The home is a revered place in the context of family life and has spawned many wonderful adages such as “Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home”, “Home is where the heart is” and many more.  Among its definitions are:  a valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin; a congenial environment; a place that serves as a social unit formed by a family living together; and an environment offering security and happiness.  In general, a home often fosters images of warmth, comfort, security and happiness.

In reality though, the home can be and often is a dangerous place for health and safety.  Health agencies have reported that one-third of all fatal injuries and one-third of injury-related accidents treated in emergency rooms happen in the home.  Among those most vulnerable to injuries and harm are children.  If the most important responsibility of parents is to protect the health and safety of their children, it is critical that they are aware of the potential health hazards in the home and take every measure available to ensure that the home is indeed a safe environment for their loved ones.

Two of the greatest sources of danger to children in the home are injuries, and even death, from choking and falls.  Addressing that problem, a Southern California-based company – Big John Products, Inc. – has created, manufactured and is distributing two patented products specifically designed to prevent harm to children from these two sources in the home. 

Heimlich Helper: A Life Saving Deterrent to Choking

Surveys have revealed that 60% of children (ages 14 years and under) who are admitted to emergency rooms are there as a result of choking on food.  The New York State Department of Health reports that choking is the fourth largest cause of death for children less than five years of age and the primary reason is related to choking on food. 

The Heimlich Helper provides an individual who is choking with the ability to remove the foreign object without the aid of another person – much as the “Heimlich Maneuver” is utilized for the same purpose when applied by another person.  It is lightweight and can be used by children or it has two person grips that allow another person (e.g. parent, sibling) to assist if needed.  It has no batteries and comes with a wall mount enabling it to be available in a convenient place (e.g. kitchen).  The Heimlich Helper is easy to administer and can be used in two ways: (1) with the person’s back to the wall administering the thrusts towards his/her stomach or (2) with the device anchored to a table with the thrusts going forward. 

Window Wedgie:  Eliminating Harm to Children Outside the House

Keeping the children inside the home and safe is critical – especially preventing them from falling through windows.  The Center for Injury Research and Policy of the National Children’s Hospital reported that during a recent 18 year period, an average of 5,200 adolescents per year were treated for window falls (average of 18 per day) with an average of eight deaths per year.

The Window Wedgie was created to keep children inside and safe – both from falling out of windows and also for use with sliding glass doors to restrict them from getting outside and being exposed to a myriad of potential sources of harm (e.g. pools, hillsides, animals, getting lost).  The device is simple to install, easily removable and will withstand 50 pounds of pressure.  Recommended amount of space to be open is four inches. 

With proper recognition of the inherent dangers that lurk for children in the home combined with taking proper measures to eliminate these potential sources of harm, parents can ensure that the home will truly be a place of safety and security for their children.

Additional information on the Heimlich Helper and Window Wedgie can be obtained from the company’s website, www.bigjohnproducts.com.

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