Feb. 14 is National Donor Day
With all the cards, chocolates, and expensive dinners, it’s easy to become cynical about Valentine’s Day. However, National Donor Day also falls on Feb. 14, and it can refocus our attention back on the real meaning of the day: love. In the U.S., 20 people die each day while waiting for an organ transplant. Losing loved ones is one of the most painful aspects of the human experience, and while it is unavoidable, organ donation offers a pathway to help prevent that loss.
Installing It Properly When installing your car seat, you need to determine if you’re using the seat belt or the anchors to secure it. It just depends on your preference, but don’t use both at once. When your child needs a forward-facing car seat, you can use the tether along with the seat belt. Be sure to read the car user manual section on car seat installation and car seat instructions, as every size and brand of car seat is different. Using the Right Harness When a car seat harness properly fits your child, a five- point harness has straps that go over the shoulders and hips, and between the legs, then buckles at the crotch. Be sure to check the label for the required weight and height for the harness. When the child has outgrown the harness, the adult seat belt is used with the proper booster seat. Finding and installing the right car seat for your little one is especially important for winter driving. If you find yourself struggling to find the right seat or proper way to install it, go to HealthyChildren.org for in-depth guides that will ensure your child is safe this winter. register. Registration is not permanent and you will always have the option to change your mind. Once registered, you will not need to carry your donor card with you, as your status exists in the registry. Join a Donor Dash. Donor Dash fundraising events pop up all over the country on National Donor Day. These noncompetitive 5K running and walking events are designed to bring donors and recipients together and keep hope alive for those who are currently waiting for a donation. To learn more, or to register for an event, check out DonorAlliance.org. Participate in #StartTheConversation. Donor Alliance, a nonprofit that works to promote organ donation, began the #StartTheConversation campaign as a way to help spread awareness about organ and tissue donation. Starting the conversation
can be as simple as sharing that you registered with your friends and family or as personal as sharing a story about how organ donation has touched your life or the lives of your loved ones. Don’t let another Valentine’s Day come and go in a tide of cellophane, candy hearts, and cheesy cards. This year, get involved in National Donor Day. After all, what better way is there to express the value of love than giving the gift of life?
In the spirit of love, here are a few ways you can get involved with National Donor Day this year.
Register as an organ donor. Signing yourself up is easy and can be done either online or in person at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. You’ll need official identification to
As we’re in the heart of the winter weather season, it’s important to routinely check your tire pressure and tread depth, clear your windows of ice, and ensure your child’s car seat is installed correctly. In the winter, accidents can happen when we least expect it, so it’s especially important to secure children properly in their seats. So, to ensure you have peace of mind on the winter roads this season, here are some car seat safety tips. Finding the Right Seat The right seat depends on the age and weight of your child. If your child is between 5–40 pounds and 0–2 years old, you need a rear-facing car seat. Some children can stay in the seat past their second birthday because they haven’t yet reached 40 pounds. But when your child outgrows the seat and has reached the age of at least 2, it’s time for a traditional forward- facing car seat, which can accommodate children 65 pounds or more. A booster seat is next and raises the child so the adult seat belt fits over them correctly. Use the booster until they reach about 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8–12 years old.
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