Our son Brian (pictured above, with our family) was killed in a traffic crash in October of 2009. A young woman lost control of her car, crossed over the median on I-40, and hit Brian head on. The reason? She was distracted by using her cellphone.

You’ve seen them out there. People with their phones glued to their ears or looking down and texting while piloting their 4000+ pound vehicles, as if they had nothing better to do. Maybe you are even one of them.

Do you know what the most dangerous thing your teenager does on a regular basis?

It’s driving a car.

Traffic accidents cause 35 percent of all the deaths among teenagers. That’s more than all diseases and medical afflictions combined.

It’s even a worse problem in our own state. The most recent data from the National Transportation Safety Board points out that Tennessee has the highest rate of teen deaths per mile driven of any state in our country. This is a serious public health issue that threatens our children…more than cancer, school shootings or anything else. It’s not even close.

Traffic accident deaths overall have been steadily declining for 30 years. That makes sense when you think about better DUI laws, better seatbelt laws and more safety features in our cars.

But that number started going back up in 2012, rising more than 10 percent nationally. How could that be? Could it be the epidemic of cellphone use in cars? The facts are out there. Driving while talking on a cellphone – hands free or not – is equally impairing to driving ability as driving with a .08 blood alcohol content. Texting while driving is even worse.

Let’s reverse the trend and help save our kids’ lives. Teach them well, and set the right example. Hang up before you drive.

For more information about distracted driving, click here.

Written by Doug Ralls

Editor’s Note: April is Distracted Drivers Awareness Month. We thank Mr. Ralls sharing his family’s story.

My kids are almost 5 years and 20 months old. We have been doing the car seat thing for awhile. I would go so far as to say I wouldn’t think we would need a car seat check. We know what we are doing. Our kids are safe.

Have you ever been that parent? Thinking you were all good?

Recently we noticed that my 20-month-old daughter’s seat was always installing loose, so I knew we needed to take it to an expert. I work at Vanderbilt, so I had it checked at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.

It turned out that the straps in the latch system were twisted and that is why the seat wouldn’t get super tight. But that wasn’t all I learned during my car seat check. I also learned:

• You shouldn’t use BOTH the seatbelt and the latch system: I have always used both. It seemed safer, but the car seat tech informed me that using both can actually be harmful.
• The seat shouldn’t move more than 1 inch when pulled from the bottom: My daughter’s seat is still rear facing and we thought something was wrong because it can be moved a fair amount from the top of the seat. However, the tech informed me that as long as the seat doesn’t move more than an inch when tugged at the base, it is safe and installed properly.
• You should check every week to see if you child’s seat has become loose: We rarely check if our kids’ seats are still snug, but the tech told me this is something that should be done every week.
• Your child’s head should never be above the seat top: My son is still in a convertible car seat, and while he is well within the weight limits, he is getting tall. The tech said that his head should be an inch below the top of the seat. If the seat has an adjustable headrest, raise it as the child gets taller. If the headrest does not adjust, then it is time to move your child to a booster seat.

Did you know all of these things?

Even you consider yourself an “old pro” at car seats, a check by an expert can still be advantageous. I know I was glad I did it.

Editor’s Note: Free car seat checks are available by appointment at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.

As parents, keeping our children safe is always a first priority isn’t it?

It’s mind boggling to think that poisoning is the second-leading cause of injury death in Tennessee, trailing only motor vehicle accidents and ahead of guns. Poisoning is a big deal and poison prevention really is for everyone, from children to seniors. That’s why since 1962, the third week of March has been proclaimed as National Poison Prevention Week. During this week, we can raise awareness about the dangers of poisoning. And it’s a really good time to look around the house and poison proof before there is an actual emergency.

Children are the most likely victims of accidental poisoning. A lot of poisons look like food or drink. So, when children first begin to crawl, it’s a good idea to teach them to “Ask First” – ask an adult before eating or drinking anything. Here are some other ways to prevent poisoning:

Store Poisons Safely

• Store all medicines away from household products and food.
• Never put any medicine or chemical in a cup or soft drink bottle.
• Keep medicine and household products in their original containers.
• Use child-resistant packaging. But remember – nothing is childproof.
• If you have a young child who is able to walk or crawl, keep household plants and products stored above floor level, not beneath the sink.

Use Poisons Safely

• Read the label on all medicines and household products and heed warnings and cautions.
• Are children in the home? Take the product or medicine with you to answer the door or the phone.
• Lock up products and medicines after using them.
• Is it medicine? Call it medicine, not candy.
• Children learn by imitation. Take your medicines where children can’t watch.
• Always turn on the light when giving medicines. Never take medicines in the dark.

And one of the most important safety tips is to know what to do in the case of a poison emergency. Don’t wait for symptoms and don’t “doctor” yourself. If you suspect a poisoning, call Tennessee Poison Center for treatment advice about any kind of poison. The Poison Help toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222. (Save this number is your cell phone so you will be sure and have it if there is an emergency.)

Tennessee Poison Center provides the Poison Help hotline and poison prevention education for every Tennessee resident, and it’s the only poison control center in Tennessee.  When you call, a specially trained nurse, pharmacist, or doctor will help.  Last year, Tennessee Poison Center received 91,000 calls from Tennessee residents.  All calls are free and confidential.

Poison prevention is something everyone can do and it can save a life. Let’s work together to keep everyone in Tennessee safe from poisons.

 Josephine Darwin is Director of Community Outreach at Tennessee Poison Center. She has been educating Tennesseans about poison prevention for thirteen years.

This is the 4th post in a series on children’s sports health and safety. For other posts in the series, click here.

ACL injuries tend to be more common in female athletes playing soccer and basketball. In this short, informative video Vanderbilt pediatric sports medicine and orthopaedics experts discuss prevention strategies aimed at reducing the risk for these injuries in male and female athletes.

With spring sports getting under way, it is important to be mindful of your child’s health and safety.

Tomorrow we kick off a weeklong series dedicated to children’s sports health and safety.

Each day be sure to stop by and read the latest in the series. You can also subscribe via RSS or email to make sure you don’t miss a post. For email, just enter your email address in the box in the top right.

The links to the series will also be added to this post throughout the week.

Monday: How to Avoid Burnout

Tuesday: Recognizing Concussions

Wednesday: Weather Safety and Sports

Thursday: Preventing ACL Injuries in Young Athletes

Friday: Nutrition for Athletes

We hope you find this series informative!

As a working mom who successfully breastfed and pumped for both of my children for about a year each, I love chatting with other moms about breastfeeding and everything that is needed.

I learned a lot during my two years of breastfeeding. I truly believe it is one of the best things I have done for my children and am thankful that it was a positive experience.

If you are planning to breastfeeding, these are my must haves:

• Good nursing bras: My first trip out of the house with both of my newborns was to go buy some quality, well-made nursing bras. I quickly learned after my first child that the cheap bras I bought at a big box store were not going to cut it. If you plan to nurse for a long-time, the investment is worth it.
• Nursing pads: Most women need these, at least in the first weeks of nursing. My favorite were the kind by Medela. You can also find reusable pads that can be washed in your washing machine.
• Lanolin: This salve helps create a protective barrier on your nipples, and can also help heal sore, chapped or cracked nipples. I recommend using it from the get-go so that your nipples are as protected as possible. A little bit goes a long way and you will likely only need one tube for the entire time you nurse.
• Soothies: These round gel pads were lifesavers to me during those first days of nursing and severe tenderness. They are especially awesome cold – just put them in your fridge.
• Prenatal vitamins: Taking vitamins continues to be important after the baby arrives.
• A nursing pillow: I used with each one of my babies. While yes, you can use a regular pillow, in my opinion, one designed for nursing (one brand name is Boppy) is much easier and more comfortable.
• The Nursing Mother’s Companion: This book is a fantastic resource not just in the first weeks of nursing, but throughout your nursing journey.
• A cover: I preferred using a nursing cover when nursing in public. Be sure that your cover has plenty of fabric and is one that you like. It might seem silly, but I loved that mine had ruffles on it.

If you plan to pump, you will also need:

• An electric pump with properly sized shields: Hospitals offer pumps that you can rent if you are not sure you want to make an investment in an electric pump. Be sure that when you are at the hospital you have a lactation specialist help determine what size shields you need. Many women need a size other than what comes with the pump. Being fitted in the hospital will save you a lot of pain and frustration!
• A hands free bra: I honestly don’t know how I pumped for a year (with my first child) without one! These are so, so awesome and make pumping so much easier.
• Breast milk storage bags: You will need special bags for your “liquid gold” to store it in the refrigerator and freezer. I found that the generic bags worked just fine.

What would you add to this list?

About 22 years ago, I attended a funeral I will never forget.

It was for a co-worker of my Dad’s. I didn’t know her, but the image of three caskets in a row is burned into my memory. The family had died of carbon monoxide poisoning right after Christmas. The father was found on the stairs, Christmas ornaments that he must have been carrying up to the attic broken all around him. The mother and daughter (just a few years younger than I) were found in their beds.

Now I am a mom myself and you can bet I have a carbon monoxide detector in my home.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Carbon monoxide is made through the incomplete burning of various fuels. Common household sources of carbon monoxide include gas or oil furnaces, gas refrigerators, gas clothes dryers, gas ranges, gas water heaters or space heaters, fireplaces, charcoal grills and wood-burning stoves. Many of these are used more often in the winter, making carbon monoxide risk is higher during this time. If a car or gas-powered lawn mower engine is left running in an attached garage, these fumes (which contain carbon monoxide) can enter a home through walls or doorways.

The best way to keep your family safe is to install carbon monoxide detectors, which would sound if the gas were present in your home. Homes should have an alarm near all sleeping areas, and at least 15 feet away from any fuel-burning appliances.

When people inhale carbon monoxide, the gas replaces the oxygen in their bloodstream. This can cause them to suddenly become ill, slip into a coma, suffer brain damage or even die. Some 20,000 seek emergency medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning each year.

Carbon monoxide affects children the fastest. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, headaches, nausea and loss of consciousness. If you believe anyone in your family has inhaled carbon monoxide, remove the person from the area of possible exposure and call Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222) to determine your next steps. Doctors usually treat patients with oxygen and medication. The sooner treatment begins, the lower the risk for permanent damage.

Here are a few more tips for protecting your family:

• Test your carbon monoxide alarm monthly.
• Have gas, oil or coal-burning appliances, chimneys and fireplaces checked by a professional every year.
• Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• Never use a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home, garage or basement.
• Do not leave your car or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even with the garage door open.

Carbon monoxide alarms are available for 50% off during the month of January at the Safety Store, or you can pick one up at your local hardware store.

It’s the season of thankfulness. As a mom of two young kids myself, I desire to instill early in them the importance of gratitude.

Our family is just beginning the process of counting to 1,000 things we are thankful for. Each night at dinner we go around the table and say one thing. By this time next year, we should meet our goal. I love the idea of documenting our thankfulness every day. (Must be the scrapbooker in me). Twenty years from now I think our family gratitude journal will be a time capsule of life right now.

My mom taught me the importance of writing thank you cards, so those are a big part of our life. There’s nothing like a written note of thanks.

Last week we reached out to our Facebook followers to ask how they encourage gratitude with their children. We received dozens of answers. Here are a few of our favorites. We hope they inspire you in your own home.

We teach our children to serve others and by serving we can recognize our blessings. We also teach them what thankfulness & gratitude are through our actions. Gratitude is a matter of the heart and must be lived daily not just celebrated one season/holiday a year.
Helena Upchurch

We usually sponsor a child at each of their ages through Shoeboxes of Love, talking about the fact that this may be the first gift these children receive. We have so many possessions here in the US that we need to consciously be as grateful for them as these children would be for this one box of gifts.
Melissa Hancock Hogan

I teach mine to be thankful for what they have in a world where so many go without. We always do a holiday cleaning of old toys, coats & clothes to donate to make room for new Christmas stuff (plus my 5 year old’s birthday is 2 weeks after Christmas!). He selects what he doesn’t want and helps me take it to the donation center. I’ve also tried to instill in them how money and things aren’t everything in life and how to appreciate what we have: family, friends, a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs & food in our fridge.
Jessica Marie Temple

We give thanks by doing just that…giving. We volunteer at the local food bank, collect our spare change for the humane society, visit people at the nursing home, put together activity bags for children at the hospital, etc., activities that our very small children can participate in with a very limited budget.
Ashley Bolger

We adopt an angel from the angel tree or we have bought a family the fixings to make their thanksgiving dinner.
Shareka S Long

I have a well from my wedding day and I set it up. Everyone puts in three things they are thankful for from the yr and weather as a family read them allow before dinner on thanksgiving day
Danielle East

Before we sit down for thanksgiving dinner we say a prayer,then we each while in a circle holding hands, we say one word of what we are thankful for!
Becky Bell

How do you teach your children about gratitude?

If your kids are like mine, then they are so excited to go trick-or-treating tonight.

In all the excitement, it can be easy to become relaxed and forget about safety. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Safety Council (NSC), roughly four times as many children aged 5-14 are killed while walking on Halloween evening compared with other evenings of the year.

As you walk from door to door, please remember that children should:

• Go only to well-lit houses and remain on porches.
• Travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.
• Know their own phone number
• Have their names and addresses attached to costumes.
• Bring treats home before eating them so parents can inspect all candy.

When walking in neighborhoods, they should:

• Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
• Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks, and do not cross between parked cars.
• Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing.
• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
• Consider using face paint instead of masks. (Masks can obstruct a child’s vision.)
• Avoid wearing hats that will slide over the child’s eyes.
• Avoid wearing baggy, or loose costumes or oversized shoes (to prevent tripping).
• Be reminded to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

What are your kids dressing up as for Halloween?

Post adopted from a safety tip by Carole Bartoo

A few weeks ago, we had an appointment at the ENT. Because of an unavoidable surgery delay, we had to wait longer than anticipated. Working in health care, you would think I would know that waits sometimes are unavoidable.

Unfortunately, I came to the appointment with my two children – Adeline, 15 months and Elias, 4, - with only the bare essentials in my diaper bag. Thankfully, the great nursing staff came to my aid, giving my kids juice, water and crackers, as well as some books to occupy them.

And in an effort to not lose my mind, I thought of this post: 5 ways to stay busy while waiting at the doctor, the dentist or really any other place you have to wait with kids in tow.

1. Play – Many children’s doctor and dentist waiting rooms will have some form of entertainment. Take advantage of the fun toys and activity tables. Also, kneel down and play with your kids. I find that when I engage my children (versus having my nose in a magazine), they are happier and their attention spans lengthen.
2. Read – Tuck a few books in your bag so that you can read stories while you wait. Stories usually calm even my feisty toddler. That day, I wished I had an anthology of stories with me.
3. Color – It is amazing how a simple coloring book and a few crayons can pass the time. I sometimes will print a coloring sheet from the web and stick it in my purse before going somewhere with my kids. A new coloring sheet can be just the thing to bring some happiness to what could otherwise be a frustrating situation.
4. Bounce a ball – My kids love balls. They are great sources of entertainment – especially in small spaces like waiting rooms.
5. Tap and swipe - When all else fails, the taps and swipes of a game on a smart phone or tablet can be a perfect distraction.

What tips would you add to this list?