why is toy safety Important?
December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month
December is the biggest gift-giving month in the world. Holiday shopping is an exciting time for many, but with that excitement comes the importance of buying safe toys for the little ones. In 2019, it was reported that emergency rooms treated over 200,000 toy-related injuries! Even for teens, eye-related injuries, even leading to blindness, were not uncommon. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose safe toys to ensure everyone stays safe and enjoys the holiday cheer!
200,000 children under the age of 15 were treated by the U.S emergency departments due to toy-related injuries.
35% of toy-related injuries are ride-on toys, such as tricycles and non-motorized scooters.
100+ toy recalls have taken place in recent years due to safety concerns.
Checklist for Safe Toys
Asking yourself some basic questions can help you make the right choice when purchasing gifts for children and toddlers.
- What toys are appropriate for their age?
- Do they have allergies or skin sensitivities?
- Do they have sensory issues, such as fear of loud noises or discomfort from flashing lights?
- Are they physically and cognitively able to use this gift?
- If it is an outdoor toy, is there somewhere safe they can use it?
- Does this toy have sharp edges, points, or spikes?
- Is this toy nontoxic?
- Does this toy have an American Society for Testing and Materials approval seal?
- Would this toy easily break upon impact or can it be easily pulled apart?
- Does this toy have lead paint?
Common Hazards
Choking Risk
Small parts, loose batteries, or detachable pieces may easily be swallowed by young children.
Sharp Edges
Toys with spikes, points, or sharp edges can cause cuts, punctures, or more serious injuries.
Toxic Materials
Lead paint or harmful chemicals in plastics can be dangerous if swallowed or if near the skin.
Magnet Hazards
If swallowed, magnets can cause internal injuries to the body as they are attracted to other magnets.
Safe Options
Below are some toy and gift options for children and toddlers that are generally safe.
Smooth-Edges Wooden Blocks
Ensure that these do not splinter and are free from toxic paint.
Non-toxic Art Supplies
Crayons, markers, and paints should always be labeled as non-toxic.
Squeeze Toys
Soft rubber toys without small parts make great toys for children and toddlers.
Age-Appropriate Puzzles
Ensure the pieces are big enough to not pose a choking risk.
resources
Live-streamed classes
Fitness/Wellness Classes
Join the GatorCare Wellness Team Monday-Thursday at 12 PM for a 15-minute live-streamed fitness or wellness class. Each day focuses on a different aspect of fitness and wellness, including cardio, strength training, meditation, and stretching. All fitness levels are welcome, and no equipment is needed!
Fitness class
Zumba
Looking for a fun way to get active? Join Zumba, the ultimate dance fitness party! Zumba boosts your energy by combining cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Zumba is free to UF Health Shands and UF employees. Classes take place at UF Health Professional Park (3300 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM in room D102 (The Swamp). Sign up for a fun-filled workout!
Educational Resource
Get Informed
This organization declared December as Safe Toy Awareness month. Their mission is to prevent blindness and preserve sight. Click the link to read more information on choosing safe toys.
Any Florida BLue Member 18+
Next Steps Health Coaching
Experience individualized health coaching with the Florida Blue Next Steps Health Coaching program. Health coaching is free for all Florida Blue members who are ages 18+ and is available through phone and email with a Registered Nurse Certified Health Coach.
During these one-on-one sessions, discuss health and wellness topics that matter to you.
Open to everyone
Walking Challenges
GatorCare hosts walking challenges for UF and UF Health employees (and family members!) via an online step-tracking platform called Walker Tracker. Using Walker Tracker makes it easier for you to track your daily steps and even compete against your coworkers and family to encourage you to reach your step goals. Walker Tracker can be accessed on a computer browser or via an app that is downloadable to your personal cell phone. You can sync your wearable activity-tracking device or you can manually enter your steps into the platform.
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