We are pleased to announce a new, mini-grant request for application (RFA) for our Keeping Kids Safe and Connected Kids: Safe Strong Secure injury and violence prevention program materials. The RFA will be available on an ongoing basis, depending on material availability. Please click here  to download the RFA, or visit ockeepkidssafe.org 

The Keeping Kids Safe materials are designed to be used for anticipatory injury prevention guidance in health settings by physicians and other health care providers, as well as community based organizations serving children ages 0-5 years in Orange County. Connected Kids: Safe, Strong, Secure is a national AAP program which offers a comprehensive, asset-based approach to anticipatory guidance, focusing on helping parents and families raise resilient children.

Phyllis Agran, MD, MPH, FAAP

IVPP Medical Director

As summer approaches more kids will be in or near pools. Curiosity and attraction to water raises the risk of drowning, particularly for young children. Toddlers are at highest risk for drowning than any other age group. In an analysis of Orange County pool/spa drowning incidents (1-4 year olds), we found the following three patterns (in order of frequency):
 

I. 1 and 2 year olds who were last seen in the house by the supervisor. The supervisor was also in the house, but distracted with routine household activities or a change in the usual routine.

II. 3 and 4 year olds who were in or near the pool/spa. The supervisor either went into the house or did not directly have the child in sight.

III. 1 and 2 year olds who were last seen outside, with what we characterized as more neglectful supervision.

We concluded that pool/spa drowning prevention messages need to be more specific. The 1 and 2 year olds last seen in the house are generally better supervised but escape due to lapses in supervision of breaches in pool barriers. Older children were more often around the pool without supervision, suggesting that they may be perceived to be safer. For the older children swim and water safety lessons may decrease the incidence of drowning incidents. 

Ensure that all older children and adults know how to swim and know CPR. And, inform your families that no pool in the home is the safest option.   

Free Pool Safety Materials

For the month of June, we are offering one "Pool Safety" tear off pad (100 sheets), and 2 accompanying posters in the language(s) of your choice (English, Spanish, or Vietnamese).

Please call our office at (949) 752-2787 or email Paula Nuguid at pnuguid@aapca4.org 

Limit one offer per office/organization.

If you have not already changed your anticipatory guidance on age appropriate car seats, the new AAP policy statement recommends

1. Remain rear facing until at least 2 years.

2. Booster seat (preferably with high back) until seat belt fits, usually 4'9".

3. All children should ride in the back seat until they are 13 years old.

The Injury and Violence Prevention Program developed a parent handout ("The Right Seat") with these guidelines.

Rear facing as long as possible

Now that our AAP recommendation is out, we are hopeful that parents who turn their kids at 1 year or 20 pounds will keep them rear facing. The risk of death or serious injury is 5X lower than forward facing for children in their second year. When a child rides rear-facing, the head, neck, and spine are all supported by the hard shell of the car safety seat and all move together, with little relative movement between body parts. When children ride forward-facing, their bodies are restrained by the harness straps, but their heads - which for toddlers are disproportionately large and heavy - are thrown forward, possibly resulting in spine and head injuries. Advise parents to get a convertible seat and use it rear facing to the upper weight and height limit of the seat.

Why are booster seats important?

Because vehicle seat belts were designed for adults. The lap and shoulder portions of the seat belt generally will not fit young children properly. If the shoulder belt lies close to the neck, it will be uncomfortable for the child, who might then put the shoulder belt under his arm or behind his back where it cannot provide upper-body protection in a crash. If the lap belt sits high over the child's abdomen, the child could sustain severe injuries to abdominal organs. The booster seat keeps the lap and shoulder belts over strong bones where they were designed to be, instead of the soft abdomen or neck.

Also note that California law is not best practice for vehicle seat belt use (6 or 60 pounds). Have families keep their school age kids in booster seats longer, until they are about 4'9" (approximately 8- 12 years) and use our handout so that families can check if the adult seat belt fits.

We are pleased to provide the "The Right Seat" parent handouts for you at no charge. If you would like a complimentary set of these handouts (quantity = 100), please

Early Childhood Aggression Presentation

*On Wednesday, June 8th, at 11 am we will be having a small group discussion with Dr. Scholer at the AAP office. If you would like to join us, please contact the office for more information.  

Support our Community Partner

The Raise Foundation

23rd Annual Child Abuse  

Prevention & Treatment Conference

"Strengthening Families"

Friday, June 17, 2011

Orange County Department of Education

200 Kalmus Dr.

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Click here for more information on the conference and how to register

Phyllis Agran, MD, MPH, FAAP IVPP Medical Director

 Jamie McDonald, MPH, CHES

Program Director

Dian Milton, RN

Executive Director

California Chapter 4, AAP