It Feels Like A “Pain in the Neck”!

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The neck, sometimes referred to as the Cervical Spine, is a delicate and remarkable structure of interconnected vertebrae, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons – all of which work together to provide support while allowing a wide range of motion.

However, any of these anatomical structures can wear down or become injured, causing neck pain (we call it Axial Cervical Pain) and, possibly, pain that radiates down the arms (we call it Cervical Radicular Pain).

What Causes Neck Pain

There are many different causes for neck pain:

Acute neck pain usually involves a tear to a muscle or ligament in the neck. Trauma from sudden forced movement of the neck or head and rebound in the opposite direction (whiplash) can cause pain and soreness.

Neck pain that lasts or keeps coming back over a period of at least 3 months is considered chronic.

Aging and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis (the wearing down of the joints) and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces in the spine) can lead to neck pain. Over time, stress and motion can lead to spinal disc degeneration, causing a herniated disc or pinched nerve.

A facet joint can become a source of pain if its protective cartilage starts to wear down or the joint capsule gets a tear. As the joint degenerates, bone spurs grow, increasing inflammation and stiffness.

These degenerative changes to discs and facet joints in the cervical spine can cause a nerve root to become compressed which can result in cervical radiculopathy symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness to radiate down the arm.

Neck Pain Diagnosis

The doctors will diagnose your neck pain with a physical exam and medical history, they will also check your muscle strength and reflexes. To diagnose the cause of the pain, your doctor may use imaging tests such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). These tests can show damage and other issues in the bones and surrounding tissues in your neck.

Neck Pain Treatments

After making the correct diagnosis, treatment for neck pain varies depending on the cause. It aims to relieve pain and improve function. Some of these treatments include:

  • Medications – including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease pain and inflammation and muscle relaxants to help the healing process.
  • Physical therapy (exercises to stretch and strengthen muscles and tendons in the neck).
  • Facet joint injections of Medial nerve blocks – to help alleviate the pain from the inflamed joints.
  • Radiofrequency ablation (or Nerve ablation) – to provide longer pain relief.
  • Epidural Steroid injections near the nerve roots – to help relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Finally, If the injury is advanced – your doctor may recommend surgery to repair compressed or damaged spinal disks or fuse some vertebrae in the spine.

The Impact of Language in Medical Practice

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Words are among our best tools in establishing empathy between doctor and patient. Shakespeare used words for their explicit and multiple meanings, knowing that specific connotations could determine courses of action. As an anesthesia specialist, the choice of words can be most critical. They can convey hope or despair, progress or inertia, life or death.

In a health care world under the control of administrators, robots, frustrating receptionists, designated hours, prescribed patient management and loss of physician independence, the doctor (not employee) is left in control only of the few moments allowed for patient interaction. These are the few moments for empathy. Only by empathy for the patient does the physician warrant the patient’s trust in return, and the designation of being – a healer.

Several hundred years ago, physicians spoke in Latin to each other to discuss a case secretly and in order to have patients admire them for their wisdom. Certain words for incurable afflictions of the time were spoken only to close relatives or persons of authority, but hidden from the patient. In the last century, and in some circles even today, the diagnosis of cancer is kept from the patient.

Communicating Risk

The way in which information about anesthesia risks of treatments is communicated to patients can have a significant effect on their perceptions and decision making.

“Surgeons must frequently communicate the probability of various treatment outcomes, complications and chances of cure to their patients to help them make health care decisions,” said Joshua Eli Rosen, MD, of the Surgical Outcomes Research Center at the University of Washington, in Seattle. “Prior studies have shown that how probability information is communicated can impact its interpretation and ultimately decisions that are made with it.”

Yet, despite these concerns, no standard practice exists for how surgeons should communicate such information to their patients.

An online survey was conducted that queried respondents where risk information was presented either verbally (i.e., “uncommon”), as quantitative point estimates (i.e., 3%), or via quantitative ranges (i.e., 1%-5%). Verbal risk communications were found to result in significantly higher ranges of risk estimates for each surveyed complication, and were found to consistently lead to overestimation of risk.

“However,” Dr. Rosen added, “we must recognize that by addressing these concerns with verbal descriptors alone, we are simply passing that uncertainty and variability to the patient in an uncontrollable way that may result in suboptimal decision making.”

Although verbal descriptors of probability resulted in greatly variable and inaccurate interpretations of risk, participants were able to accurately interpret numerical point estimates and ranges.

Thoughtful Speaking

But what about the words we use today in common conversation with other health care professionals and with our patients: words with double entendres, words with subtle interpretations, words of subterfuge, words with lethal connotations, words of expectations good and bad, words of joy, and words of sorrow. 

Mary E. Knatterud, PhD, has written extensively on the impact of language in medical practice. A word Knatterud greatly dislikes is “elderly.” “Elder” means a person advanced in age, and has, in the past, been a sign of respect. “Elderly” has become almost the opposite of “elder,” implying infirmity of body and/or mind. Other dictionary synonyms for elderly are neither favorable nor laudatory; they imply that the elderly are no longer in the vigorous fullness of life and that somehow this is a transgression warranting a loss of respect.

We know that age is not irrelevant in medical and surgical practice. A person’s age may be a critical factor in determining a diagnosis or therapy.

Patients are to be cared for as fellow sentient humans, with dignity and compassion, with respect, courtesy and regard, with the empathy they are entitled to by their offer of faith in us, their physicians.

Two of the darkest words in the medical lexicon are “terminal” and “incurable.” A physician, a person of knowledge, who speaks those words to a patient is pronouncing a death sentence. Though we must at times make that pronouncement, we must do so with the greatest compassion, recognizing that life per se is terminal and that someday all of us will face the pronouncement of terminality.

Incurable is less an expression of knowledge, than an apology for helplessness. If we must tell a patient that his illness is incurable, we need to add the word “today.” We can recite to the patient diseases that were once incurable but that today are not.

Often, the most important words spoken to patients take place in the examining room in an atmosphere that should be imbued with courtesy toward the patient. A smile, a post-COVID handshake or a touch of the shoulder, and certainly greeting a patient by name, should start an interaction with a patient. Talking to the patient is ever so preferable to talking about the patient to associates in the room.

The doctor–patient relationship is a unique bond whose tone and boundaries the doctor establishes. Choosing the right words matters.

 

Sources:

Words, Words, Words. anesthesiologynews.com

Method of Communicating Risk Affects Patient Decision Making. generalsurgerynews.com

So, I have arthritis in my spine, what does that mean? What could I do about it?

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Back pain is one of the most common complaints for patients to seek medical care. And one of the most common causes for back pain is Degenerative Disease of The Spine, commonly known as “Arthritis of the spine.”

The spine has small joints (called Facet Joints) that connect each vertebra to the other, and like other joints in our body, inflammation could affect these joints and cause pain. There are many reasons for this inflammation, but the most common cause is Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) which is the result of the normal “wear and tear” with advancing age. In some cases, degeneration of the spinal discs (degenerative disc disease) may contribute to facet joint arthritis. As discs between the vertebrae become thinner, more pressure is transferred to the facet joints, which leads to more friction and more damage to these joints.

Arthritis can occur anywhere along the spine but is more frequent in the lower back and neck. Some of the risk factors to develop this condition are age, excess weight/obesity and the presence of certain conditions such as diabetes and gout.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of spinal arthritis may differ from person to person. In general, they may include neck and back pain, especially in the lower back. Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the spine, such as being unable to straighten your back or turn your neck, and the feeling of “grinding” when moving the spine.

If the inflammation is really bad, spinal arthritis may cause bone spurs (overgrowths on the edges of the bones), and although bone spurs on their own are not harmful, they may narrow the passages for the spinal cord inside the spinal canal causing spinal stenosis or pinching of the peripheral nerves as they exit the spine and cause radiculopathy (sciatica is one type of radiculopathy).

To diagnose spinal arthritis your doctor will listen to your medical history and perform a physical exam and may order some imaging like X-ray of the spine, CT-Scan or MRI.

Treatments

The treatment for spinal arthritis depends on many factors. Usually starts with conservative measures like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy to improve back muscle strength and range of motion in the spine, lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation or stress on your spine: losing weight, quitting smoking, changing your posture, etc.

But if these measures failed your physician may recommend the Medial Branch Block procedure, in which the physician use fluoroscopy (x-ray guidance) to inject numbing medication near the facet joints in order to numb the nerves that innervate that facet joint. If the patient experiences significant pain relief immediately after this procedure, radiofrequency ablation (nerve burning) can be done at a later date to provide more long-lasting relief (typically six months to two years).

In very severe cases, surgery may be recommended for spinal arthritis if other treatments don’t sufficiently relieve pain.

Call Valley Pain to schedule a consultation with one of our pain physicians or request an appointment.

Back Pain

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Low back pain is a very common condition that most people experience at some point in their life. It is one of the most common reasons patients see their doctor or miss days at work. Back pain can range in intensity, onset, duration and course. Many factors influence the onset and course of low back pain. Studies have found the incidence of low back pain is highest in the 3rd decade of life, and overall prevalence increases with age until the 60-65 year age group and then gradually declines1.

Anatomy:

The vertebral column (backbone) is made up of 33 vertebrae. These vertebrae are then grouped into divisions based on region: 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (upper back), and 5 lumbar (lower back), 5 fused sacral and 4 fused coccygeal (tailbone). A fibrous disc (intervertebral disc) connects each pair of vertebrae. Each vertebral body is connected to the adjacent level by small joints called “facet” joints. These joints provide mobility and range of motion of the vertebral column; finally, thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves are rooted to the spinal column and travel out of through “neuroforamina” – the spaces between the vertebral bodies.

Causes:

Back pain can be caused by many different pathologies. Often, there are multiple etiologies involved. In general, back pain can be divided into “axial” back pain – pain across the low back, and radicular back pain – back pain with radiation down the leg/foot. Axial back pain can be caused by degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis of the spine, fracture of the vertebral body or muscle sprain. Radicular back pain is often secondary to a nerve or spinal cord problem, such as disc herniation or spinal canal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

Diagnosis:

Your physician will often start with a physical exam. Often, an x-ray is obtained initially to evaluate for degenerative changes and rule out any acute fractures. If the pain persists > 6 weeks and/or there are neurological symptoms associated with the back pain, an MRI is then ordered to evaluate the nerves, spinal column and discs.

Treatment:

Most back pain is acute and will resolve with time and conservative management. Initial conservative management includes anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants or nerve pain medication and a trial of physical therapy. If conservative management fails, advanced interventional treatment options may be recommended. Interventional options include epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, or vertebral augmentation for acute fractures. The appropriate interventional option depends on the cause of the pain, and a pain physician can help determine the appropriate steps after a thorough evaluation and review of available imaging.

Valley Pain Consultants physicians have received extensive training in Pain Management, and always stay current with all new and up to date through many educational meetings throughout the year. To schedule an appointment, please call (480) 467-2273.

[1]Hoy D, Brooks P, Blyth F, Buchbinder R. The Epidemiology of low back pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Dec;24(6):769-81. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2010.10.002. PMID: 21665125.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

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According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC), nearly 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. However, cervical cancer is highly treatable and preventable through regular medical screenings and vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV).

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus. Multiple strains of HPV exist, with high-risk types that are closely associated with most cervical cancers and low-risk types that cause genital warts. Vaccination against HPV can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if administered before one is exposed to the virus.

Who Should Receive an HPV Vaccination?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that boys and girls be vaccinated for HPV at ages 11-12. While the vaccine is available for anyone through age 45, anyone age 15 or older must receive three doses as opposed to the two-dose series that is available for those younger than 15 years of age.

Should I Get Screened?

While advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you, such as bleeding after sex, it is vital to note that early-stage cervical cancer may not cause symptoms. As such, regular screening is crucial for prevention of cervical cancer.

According to the NCCC, a Pap test can identify HPV-linked changes to the cervical cells while HPV tests locate the virus itself. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that anyone age 25-65 receive a primary HPV test once every 5 years; if a primary HPV test is unavailable, a Pap test performed every 3 years is sufficient.

Our Primary Care providers can answer your medical questions and guide you to the right specialist.

Our Radiation Oncology Specialists use the latest technology to treat cervical cancers including the High Dose Rate Brachytherapy System (HDR). This technology uses a computer-controlled radioactive source for rapid delivery of pinpoint doses of radiation, limiting radiation exposure to normal tissues. We use this to treat many gynecologic cancers including cervical and endometrial cancers. For the appropriate patient this can shorten treatment times from the traditional six or seven weeks to just five days.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

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The first response to a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is usually, “What in the world is that?” Although it’s strange sounding, there are more than 200,000 US cases per year. Unlike typical back pain which is caused by some type of trauma to the spine, AS is a chronic condition caused by inflammation of the vertebrae.

The inflammatory arthritis affects the spine and large joints making it a form of spinal arthritis. In advanced and more severe cases, abnormal bone growth in the spine may cause the joints to fuse together resulting in an inflexible spine reducing mobility. The good news is that it can be treated by a medical professional.

The condition usually begins in early adulthood, in the late teens, and has been more prevalent in men, but women are susceptible to it just the same. However, AS can still develop at any age. It’s been known to be an inherited disease although not everyone with the gene will ever develop it.

Symptoms always include pain and stiffness from the neck down to the lower back. Spondylitis often starts at the sacrum (the lowest part of the spine). Pain in the back and joints are also common along with intermittent flare-ups of spinal pain. It could be mild or severe, and eventually lead to a hunched over posture. Unfortunately, the disease can also affect other ligaments and tendons, as well as the eyes and intestines. Some patients experience vision problems, and inflammation in the knees, ankles, and beneath the heel. Fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite may also occur.

Typical warning signs of the disease are:

  • Unexplained lower back pain for no apparent reason
  • Unexplained tightness in the chest, pain in heel, and joints
  • Pain comes and goes, but significantly is getting worse up the spine
  • Temporary relief from over-the-counter medications
  • Family history of AS

Nonetheless, early intervention and treatment can help control pain and stiffness, and may reduce or prevent deformity. A physician cannot give a single test to diagnose AS, but an extremely detailed exam and patient history will help determine the diagnosis. The physician may also order imaging tests such as an MRI, or x-ray. Treatment includes medication, physical therapy, and in rare cases surgery. Remember, it’s always important to not ignore symptoms. Make an appointment to see a physician as soon as any signs exist.

Valley Pain Consultant physicians have received extensive training in Pain Management, and stay current with new and up to date procedures throughout the year. To schedule an appointment, please call (480) 467-2273 or complete the contact form.

January is Thyroid Awareness Month

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What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, and while it may be small, it produces a hormone that supports the function of your body’s most important organs.

What Do I Need to Know About Thyroid Disease?

According to the American Thyroid Association, diseases of the thyroid affect approximately 20 million Americans, and nearly 60 percent of them are unaware they have a thyroid condition.

The symptoms of thyroid disease include weight fluctuations, pronounced mood changes or difficulty sleeping. While each of these symptoms may be frustrating and potentially mild on their own, taken together, these symptoms can drastically affect a person’s quality of life.

Further, because the thyroid produces a hormone that affects the function of every organ in the body, untreated thyroid disease can lead to more serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease, infertility problems and osteoporosis.

Thyroid Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of thyroid disease can vary from person to person. They also vary depending on whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive. Some common symptoms of thyroid disease include:

  • Increased anxiety, irritability or nervousness
  • Fatigue
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Muscle weakness
  • Vision problems or eye irritation
  • Forgetfulness
  • Fluctuations in menstrual cycle frequency and heaviness

What Should I Do?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may be suffering from an irregular thyroid. Proper diagnosis is the first step to living a happier, healthier life, so discussing your symptoms with your primary care provider is vital.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) provides a list of ten questions that can help you navigate this important conversation with your doctor: http://www.thyroidawareness.com/ten_questions_to_ask_about_your_thyroid_health.

Thyroid Disease Fast Facts*

  • The causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown.
  • Pregnant women with undertreated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery and severe developmental problems in their children.
  • While most thyroid diseases are life-long conditions, most are also manageable with medical attention.

* According to AACE: https//www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room

If you are experiencing the symptoms of this disease, Shared Content can help diagnose and treat your thyroid condition. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Be Mindful Early in Your Anesthesiologist Career

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If you are just starting out in your anesthesiologist career you will quickly realize there is a lot to learn beyond what your extensive schooling has taught. Both clinical and personal, there are plenty of tips, tricks and good ol’ common sense principles a young anesthesia specialist should keep in mind as you begin your professional medical career to maximize your performance and personal fulfillment.

We’ll start by stating a concept that is simple but true… when you agree to any project, task or assignment, commit to finishing it on time while working to the best of your ability, under-promise and over-deliver. This with the tips below will serve you well in building your character and reputation.

Be Prepared – In anesthesia, this means always be prepared for airway difficulties and other complications by mentally reviewing your Plan B and your Plan C.

Make Learning Your No. 1 Priority – Seize every opportunity to learn while a resident and benefit from having someone supervising.

Ask for Help – Never hesitate to ask for help or to have a more experienced colleague in with you at the start of a tough case.

Keep Sharp – Keep your knowledge up-to-date and your technical skills sharp.

Get a Mentor – Things that seem fun during residency for a rotation or two may seem much different after you do it for six months and someone you see eye-to-eye with can help you through challenges and changes.

Active Participation – Early on in your career, consider becoming an active member of one or more professional societies.

Have a Good Financial Plan – Do not worry about every dollar, but be careful and save.

Learning to Trust Your Patients

Most doctors can attest to patients fibbing and even going to some lengths to hide relevant information. When asked why they lie to their physicians, patients said they wanted their doctors to think highly of them and not judge or lecture them. And patients seem to think their performances are convincing: 70% of women and 65% of men said they were confident their doctors do not know when they lie.

Maybe you have heard this one, “I’ve done everything you told me to, but…” The subject patients most often lie about is compliance, according to a 2018 study of more than 1,200 people by Medicare Advantage. Some 38% admitted they were not truthful about following their doctor’s orders. 50% say the reason they won’t tell you is they are simply embarrassed while another 30% said they lied because the full story was too complicated or not worth explaining.

A 2020 TermLife2Go study of 500 people found that nearly half (46%) of respondents lied to their doctor about smoking. The same goes for recreational drug use while men are much more likely to lie about how much they drink than women.

Overstating how much they exercise is also one of the top fibs people tell their doctors. As many as 43% of your patients may be lying to you about their exercise routines, exaggerating the frequency or intensity of their activity.

Patients may not realize the potential dangers of omitting information about medications and supplements they’re taking. A 2019 survey revealed that patients didn’t want to be “difficult” or waste their doctor’s time, even if it means giving you incomplete information about medications that could lead to medical errors.

The most likely liars statistically are women, younger people, and those in poor health. Both sexes are more likely to lie to a male doctor than a female doctor. Bear in mind that more than 33% didn’t tell their doctor if they disagreed with their advice, and a similar number didn’t say anything if they didn’t understand treatment instructions. By providing a welcoming, judgment-free approach, you can encourage patients to be more honest about their symptoms and be proactive in their steps toward better health.

Know What Not to Say

Every physician knows the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. Without trust and honest communication, outcomes can be worse and caring for patients may be extremely difficult. However, many doctors overestimate their ability to connect with those in their care. One study found 75% of doctors surveyed believed their discussions with patients were satisfactory, but just 21% of patients surveyed agreed.

In order to provide the best care for your patients and protect yourself from litigation, be intentional when communicating with patients—and here are a few statements to try to stay away from.

  1. “I don’t know.” Although you might mean that medical science has yet to find an answer to the patient’s specific question, instead say something more reassuring like, “I don’t know at the moment, but we will find out for you.”
  2. “You should have come in to see me sooner.” This may make the patient feel blamed and shamed about something they can’t go back and change. Instead, recognize the patient’s barriers to treatment.
  3. “The Internet isn’t your doctor, I am.” About 72% of Americans have searched online for health information, and when a patient comes in with a stack of printouts from a medical website, it can be tempting to immediately dismiss their online findings. Instead, tell them you appreciate their taking the time to learn about their condition and initiate a discussion about what concerns them from their online research and find gentle ways to explain if some of their conclusions are unlikely.
  4. “Don’t worry about that right now.” This can be scary and overwhelming to hear as it minimizes their concerns. To avoid this anxiety, be as transparent as possible with the patient. Explain to them that their concerns are important, but together, you’ll need to focus on other, more urgent issues.
  5. “This won’t hurt at all.” Everyone has a different pain threshold, so it’s unwise to suggest anyone will completely avoid pain during a given procedure. Instead, explain that most people find the procedure to be painless.

Just as important as what you say is how you say it. Even if you’re feeling rushed, do your best to speak calmly, slowly, and clearly, avoiding too much medical jargon. Show your patients you’re listening closely by staying silent as they speak and try not to interrupt them.

Your career will go surprisingly quickly… make it count! Never discount your dreams or what you really want to do and treat everyone well along the way. And always remember, do your best to support your younger colleagues coming up behind you!

 

Sources:

As Your Career Begins, Remember This … anesthesiologynews.com

Top Lies Patients Tell Their Doctors. healthgrades.com

6 Things Never to Say to Patients. healthgrades.com

National Influenza Vaccination Week

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Not only is it the holiday season, but it is also flu season. The best way to reduce your risk from the seasonal flu and any potential complications is to get vaccinated every year. This year National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) takes place from December 5-11. The designated week was created by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create awareness in communities across the country and highlight the importance of vaccination. They chose the last month of the year to remind people that it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine.

Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk than others for contracting the virus and developing flu-related complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Anyone in this high-risk category should get vaccinated as well as those taking care of them. Those at high risk include:

  • People 65 years of age and older
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma
  • Pregnant women
  • Babies and children younger than 5 years old
  • People living in facilities such as nursing and assisted-living homes
  • Health care workers
  • Caregivers to those under 5 years old and older than 65 years old

It’s Easy as ABC – Simple Tips and Tricks to Protect Yourself and Others

  • Avoid close contact, touching, and any exposure to those who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are not feeling well or are sick. Surfaces can be contaminated with germs so do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.
  • Be Absent – Stay home if you are not feeling well, please stay home to help prevent the spread of germs to others.
  • Cover Your Mouth and Nose & Clean Your Hands – Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water are preferred, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also do the trick.
  • Disinfect – Wipe frequently touched surfaces and areas with products specifically designed to prevent germ contamination especially when someone is ill.

Managing stress, exercising, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a nutrient-rich diet along with being proactive and mindful is the perfect prescription for a healthy and happy life. A routine of these good health habits will help protect you and your loved ones.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to get your flu shot!

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month

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December is the biggest gift-giving month of the year. Everyone wants to find and give a great gift. But besides searching for the perfect present for your little ones, it is just as important to keep safety in mind while you’re shopping.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2020 there were 9 deaths and nearly 150,000 toy-related emergency room visits for children ages 14 and younger. Most of the injuries and deaths were associated with choking hazards, mostly because of small toy parts. Although toy safety has improved throughout the years, shoppers should still take precautions to keep children safe.

In recent years, the CPSC has implemented a stringent standards system that requires a third party to independently test toy safety in laboratories across the globe. This includes enforcing the percentage of lead and phthalates used in toys and stopping dangerous and violent toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they end up in little hands.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

  • Inspect toys before purchasing them. Avoid toys with sharp edges, a multitude of little parts, and/or parts such as buttons that can be easily pulled off which become choking hazards.
  • Look at the age and skill level marked on the packaging. Only buy age-appropriate even if you think a child is more mature. The guidelines are placed for good reason.
  • Check the label. All toys should have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) to show it meets proper standards.
  • Avoid all toys that with ropes and cords as well as crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic. Other toys to avoid with children younger than eight years old are balloons which can choke or suffocate. This also includes deflated balloons which should be immediately discarded. High-powered magnet sets should always be kept away from small children too.
  • Be wary of electric toys. These require close supervision.
  • Give safety gear like helmets and knee pads if you are giving a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter.

It’s a Wrap

Upon opening gifts, immediately discard all plastic wrapping and any other toy packaging which can become dangerous playthings if not thrown away. Any toys requiring battery charging should be supervised and done by a trusted adult as chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards.

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of the holidays, but the gift of safety ensures a happy and healthy holiday season. Shared Content wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Shared Content are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.