Well, the snow is coming down today marking the first big snowstorm of 2010. Though we adults may dread driving in it, nothing makes kids happier than sledding down a hill blanketed with fresh snow.

But did you know that each winter 24,500 kids are injured in sledding accidents? About 3,000 of these kids suffer a serious brain injury as a result. These are scary statistics that no parent wants to think about. A few simple precautions can help prevent many of these injuries:

• Wear a helmet. Wear a helmet. Wear a helmet.
• Check the sledding area before your child uses it.
• Look for bumps and ice.
• Make sure it’s away from traffic and doesn’t lead to lakes or rivers.
• Always supervise your child while he or she is sledding.
• Dress your child appropriately. Tuck in scarves and other loose clothing so nothing gets caught under the sled.
• Teach sled control – how to control the sled, fall off safely and stop.
• Require your child to sled sitting down, facing forward only.
• One person to a sled, unless it’s specifically designed for more than one rider.
• Promote fair play – no pushing or shoving.
• Wait your turn – make sure the hill in front of you is clear of sledders before you go.

Put safety first, and you’ll help ensure a fun and safe sledding season for your child.

–Kevin Walter, MD, program director, Pediatric and Adolescent Sports Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

The day after my daughter was born, we were asked to enroll her in a clinical study. She was perfect, just what the study needed: a healthy child to compare to children with illnesses.

Through my job, I know what is involved in clinical research. Each study has risks and benefits, and that’s what I needed to know about to make our decision. In our case, there was no likely benefit to my daughter, but there was the potential to bring benefit to any future siblings she may have. The risk was no more than a normal blood test, and my wife and I had to answer some questions. We agreed to participate because the risks were very low, and the knowledge gained from our daughter may one day help prevent illnesses in other children.

But what if my daughter was sick, and the risks were greater than a blood sample? Clinical trials for sicker children can include experimental drugs with unknown side effects. In other words, a possible significant risk. We would have a lot more to think about. What would be the pros and cons of putting our daughter in a study where she could be given a drug that may or may not work, could have more side effects and could even cost us more?

On the other hand, the clinical trial may provide her access to the newest drug that could be more effective, have fewer side effects and, in some cases, could be provided free of charge.

Clinical trials, with the help of willing participants, advance translational research at Children’s Research Institute. It’s about good science to fix children’s health problems faster.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu9ctu2W7fw[/youtube]

If you ever are asked to be part of a study, ask lots of questions. Think clearly about the risks and benefits to your child. Don’t automatically rule out clinical research. Research treatment options could be beneficial, but that is a decision you and your family have to make together as you weigh the risks and benefits.

– Greg Anderson, research integrity manager, Children’s Research Institute

Hi, I’m Captain Cough, one of the four Children’s Flu Fighters. First, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy New Year as many of you head back to school and work this week. Second, I’d like to remind you that Children’s Flu Fighters (Missy Clean, Super Sneeze, the R & R Kid and I, Captain Cough) are working hard to protect your children and you from colds and flu. As we kick off 2010, I thought I would share some great advice our friend Jessica Balliet, RD, CD, a clinical dietitian at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin put together recently: (more…)