The Safety Mom Chronicles

Death of Tyson Child Highlights The Dangers of Children & Gym Equipment

The death of Mike Tyson’s 4-year-old daughter is a tragic reminder that we must take measures to ensure our children are safe in their homes.  This accident was indeed an accident. However too many of these unintentional and bizarre events happen each year.  According to the Center for an average 12,175 children 0 to 19 years of age die each year in the United States from an unintentional injury. 

 

Create "safe zones" in your home - areas where there are no dangerous and potentially lethal items.  Remember, nothing takes the place of adult supervision.  Make sure all gym equipment is in no way accessible to children and unplugged when not in use!!!

One Step Closer to Unraveling the Mystery of Autism

A report was released online today by the journal Molecular Psychiatry stating that researchers have uncovered the reason that autism effects boys four times more often than girls.  The "autism-risk" gene is more prevalent in boys than girls although researchers are not clear why this is the case.   As a mom with a child with learning disabilities I realize how frustrating and overwhelming it can be when searching for answers.  While this might be a small step, at least it's a step in the right direction.  More information can be found at http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1899756,00.html?imw=Y

FDA Orders Strict Warnings on Dangers of Testerone Gel That Can Come in Contact With Children

If you or another adult in your household use testosterone gel, the FDA is urging extra care not to get any of the medication on children.  Contact can cause both boys and girls serious side effects including enlargement of the genital organs, aggressive behavior, early aging of the bones, premature growth of public hair, and increased sexual drive.

 

To emphasize their concern, the agency ordered its strongest warning on the products -- a so-called black box.

 

If you use this product, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after application.  Also, be sure to cover up the areas that the gel has been applied (very commonly the upper arms and shoulders) to keep the kids from accidentally touching a spot that has the medicine on it.

 

Health officials said in most cases the signs and symptoms went away once testosterone gel was identified as the cause of the problem and adults took the proper precautions.  But in some children, enlarged sex organs did not return to their appropriate size, and bone age remained somewhat higher than the child's chronological age.  One child underwent surgery because the link to testosterone gel was not recognized right away.

 

Also, pregnant women, and those who may become pregnant, should avoid any exposure, since it could lead to birth defects.

 

My Adventures As A Frigidaire Test Drive Mom!!

After having been on the road for a week on a media tour, coming back to the daily duties of running a house is tough.  I think the thing that is most overwhelming is the mounds of laundry that have piled up and need to be done.  I have spent so many days cursing my washer and dryer that take forever and just don't do the job.  That's why I was jumping for joy to become a part of the Frigidaire Test Drive Program!  I never thought that I could get so excited about the prospect of a beautiful new washer and dryer that actually does what they're supposed to do and they are in my favorite color - RED!!!.  

They will be arriving at the end of this month and I am counting down the days!!

Frigidaire is rolling out a new product line that includes all new time-saving appliances.  You can check them out at http://www.mymotherload.net.

They have a great “satisfaction guarantee” in place and a contest to give away a whole suite of appliances!

 

How cool is it to be one of  Frigidaire test drive mom so check back with me to hear how it is going.  Follow my adventures as the new laundry queen...stay tuned for more!!!!