Holiday Gift Giving Done Right!
A big part of the excitement of holiday season is buying gifts and toys that will make your child and little loved ones happy. It is important to keep in mind safety factors when purchasing them. In 2017, there were an estimated 251,700 toy-related injuries treated in emergency departments in the U.S. and 13 fatalities among children younger than 15 years old. To reduce risks of any injuries and help you on your holiday shopping, we gathered safety tips on toy selection and safety:

  • Toys should be age-appropriate. Even if a child has advanced skills and abilities compared with other kids the same age, they shouldn't get toys meant for older kids.
  • When buying gifts for babies and toddlers, make sure all toys and parts are larger than the child’s mouth to prevent choking. According to government regulations, toys for children under age 3 cannot have parts smaller than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.
  • Remove all tags, ribbons and strings from toys before you give them to a young child. Pull toys with strings longer than 12 inches pose a strangulation hazard for babies.
  • Play close attention to toys with button batteries and magnets. If a child swallows them, it can cause serious gastrointestinal problems and even death. If your child swallows one, call your health care provider immediately.
  • Stuffed toys should be washable and have age-appropriate features such as secured eyes and noses and seams that are reinforced.
  • All art material should say nontoxic and be lead-free. Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means they were approved in safety tests.
  • With riding toys, be sure to include helmets.
  • Check old toys to see if they are broken or have exposed removable parts.
  • Keep older siblings' toys out of the reach of infants.
  • Avoid toys that make loud sounds to prevent damage to your child’s hearing
  • Toys that shoot objects into the air should be avoided since they can cause serious eye injuries or choking.
  • Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant.
  • Deflated balloons can cause a child to choke or suffocate if ingested. Don’t allow children under age 8 to play with them.

(Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
It's Flu Season!
If you and your family haven’t been vaccinated yet, now is the best time to do it and assure you all are protected. During the past flu season, one of the most severe seasons on record, 179 children died of influenza-associated deaths as of August 18, 2018 and about 80% of them had not received flu vaccination. Thousands more were hospitalized and had complications such as pneumonia and bacterial infections. Even though everyone should keep in mind hygiene measures to prevent the spread of germs, the flu vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself and loved ones against the flu. 
  • Who should be vaccinated?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children 6 months and older get the flu vaccine.
  • How many doses are necessary?
Depending on the child`s age and vaccination history, the number of influenza shots may vary. Children between 6 months and 8 years of age should receive 2 doses of influenza vaccine if they are being vaccinated for the first time against influenza. Children 9 years of age and older only require one dose of vaccine, regardless of past vaccination.
  •  Is there a vaccine formulation that is better?
This season, there are two flu vaccine injection formulations available, one with three (trivalent) and other with four (quadrivalent) virus strains. Neither vaccine formulation is preferred over the other. 
  • What about the nasal spray vaccine?
For the 2018-2019 season, the CDC approved the nasal spray flu vaccine, also known as live attenuated influenza vaccine, as an option for protection against influenza. Nevertheless, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the flu shot as first choice of protection for all children 6 months and older. They considered there wasn’t enough information to assure that this season's nasal spray flu vaccine would work as well as the flu shot to protect children. The nasal spray vaccine could be used this year for children 2 years of age or older who would not otherwise receive the flu shot, as long as they are healthy without an underlying medical condition.
  • What other preventive measures can be taken?
There are a few actions that can help keep you and your family from getting sick with the flu. Make sure your children are aware of them and incorporating these healthy habits in their daily routine.
  • Wash your hands often with regular soap and water. There is evidence that antibacterial soap may eliminate normal bacteria and increase chances of resistant bacteria growth. When soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that may be contaminated.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with dirty hands.
  • Avoid keeping close contact with sick people.
  • If you or one of your family members get sick, they should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. Except to get medical care and other necessities.
May you have any questions regarding influenza vaccination or any other health concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your health provider at Angel Kids.
(Source: AAP)
For more information on the Influenza vaccine or any vaccine visit on our website! Or call to schedule your Flu Shot today!
904-224-KIDS (5437)
Holiday Office Hours

Our Offices will be Closed on Christmas Day
December 25th 2018
&
New Year's Day
January 1st 2019!
Click HERE for all our convenient hours and locations.
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Angel Kids Pediatrics | 904.224.KIDS (5437) | www.myangelkids.com