The Kohl's A Minute for Kids campaign is a way for Kohl's Department Stores and Dayton Children's to bring health, safety and prevention information to children and families in the region.
“Maintaining a healthy weight requires lifestyle changes that include good nutrition and activity,” says James Ebert, MD, lead physician in Dayton Children’s lipid clinic. Physical activity should be a part of every child’s schedule.
Expert: James Ebert, MD, adolescent medicine physician Learn more
Using the car's seat belts for your child too soon puts your child at risk. "The correct use of car seats and booster seats saves lives," says Tom Krzmarzick, MD, medical director, Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center at Dayton Children's.
Expert: Tom Krzmarzick, MD, pediatric emergency physician Learn more
“A tragic sleep accident could happen to any family, any time. Parents and caregivers should do everything possible to prevent this tragedy,” says Tom Krzmarzick, MD, medical director, Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center at Dayton Children’s.
Expert: Tom Krzmarzick, MD, pediatric emergency physician Learn more
“Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease, yet 90 percent of all tooth decay is preventable,” says Gordon Womack, DDS, medical director of Dayton Pediatric Dentistry at Dayton Children’s. Overusing sippy cups or sending children to bed with a bottle increase the risk of serious dental problems.
Expert: Gordon Womack, DDS, pediatric dentist Learn more
“Burns can be devastating to children, toddlers and babies because they have thinner skin than older children and adults,” says Cindy Asher, RN, clinical nurse specialist, Dayton Children’s. Young children are most often treated for scalds, rather than burns from fire.
Expert: Cindy Asher, RN, pediatric clinical nurse specialist Learn more
About 85 percent of dogs that bite children have never bitten before. “Most young children are about the same size as dogs and dogs may see these children as a threat,” says Tom Krzmarzick, MD, medical director, Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center at Dayton Children’s.
Expert: Tom Krzmarzick, MD, pediatric emergency physician Learn more
Parents can sleep a little easier if they follow the ABCs of safe sleep.
Nearly one child a month dies in Montgomery County alone because of unsafe sleep practices, according to the county’s Child Fatality Review Board.
"A tragic sleep accident could happen to any family, so do everything possible to try to prevent one," says Thomas Krzmarzick, MD, medical director of the Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center at Dayton Children’s.
Dr. Krzmarzick points out that while there is no single sleep space that can guarantee a baby will be risk-free, there are ways to reduce the risk.
Krzmarzick says that parents should be familiar with the ABCs of safe sleep:
"One of the most important things for parents and caregivers to remember is to be responsible for their baby’s sleep safety," says Dr. Krzmarzick. He and other staff in Dayton Children’s Trauma and Emergency Center have seen firsthand what can happen when babies share a sleep space with an adult.
Krzmarzick says that safe cribs start around $100, but that if buying a crib is not possible, a playpen would work too. However, playpens should be completely bare, just as a crib should be.
Krzmarzick also says that a safe sleep environment is still needed after the baby is 1 year old. This includes keeping strings and cords or heavy objects that the baby could grab or push over away from the crib. In addition, cribs should not be placed near windows.
"One of the most important things for parents and caregivers to remember is to be responsible," says Krzmarzick.
"A tragic sleep accident could happen to any family, so do everything possible to try to prevent one."
"As an emergency room physician, we see first hand the devastating effects of unsafe sleep practices," says Dr. Krzmarzick, "We strongly recommend that infants do not co-bed."
If the family chooses to co-bed, recognize there is an increased risk for serious injury or death to their baby. Families who bring their babies to bed for short periods must provide a safe space for them.
If you have questions about baby’s safe sleep, talk to your pediatrician or family doctor. Other helpful resources are listed below.
Thomas Krzmarzick, MD, is medical director of the Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center. Dr. Krzmarzick is also a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. He is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine. He earned his medical degree at the University of Iowa School of Medicine. Dr. Krzmarzick completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, where he was also chief resident in pediatrics. Dr. Krzmarzick has been the medical director of the emergency department at Dayton Children’s since 1999.