with the same type of injury. After allowing enough time for the bone to heal, most children don’t experience pain or limited movement, and they can gradually return to full activity.

TIPS FOR A GOOD HELMET FIT A helmet can reduce a biker’s risk for head injury by up to 85 percent. Buy a helmet with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker inside. Make sure the helmet fits and your child knows how to put it on correctly: • The helmet should be level on the head, so the front of the helmet rests just above the eyebrows. • Straps should fasten under the chin so the “Y” of the side straps comes just below the ears. Straps should be tight enough so that the helmet cannot rock back-to-front or side-to-side. • The chin strap should fit comfortably and securely under the chin. If the strap is uncomfortable and cuts into the chin, it’s too tight and should be loosened slightly. • Replace the helmet after an accident where the rider’s head hits something.

75%

HELMETS COULD PREVENT AN ESTIMATED 75 PERCENT OF FATAL HEAD INJURIES AND UP TO 45,000 HEAD INJURIES TO CHILDREN WHO RIDE BIKES EACH YEAR. —Safe Kids USA

Biking Do’s & Don’ts Bicycling is a great way for children to stay active this summer. To keep their cycling safe, review these important do’s and don’ts:

Do

• Make sure children wear helmets designed for bicycle use every time they ride, even if the law doesn’t require helmets where you live. If you ride, wear a helmet, too—to protect yourself and set an example. • Dress cyclists in bright, fluorescent-colored or reflective clothing so drivers can easily see them. • Teach your child to avoid bicycling at night. • Explain the proper hand signals and make sure children use them. • Make sure cyclists check the bike’s brakes and tires before riding.

Don’t

• Let any rider wear a helmet that fits poorly. • Buy a bike for your child to “grow into.” There should be about an inch between the child and the bike frame when the child’s feet are flat on the ground. • Ride against traffic or let kids do so. Teach children to ride with the traffic flow, as far to the right as possible. • Ride into a street or through an intersection without stopping and checking for traffic—even if there’s no stop sign or stoplight. • Let children ride without supervision until they’ve shown they can always follow the rules.

RIGHT

STOP

LEFT

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN KIDS

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Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children

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),567 $,' &+(&./,67 A well-stocked first-aid kit is your first line of defense in treating injuries and scrapes. Keep one in your home and each car, and stash one away in your suitcase. Prepackaged kits can be purchased at drugstores or you can assemble one of your own in a durable, waterproof case (plastic tackle, sewing or art supply boxes work well).

Keep your first-aid items in one convenient place with this FREE zippered pouch from Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. To get yours, visit www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com. Offer available to the first 250 applicants in the four-state region only (Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas).

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