ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The flu vaccine is currently available for the majority of patients!!! Check with your doctor to see how to best protect your child for the upcoming flu season!

CAR SAFETY CHECKS

Once again, representatives from the Texas Department of Public Safety will be coming to the offices of Fort Worth Pediatrics to conduct FREE car seat safety inspections. Just come to any of our respective parking lots between the hours below (no appointment needed) and ensure your little ones are as safe as possible in the car.

Spring:

Henderson Office - May 10, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Merrimac Office - May 24, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Southwest Office- April 26, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Fall:

Henderson Office - September 13, 2010 at 9:00am - 3:00pm
Merrimac Office - October 4, 2010 at 9:00am-3:00pm
Southwest Office- September 27, 2010 at 9:00am-3:00pm

Texas Health Resources, formerly known to many in Fort Worth as the Harris Hospitals, provides FREE car seat safety checks for any age. Just call 877-THR-WELL ext 4 (877-847-9355 ext 4) to schedule.

KEEP YOUR TODDLER IN A REAR-FACING CAR SEAT UNTIL AGE 2 (NOT 1)

New research indicates that toddlers are more than five times safer riding in a rear facing car safety seat up to their second birthday. A child's lower extremities are unlikely to be injured rear-facing and the fragile skull and neck are much safer.

The following are safety tips for car seat use:

• All infants (less than 12 months) should rid rear-facing in either an infant car seat or convertible seat.
  
• If an infant car seat is used, the infant should be switched to a rear-facing convertible car seat once the maximum height (when the infant's head is within 1 inch of the top of the seat) and weight (usually 22 to 32 pounds) have been reached for that infant seat as suggested by the car seat manufacturer.
  
• Toddlers should remain rear-facing in a convertible car seat until they have reached the maximum height and weight recommended for the model, or at least the age of 2.

To see if your car seat is installed properly and to find a certified passenger safety technician in your area, visit http://seatcheck.org or http://nhtsa.dot.gov.cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm.

You can also call 866-SEATCHECK (866-732-8243) or 888-327-4236.

CURRENT TOPICS:

• Asthma
• Sun Exposure
• Insect Bites
• Water Safety
• After-Hours Calls