The Trauma Program at The Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC urges you to take the time to make your children and teens stay safe and play safe this holiday season. The Christmas and holiday season is a time to enjoy your family, entertain your friends and eat lots of goodies. It's not the time to visit the ER! We're all so busy at this time of year, and often when we're preoccupied our kids get into a bit of trouble. Of the 614 injuries treated in ER between December 12 to January 1, 2004, more than half happened at home and were preventable injuries such as broken bones or head traumas from falls, choking's from swallowing small toy parts or Christmas ornaments, poisonings from ingesting things like poinsettia leaves or burns from candles and hot liquids. These tips will hopefully allow you and your family to start the New Year off happy and healthy: - If you have a real Christmas tree make sure to water it frequently. Your tree will become a fire hazard if it dries out. - If a toy requires parental supervision please make sure you are on hand when your child plays with it. - Make sure all of your Christmas tree, Chanukah menorahs, or outdoor electric lights are in good working order. Remember to turn the lights off when you leave your house, and be careful not to overload sockets or extension cords with too many plugs.

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