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MedPie.com’s Top 5 List Reveals Surprising Dangers

MedPie.com released its list of the Top 5 Hidden Health Hazards for Kids in summertime. “Most parents are aware of common summertime dangers like drowning and bike accidents, but these hidden hazards often result in severe injuries,” said Dr. Barbara Lock, editorial director of MedPie.com. The list highlights shocking statistics on accident risks to children that are overlooked or unknown.

#1 Summer weight gain: Children’s body mass indices (BMI) increased nearly twice as fast during the summer months compared to the school year. It appears those daily fitness programs built into many public school curricula make a difference.

#2 Trampoline injuries: 170 children per day are seen in U.S. hospital emergency departments because of trampoline injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents and schools not to install them — period.

#3 Lawn mower accidents: About 10,000 children per year are the victims of lawn mower accidents. Research advises no child less than 16 years-of-age should use a grass-cutting machine.

#4 Falls from windows, tree houses, and rope swings: Nearly 2800 children per year visit an emergency room as a result of a fall from a tree house and 700 more visit an emergency department to receive treatment for river tree rope swing injuries.

#5 Dog bites: Attacks increase in the summer and the family dog is often the perpetrator. An average of 914 dog bites are treated in U.S. emergency departments each day. Boys ages 5-9 are the most likely victims, racking up 60.7 emergency department visits per year for dog bites per 10,000 persons.