Make toy safety a priority this season

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 170,000 kids under 15 years-old required medical attention for toy-related injuries last year.
More astonishing is that nearly half of that number were kids 5 years or younger, with the majority of the injuries being to the head and face.
Prevent Blindness America (PBA), the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Month.
With the holidays just around the corner and the holiday shopping season already in place, PBA is encouraging to every shopper to make conscientious decisions based on what is best for children.
With attention lately being focused on dangerous toys with high lead content, those with potential choking hazards, and poorly constructed toys, taking every precaution is more important than ever.
“It can be very tempting to buy the hottest toy or game, but it may not be the best choice for your child. It is much more important to make sure that the gifts we give are safe,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of PBA.
Giving gift certificates for movie theaters or retail stores to older children, avoiding toys that shoot objects or with parts that fly off, and giving sports gifts with protective gear are some of the tips Prevent Blindness America says everyone should follow in order to have a safe holiday season.
Prevent Blindness America was founded in 1908 and is dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. It carries its work through a network of nationwide affiliates, divisions and chapters.
For more information, or to make a donation, call 800-331-2020 or go to www.preventblindness.org on the web.