Parents trying to burn extra calories on the treadmill are being
warned. According to Christi Cassidy, L.P.N., a nurse with the burn
unit at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, more children are being
seen at the hospital due to treadmill burns.
“We’re seeing about 12 kids a year with treadmill burns that’s up
about 50 percent,” says Cassidy. “From crawlers to school-age children,
we’re seeing kids that have stuck their fingers into moving treadmills,
resulting in many burns that require grafting.”
Kids and cooking create another familiar injury seen at the burn
unit. Inexpensive and easy-to-make, kids love to prepare Ramen noodles
for an after-school snack. With microwaves that can reach 150 degrees
per minute, many children get burned from the spilled soup or the bowl
itself.
“It’s important to add a barrier between hot foods and children’s
bodies, children must be taught to use oven mitts, and to not put hot
bowls in their lap.” Cassidy says.
Cassidy reminds parents and caregivers to use common sense in their
everyday surroundings:
- Take the key out of the treadmill so a child can’t start it.
- Keep irons and ironing boards out of a child’s reach.
- Do not leave curling irons, straightners or hot rollers
unattended.
- Use cold water humidifiers instead of hot-air models.
- Remember, stove tops and microwaves don’t cool immediately.
- Fireplace screens, especially glass screens, and fireplace
tools can get extremely hot, watch children around them.
Cassidy suggests burns that are bigger than the palm of a hand
should receive medical attention. She warns against using such at-home
remedies as butter, toothpaste or honey. It's better to run tap water
over the injury to cool it down for about ten minutes; then cover the
burn with a clean cloth and seek medical help.
