December Is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month
For children, toys are more than just a form of entertainment. Many toys allow children to interact with the world around them and learn key motor movements and other important skills. Yet, while toys are vital to children’s development, giving the wrong toy to a child can result in accidental injury. Each year, tens of thousands of children are taken to the emergency room due to toy-related injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2017 alone, emergency department staff treated 251,700 toy-related injuries nationwide. In order to spread awareness of the dangers of toys and protect children, the nonprofit organization Prevent Blindness America named December Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. This month, adults are encouraged to carefully consider which toys they plan on gifting to young children, not just for the holidays but throughout the year. Here are three important considerations.
Solution on Page 4
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
Age Range for Toys
Before buying a gift, make sure you know the age of the child and purchase age-appropriate gifts. Typically, a recommended age range is listed on each toy along with warnings and instructions. Read through all the instructions on the box before you purchase the toy and look for toys that have passed a safety inspection and have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) label.
Ability of the Child
All children are not alike, even if they are the same age. This is why it’s important to consider the abilities of your intended recipient. If a child has a habit of putting things in their mouth, avoid toys with small loose parts or sharp corners. If a child has special needs, you should also pay attention to the sound, texture, and movement of a toy.
If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!
Ingredients
• 2 tsp allspice berries • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp honey • 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 lemon • 1 gallon pure apple cider • 1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise • 2 tsp whole cloves
Materials Used for the Toy
In older toys, lead paint is more common than today. Even so, avoid toys that do not have “nontoxic” labels and any toys that have been recently recalled. In addition to buying toys that use lead-free paint, adults should also be aware of the symptoms of lead poisoning. In the event that a child shows symptoms of lead poisoning, call the emergency line immediately.
Directions
1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!
Let’s keep the holidays fun and happy by following these tips!
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