Safer Child Products

^{This past weekend my husband Allen and I attended a Gala to benefit the American Lung Association.  Neither of us are smokers and fortunately, our children are healthy.  However, we all know people with Asthma and my husband’s aunt is a survivor of Lung Cancer.  As a physician,  Allen sees it all.} 

^{However, as I was sitting at the Gala, listening to the speakers and reading the program, it struck me that so many children become “passive smokers”, the ones who are affected by the 2nd hand smoke of their parents or caregivers.  It is not just the burning cigarette but the exhaled smoke as well.  Think about how the smell lingers on clothing and even in upholstery.  This compounds the effects.}

^{According to the American Acaemy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, “Exposure to ETS (Exhaled Tobacco Smoke) decreases lung efficiency and impairs lung function in children of all ages.}  It increases both the frequency and severity of childhood asthma. Secondhand smoke can aggravate sinusitis, rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic respiratory problems such as cough and postnasal drip.  It also increases the number of children’s colds and sore throats. ”

For much more information on Second Hand Smoke and it’s affect on Children, please visit http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Second-Hand-Smoke-and-Children.cfm

Here are some tips from the US Environmental Protection Agency:             

A few basic actions can protect children from secondhand smoke

1.      Choose not to smoke in your home and car and do not allow family and visitors to do so. Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable to the health risks from secondhand smoke.

2.      Do not allow childcare providers or others who work in your home to smoke.

3.      Until you can quit, choose to smoke outside. Moving to another room or opening a window is not enough to protect your children.

Let’s keep all our kids safe!