CHOKING AWARENESS
Choking is one of leading causes of injury and death among children. It is important for children to be aware of the dangers of choking and to know what to do in case of an emergency. Parents and caregivers can help prevent choking incidents by ensuring that children eat age-appropriate foods, cut food into small pieces, and always supervise children during meal times. In addition, children should be taught the Heimlich maneuver and how to call for help in case of an emergency. By raising awareness of choking and taking preventative measures, we can help keep children safe.
TOP 10 CHOKING HAZARDS
As parents, we try our best to keep our children safe and protected from harm. However, there are some household items that can pose a serious choking hazard for children. Here are the top 10 choking hazards to look out for:
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Small toys and game pieces
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Coins
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Button batteries
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Balloons
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Hot dogs
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Nuts and popcorn
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Grapes and cherry tomatoes
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Hard candy
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Medications
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Small magnets
It's important to be vigilant and keep these items out of reach of young children to prevent choking accidents.
While some choking hazards are well-known, there are some unusual items that can also pose a risk to children. For example, baby carrots can get lodged in a child's airway if not chewed properly. Marshmallows can be difficult to swallow and get stuck in a child's throat. Silica gel packets, often found in shoeboxes or packaged food, can also be hazardous if ingested. Hair accessories, such as barrettes or hair ties, can easily come loose and end up in a child's mouth. Another unexpected choking hazard is the foam tips of earbuds, which can easily break off and become lodged in a child's airway. It's crucial to recognize and eliminate these less common choking hazards to keep our children safe.
