Winter Weather Fun
Einstein's Emergency Department Offers Tips For Keeping Children Safe
Elkins Park, PA, January 7, 2005—For many children, winter does not always mean the end to outdoor fun. Whether it is sledding, ice-skating, skiing or snowboarding,
children can find hours of enjoyment in a variety of cold weather activities. However, like with most types of physical activity,
there is always a potential for serious injury.
Each year, in fact, more than 14,000 children ages 5-14 are treated in emergency departments throughout the nation for injuries
related to sledding; more than13,000 children for injuries related to ice-skating; and more than 41,000 children for skiing
and snowboarding injuries.
“The majority of these injuries are the result of collisions with other children or stationary objects, loss of control and
inadequate supervision,” said Steven Parrillo, DO, Director of Emergency Medicine Services, Einstein at Elkins Park. “By following
some simple precautions along with adult supervision, many of these injuries could be avoided.”
The following tips from the Emergency Department at Einstein at Elkins Park can help keep your child's winter activities injury
free.
- Dress in layers of clothing for protection from the cold. “A tingling or painful sensation in the fingers, toes, nose, etc.
are early symptoms of frostbite and a warning to get out of the cold immediately,” added Dr. Parrillo. If clothing or shoes
become wet, encourage children to come inside, warm-up, dry off and change. Also, tuck in and secure scarves, laces and garments
with drawstrings.
- Find a safe environment. Avoid rocky hills, steep or uneven terrain, high traffic zones and poorly lit areas. For example,
sledding on streets, driveways and parking lots should be prohibited.
- Sledders should use equipment that is sturdy, safely constructed and with some kind of steering mechanism rather than an impromptu
sled, such as a piece of cardboard, that can't be easily controlled.
- Skate at indoor and outdoor skating rinks. Safe ice for outdoor skating should be at least 5 inches thick. Never skate on
a lake or pond if in doubt of its thickness.
- Skiers and snowboarders should receive appropriate instructions prior to participation and use proper equipment that is suited
for the size of the child.
- Helmets, especially for sledders, skiers and snowboarders, should be worn at all times to absorb head impact and prevent head
injuries.
Above all, the best advice is to be where the children are and educate them on safety. Better yet, get in on the fun and show
them yourself.
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein
Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), Einstein at Elkins Park, MossRehab,
Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein
also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. For more information, visit
www.einstein.edu or call 1-800-EINSTEIN.
Publish date: January 7, 2005
