We are all aware that car seats help to keep our kids safe, but there is a lot of conflicting information about the rules and recommendations.  Each car seat manufacturer has suggestions about installation and use specific to that seat.  Recent legislation in Minnesota has added another layer of confusion.

Summertime finally has arrived in Minnesota and we are able to get outside and enjoy the many outdoor activities available. This also brings with it the exposure to mosquitoes and ticks and other undesirable pests. These pests not only are a nuisance and cause discomfort but they also carry diseases, including West Nile Virus, various forms of encephalitis, Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. There are now several products available to help keep them at bay and allow us to enjoy the summer. whaa?

Everyone Buckle Up!
An infant or child riding in the front seat can be seriously injured or killed by the inflating air bag.

An air bag is not a soft pillow.  To do its important job, an air bag comes out of the dashboard very fast, faster than the blink of an eye.  Many people’s lives have been saved by air bags, but the force of an air bag can hurt people who are close to it.  Drivers can prevent injuries to adults and children from air bags by following these safety steps.

Every child sooner or later strikes his head.  Falls are especially common when your child is learning to walk.  Most bruises occur on the forehead.  Sometimes black eyes appear 3 days later because the bruising spreads downward due to gravity.  Head trauma can be due to a blow to the head, or scalp trauma, such as scrapes, bruises, or swelling.  Most head trauma simply results in a scalp injury.  Big lumps can occur with minor injuries because the blood supply to the scalp is so plentiful.  For the same reason, small cuts can bleed profusely.  Only 1% to 2% of injured children get a skull fracture.  Usually there are no associated symptoms except for a headache at the site of impact.  Your child has not had a concussion unless there is temporary unconsciousness, confusion, and amnesia.