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Healthy HomeCommon Safety Sense: The Old Fashioned Way
by Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T. (Diane's bio)
IMPORTANT!: Please read our legal notice regarding this health column by clicking here.
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Lynn was born in the wrong century! My friend could rival Caroline Ingalls any day.
I can visualize the scene: she calmly arranges four young children in the bed of the buckboard, as Daniel makes ready to drive the team to the clapboard church in town. Lynn begins tying each child to a post that has been conveniently built in the back of the wagon. Tying children to Posts? So much for trying to transport my safety-conscious friend into another century! Lynn believes in child safety seats and that's the bottom line.
Car crashes were responsible for the deaths of over 3,000 children in the U.S. and hundreds of thousands of injuries in 1997 alone. I am interested in that year because I brought our last child home from the hospital then. Lynn already had three under the age of four. In order to leave the hospital, we both had to snuggle our newborns in proper infant seats. But sadly, the protection mindset does not always continue. Only about half of all children are consistently restrained in a safety seat. It is suggested that as many as 80 percent of all safety seats are incorrectly installed. So what are some common safety guidelines? I thought you'd never ask!
How Will I Get the Correct Safety Seat?
Your child's age and size help determine the right type of safety seat. Try, then buy! Does it fit your child, your car, and your needs? Identify a label on the seat that indicates compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS) before buying.
Where Is the Best Location for the Seat?
The front passenger seat is statistically the most hazardous location in a car. Back seat “driving” for little guys reduces the risk of death by 27% as opposed to the front. Danger escalates when there is a side or front passenger air bag. So what are some tips on location?
- Know that the middle of the back seat is the safest; try installation there first.
- Place children under the age of 13 and under 5 feet tall in the rear of the car whenever possible.
- Set the front seat upright and as far back as possible if it is absolutely necessary for a child to sit in front.
How Do I Install Safety Seats Correctly?
Read instructions for both the safety seat and the vehicle. Then proceed to
- Push the safety seat down so that the vehicle seat cushion is compressed.
- Remove any slack from the vehicle's lap belt.
- Test to make sure the belt is “locked.” A secure, tight fit is a must.
How Do I Use Seats Properly?
Buckle up according to directions that accompany the child safety seat. You may need extra equipment to prevent wobbling, sliding, or pivoting of the seat.
Should I Insist on Rules?
Lynn and Daniel used old-fashioned common sense when they purchased their new van. They invested in a vehicle with built-in safety seats. In their estimation, the security was worth the extra money. As an onlooker, I would say built-in safety seats surpass wooden posts in buckboards any day! What do you say?
Need more information?
http://www.carseat.org SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.
For Your Soul Consideration:
I am so glad that God has a special place for those of us who desire to meet Him. He has prepared a mercy seat and with Him we find safety. (Exodus 25:22; Proverbs 18:10)
Copyright 2002, Diane H. Pitts. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
THE CONTENT OF THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN IS PRESENTED IN SUMMARY FORM, IS GENERAL IN NATURE, AND IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT IS NOT INTENDED IN ANY WAY TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR FACE-TO-FACE, IN-PERSON, PROFESSIONAL, MEDICAL, PSYCHIATRIC, OR PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH CARE ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION, HEALTH DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN THE "HEALTHY HOME" COLUMN. Please read our full legal notice.
| About Diane H. Pitts, R.N., P.T.: Diane Pitts has practiced in the fields of nursing and physical therapy for twenty-five years. She currently manages the education and escapades of three active boys in addition to pursuing an interest in writing. Healthy Home seeks to provide the reader with practical ways to maintain wholeness in body, mind, and soul. Contact her at healthyhomecol@earthlink.net. |
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