Sunday, December 21, 2008

Health Tips for December 21

Health Tip: Driving During Winter

Depending on where you are, winter can herald a greater risk of car accident, a car that won't start, and getting stranded in wintry conditions.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions for safe winter driving:

  • Get your car properly tuned up, and make sure the tires are in good shape before winter starts.
  • Carry equipment in your car, including a tire jack, spare tire, jumper cables, chains, salt or cat litter, flashlight and batteries, and a tool kit.
  • In your car, store non-perishable foods such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candies.
  • Especially on a long winter trip, pack necessities to keep you warm -- a warm blanket, socks, a hat and gloves.
  • Keep a first aid kit in your car at all times.

Health Tip: Booster Seat Safety

When children reach about 40 pounds, it's probably time for them to graduate from an infant car seat to a booster seat.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions about booster seats:

  • A booster seat should be placed in the back seat, facing forward and preferably in the middle seat, secured with both a lap and shoulder belt.
  • Always read the manual on how to install and fasten a booster seat. Also read the manual for your car, which may explain how its seat belts work with a booster seat.
  • Make sure the booster seat is safely and tightly secured before each trip.
  • Adjust the lap belt so that it fits low and snug across your child's lap, and the shoulder belt is snug across the shoulder. The shoulder belt should not interfere with the neck or face.
  • Always keep shoulder belts flat against your child, and never allow them to twist.

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