NUMC PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL BURN AWARENESS WEEK

Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP                                                                                           Michael B. Mirotznik, Esq.,

President/CEO                                                                                                                              Chairman Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2016

PRESS CONTACT:

Shelley Lotenberg

shelley@numc.edu

516-572-6055

East Meadow, NY……….  In honor of National Burn Awareness Week, child health advocates across the country are joining together to talk about preventing scald injuries to young children. Scalds are burns caused by “wet heat” like hot water or steam and are often worse than burns from fire or hot objects.

“Research shows that scalds are the most common type of burn injury in children five years and younger, and many of these scalds come from contact with hot food and drinks. Many parents know to check bath and tap water to make sure it is safe for young children’s sensitive skin, but they may not think about the risk of scalds from hot food and drinks,” stated Victor F. Politi, MD, FACP, FACEP, NuHealth/NUMC’s President/CEO. “Children have thinner skin than adults, so hot food and drinks can burn them more easily. Hot beverages like coffee are often served at 175 degrees Fahrenheit and hotter. Liquid this hot can burn a young child’s skin in as little as one second. These scalds can leave lifelong scars or result in hospital stays or surgeries.”

Nassau University Medical Center, a member of Prevent Child Injury, is participating in activities this week to teach families how to keep children safe from scalds related to hot food and beverages. “Burn accidents are all too common. Resulting injuries are often permanent. The entire staff of the Burn Center, supported by the American Burn Association, continually stresses prevention while caring for children and adults alike. Through education and outreach, well established programs permit primary care givers to spread the word on specific issues of home safety.  This has resulted annually in a dramatic decrease in burn injuries. Each February the National Burn Awareness Week focuses attention on preventative measures to keep our children safer. Join us to keep the dialog going.” said Roger L. Simpson, MD, MBA, FACS, President of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group and Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Director of the Burn Center at Nassau University Medical Center.

Nassau University Medical Center recommends following these tips.

On Tables, Counters, and Other Surfaces

Hot food and drinks aren’t just on the kitchen counter and dining room table. Children can and will grab anything they can reach, so keep an eye on every surface in your home.

§  Center it. Put hot food and drinks out of reach and away from the edges of counters and tables. Avoid using tablecloths and runners that children can pull down.

§  Put a lid on it. Use travel mugs or cups with tight-fitting lids for coffee and other hot drinks, even when you are at home.

§  Go solo. Give your children their own seats. If they are sitting in your lap, spills from your hot food and drinks can burn them too.

Around the Stove

While the best option is to keep young children out of the kitchen when you’re cooking, there are many ways to help keep your kids safe around the stove.

§  Turn it. Turn the handles of pots and pans so they do not hang over the edge of the stove. Cook on the back burners when possible.

§  Tape it. Mark a 3-foot “No Kids Zone” around the stove with tape or a mat.

§  Block it. Use baby gates to block off busy areas, or put children in highchairs, play yards or other safe places when you cook.

Using the Microwave

Parents might think microwaves are safer than stoves because they don’t have burners or flames, but microwaves can cause scalds just as easily.

§  Follow directions. Follow manufacturer instructions and limit use to kids who are old enough to follow written directions.

§  Stir it. Stir microwaved food after heating to get rid of hot spots.

§  Cool it. Cool microwaved food and drinks for at least two minutes before serving.

More information on scalds from hot food and drinks can be found at www.preventchildinjury.org.

Prevent Child Injury is a national group of organizations and individuals, including researchers, health professionals, educators, and child advocates, working together to prevent injuries to children and adolescents in the U.S. In collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevent Child Injury promotes coordinated communication to the public about prevention of child injury, which is the leading cause of death of our nation’s youth. To become a member of Prevent Child Injury or for more information and resources on this and other child injury topics, please visit www.preventchildinjury.org.