Moms and dads often feel the need to return to work when children are still very young. It can be hard for parents to leave toddlers or even preschoolers with another caregiver. How can we trust another person to know what is best for our kids when we’re away? Starting when they are preschoolers - and even earlier - parents can begin to teach their children to recognize inappropriate behavior and respond if they need help. Education is the key to prevention. Educating them about boundaries and healthy relationships early can support their positive experience with an alternate caregiver. Every child has a right to be safe.
As the weather starts to warm up and children start spending more time outside, now is a good time to have a discussion about safe interactions with strangers. Although we know that Calgary is a very safe place to live, it’s still important to keep in mind the dangers that can exist in our communities, however rare they may be.
Are you aware that one child dies every nine hours in Canada due to a preventable injury? The Cost of Injury in Canada report, released June 2015, indicates that preventable injury is the leading cause of death in Canadians ages 1 to 44. It further adds that preventable injuries claim the lives of more children than any other cause in Canada. These injury costs add up to $26.8 billion dollars a year across the country, with Alberta leading the way with $4 billion in costs in 2010, the highest number in all provinces.
Extracurricular activities are a great way for children to make new friends, develop new skills, and have loads of fun. As you and your child begin to select which activities your child will be participating in the New Year, the Alberta Association of Optometrists wants to remind you to keep eye safety in mind. Eye injuries like retinal detachments, ultraviolent (UV) light exposure, and foreign objects in the eye can be easily prevented by wearing protective eyewear.
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