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Using sparklers on our nation's birthday is as traditional as cookouts and swimming and is equally safe if a few commonsense rules are followed. But according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 16 percent of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of sparkler injuries occurring to young children. These are injuries that would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced:

Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.

Always remain standing while using sparklers.

Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.

Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.

Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.

Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.

Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.

Never throw sparklers.

Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.

Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to be Sparkler Smart this Fourth of July in their holiday celebrations. For more information, visit www.fireworkssafety.org.

(6-30-09)

The Baby Einstein Company, the leader in the infant media category, has received eight awards since the beginning of the year from distinguished organizations that recognize the best family-friendly products on the market and from moms and dads who simply cannot live without Baby Einstein. Since the company's debut 10 years ago, The Baby Einstein Company has been making millions of moms and babies around the world smile with its award-winning DVDs, books, CDs, toys and gear, all specifically designed to engage babies and provide parents with ways to help bring the world into their homes.

In 2009, Baby Einstein has received the following awards:

iParenting Best Products – Animal Exploration Tunnel

iParenting Excellent Products – World Music DVD

iParenting Excellent Products – World Music CD

Parent Tested Parent Approved Best Products – 10th Anniversary Baby Mozart

Parent Tested Parent Approved Best Products – 10th Anniversary Baby Beethoven

The National Parenting Center 2009 Seal of Approval – World Music DVD

2009 Mom's Choice Product Line of the Year – Baby Einstein Company

Cookie "Word of Mom" 2008 – Best Kids DVD: The Baby Einstein Collection

"We are thrilled to be among the winners of these prestigious awards, which are awarded by moms themselves because it is an ongoing reinforcement that our products are making an impact in the lives of parents and babies," says Susan McLain, vice president and general manager of The Baby Einstein Company. "Baby Einstein was founded by a new mom looking to share her passion for arts and humanities with her newborn daughter and we continue that mission because of the thousands of letters we receive each year from moms who are using our products to entertain and play with their child(ren)."

For more information on The Baby Einstein Company and its award-winning products, visit www.babyeinstein.com or www.littleeinsteins.com.

Learn more about the iParenting Awards at www.Family.Go.com/products or iParentingMediaAwards.com.

(6-30-09)

Fourth of July fireworks can frighten pets and farm animals and cause them to react in ways that might injure them. But a Purdue veterinarian says there are numerous ways to protect your pets during the celebrations.

"Owners must use common sense when they allow pets to join the festivities," says Lorraine Corriveau, a wellness veterinarian at Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine. "Some dogs like chasing those spinning and swirling objects on the ground. Others fear loud noises. Owners can use simple tricks like putting cotton in their pets' ears to muffle the sound."

Corriveau suggests these tips for lowering the noise stress of pets:

Never leave pets alone outdoors, even if tethered or in a fenced yard. Dogs, especially, may escape and become lost or injure themselves chewing or choking on their leashes. Keep small pets indoors, preferably in a room without windows, and horses in their stalls.

Make sure all sharp objects are removed from enclosures.

Turn on the radio or TV for distraction.

Do not take pets to fireworks shows.

Do not leave a pet in a car unattended.

Keep pets on leash or in a carrier if they must be outside.

Protect animals from children who may not realize that waving sparklers or setting off "safe" firecrackers could upset pets.

Keep I.D. tags current so the pet and owner can be reunited if loud noises cause it to run away.

Sedate horses and some dogs if needed. Noise phobia can get worse as a pet ages. A veterinarian can advise about giving a mild sedative or tranquilizer to calm the fears of an overstressed dog, cat or horse.

Desensitize your pet by playing CDs that contain noises of thunderstorms, fireworks or gunshots.

Pick up leftover sparklers and other sharp objects when the night of festivities is over.

(6-30-09)

Using a lawnmower can be as routine as bike riding or barbeques during spring and summer. But often, people find themselves in terrifying situations with these seemingly safe household machines. In fact, 200,000 people – 16,000 of them children – are injured in lawn-mower-related accidents each year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

However, lawn mowers don't "attack" on their own. Most injuries – such as severed fingers and toes, limb amputations, broken bones, burns and eye injuries – are caused by careless use and can be prevented by following a few simple safety tips.

The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) have teamed up to prevent injuries and educate adults and children about the importance of lawnmower safety during National Safety Month, June 2009.

"In 19 years of practice as a plastic surgeon and microsurgeon, some of the most devastating and disabling injuries I've treated are from lawnmower accidents," says ASRM President Dr. William Zamboni. "It's especially concerning when children are injured since most of these injuries are preventable."

Many lawnmower-related injuries require a team of physicians from various specialties – plastic surgery, microsurgery, maxillofacial surgery, pediatrics and orthopedics – to properly repair them. Often, patients must endure painful reconstructive operations for months, sometimes years, to restore form and function.

"Power lawnmowers are dangerous adult tools, but many children, and sometimes adults unfortunately, see them as toys," says ASPS President Dr. John Canady. "Lawn mowing can be dangerous to the operator as well as those nearby if proper safety precautions aren't taken. Physicians in this coalition often repair these heart wrenching injuries, and we feel it's our duty to help people avoid these accidents in the first place."

The ASRM, ASPS, ASMS, AAP and AAOS offer the following tips to help prevent lawnmower-related injuries:

Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawnmower, and at least 16 years old for a ride-on mower.

Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.

Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing – not sandals.

Young children should be at a safe distance from the area you are mowing.

Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.

Always wear eye and hearing protection.

Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.

Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – carefully look for others behind you when you do.

Start and refuel mowers outdoors – not in a garage. Refuel with the motor turned off and cool.

Blade settings should be set by an adult only.

Wait for blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute or crossing gravel roads. (As a safety feature, some newer models have a blade/brake clutch that stops the blade each time the operator releases the handle.)

"We are pleased to be part of this lawn mower injury prevention coalition," says ASMS President Dr. Kevin Kelly. "Maxillofacial plastic surgeons treat numerous facial injuries caused by lawnmowers, particularly to children, and the effects can be devastating. Very often, we see patients who suffer significant facial injuries by items thrown out of mowers like sticks and stones."

Photos of injured patients and a PSA video titled "When Lawn Mowers Attack" are available for download on ASPS' Web site at www.plasticsurgery.org/x8086.xml.

(6-30-09)

Celebrities helped create a generation free of HIV at the 20th annual A Time For Heroes Family Picnic, held June 7 in Los Angeles in support of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. More than 80 of Hollywood's best-known names volunteered their time as "heroes" working carnival-style game booths and interacting with guests and families.

Drawn from the worlds of film, television, fashion, sports and music were such attendees as Heidi Klum, Mark Wahlberg, Dwyane Wade, Billy Crystal, Sharon Stone, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Tony Hawk, among many others. The day was topped off with a musical performance by superstar and Disney recording artist Miley Cyrus. The fun-filled day combined play with purpose as guests also learned about the Foundation's 20-year history of battling pediatric AIDS and helping children and families around the world. The event raised more than $1.3 million for the fight against pediatric AIDS.

Kids and families were dazzled with many activities and surprises including:

An incredible concert performance by Miley Cyrus and her full band on the main stage.

The Disney UP storytelling area where carnival attendees were read to by celebrities and special guests such as Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, Melissa Joan Hart, Henry Winkler and Selena Gomez.

A Disney Channel Backstage area where guests were given the full star treatment.

The Disney-Pixar Toy Story area, where guests experienced the secret life of toys.

Becoming fashion designers at the Michael Stars Tee Shirt Customization Station.

Soap making at Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day area.

Denim decorating with 77kids by American Eagle.

Getting their photos on the cover of the world's most popular magazine at the People Photo Booth.

Following the yellow brick road and designing ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz area.

Working with celebrity Heroes to create special Generation-Free Kits to be sent to mothers and babies in Africa.

Face painting, hockey, basketball, football booths and many others.

For more information, visit www.pedaids.org.

(6-23-09)

Disneynature has acquired the North American and Mexican distribution rights to the exciting new underwater film OceanWorld 3D, the first feature-length nature documentary ever filmed and released in 3D.

The film is presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the legendary Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and was directed and produced respectively by veteran filmmakers Jean-Jacques and Francois Mantello (Sharks 3D, Ocean Wonderland 3D, Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean).

This deal marks the first collaboration between Disneynature and 3D Entertainment, a company founded in 2001 to produce unique and immersive 3D story-driven experiences for audiences of all ages. OceanWorld 3D, an 85-minute feature film, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival Annual Film Market last month, and will be released theatrically in France and Russia starting this August. The film's North America debut will be announced at a later date.

OceanWorld 3D takes moviegoers on an awesome journey that captures the beauty and diversity of the oceans – the source of all life on our planet – and inspires them to protect its fragile ecosystem and inhabitants. Guided by a sea turtle, viewers will enjoy a close-up look at her fascinating world from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and Argentina's Peninsula Valdez to Mexico's Roca Partida Island, home to thousands of sharks. They will witness some of the most unforgettable scenes of life beneath the waves ever captured: the manta ray's enchanting ballet, the noble procession of hammerhead sharks; the lionfish's relentless hunt; dolphins playing algae-soccer; the astonishing beauty of the Spanish dancer sea slug and leafy sea dragon; and an exceptional encounter with the largest cetaceans on the planet.

The film is the result of seven years of production, 25 international expeditions and 200 hours of footage shot exclusively in the wild in 3D.

For more information, visit www.disney.com/nature.

(6-23-09)

Swimming is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy, but proper pool safety is essential. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBPSSA), which took effect in December 2008, now requires that new anti-entrapment devices be installed.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 300 children under the age of 5 drown in pools/spas each year and an additional 5,000 to 6,000 children are severely injured. Many of these accidents are due to broken or improperly installed drain covers. The VGBPSSA requires installation of new, stronger drain covers, which are designed to resist UV degradation and prevent body parts or hair from becoming trapped in the drain due to suction.

To help reduce the potential for accidents in and around the pool, NSF International, a public health and safety organization, is offering free pool safety tips on its Web site. NSF's recreational water safety experts have developed the following tips to help families create a safer swimming environment:

Make sure properly-sized drain covers are installed. Don't allow anyone to play with or remove a drain cover. Consider upgrading to new certified drain covers that meet the requirements of the VGBPSSA.

There is no substitute for adult supervision – a responsible adult should be present at the pool side at all times, especially when non-swimmers or small children are present.

Establish and enforce rules for pool use. Make sure kids do not run or play games near the pool and that any wheeled toys, such as tricycles, are kept away from the pool area.

Be sure to drain any standing water from the surface of the pool cover, as small children can drown in even the smallest amount of water. Always remove the cover completely before allowing anyone to swim. This will help prevent swimmers from getting trapped underneath the cover.

Make sure your pool area is surrounded by a fence that complies with local building codes. Gates leading to the pool area should have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism to prevent unauthorized entry.

Another option to help prevent unauthorized access to your pool would be a certified barrier or pool alarm. In addition to above-ground, floating and submerged alarms, there are even wristband alarms available that can be placed on small children to help alert parents if a child should accidentally fall into the water.

For more information, visit NSF.org.

(6-23-09)

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has announced the launch of PD Online Research (pdonlineresearch.org), a resource-rich virtual workplace that MJFF hopes will become a vibrant Web-based community of PD researchers and funders collaborating and conversing across the globe. MJFF's goal in developing the site is simple: quicker knowledge turns and therefore faster progress in developing transformative new therapies for people with Parkinson's disease.

PD Online is a direct outgrowth of the MJFF's awareness that its own convening power – which brings together hundreds of research professionals at scores of in-person meetings every year – is in many ways as important to research progress as is its funding. "Extending the incredibly productive and efficient interactions we see at our meetings to the Web via a scientific social/professional network will provide a platform for thousands of research professionals across the world. It will let them engage daily on key hurdles and hot topics, hopefully accelerating progress and breakthroughs in PD drug development," says Katie Hood, CEO of the MJFF.

The site, which has been conceptualized and built by MJFF in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital and the Initiative in Innovative Computing at Harvard University, is a one-stop shop for both an overview of the state of Parkinson's disease research as well as deep dives into top therapeutic targets and technical issues. The Foundation also hopes PDOR will help drive even better decision-making about PD research investment, helping public, nonprofit and private PD investors access a larger pool of experts than ever before, and in the process make smart and timely decisions about the research paths they choose to pursue.

PD Online Research content is offered as a free resource to the general public. But since MJFF's primary focus is on building a technical hub for Parkinson's research, only scientists, clinicians, allied health care professionals directly engaged in scientific research and investment decision-makers interested in Parkinson's disease in the public, nonprofit and private sectors will have the ability to post directly to the site.

Other interested parties, including people with Parkinson's and their families and members of the general public, will have the ability to read content and discussions and are invited to submit ideas and questions about PD science and therapeutic development to the PD Online team, who will add this input to the PD Online mix where it can help drive discussion and debate forward.

"PD Online will be successful if we can develop a committed and active community all tied to the same goal of accelerating a cure," says Dr. Gene Johnson, chief scientific advisor to MJFF. "But community members really need to believe in the value of the site not only for the greater good, but for their own work. We believe this is possible given the quality of the platform we've developed, and we're excited to see how the community evolves and speeds progress going forward."

Learn more at www.michaeljfox.org.

(6-16-09)

Before enjoying the outdoors, don't forget to apply the sunscreen. "If used properly, sunblock is very effective at preventing the harmful effects of the sun that may lead to both skin cancer and accelerated aging," says Dr. Sarah Weitzul, assistant professor of dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "Ultraviolet light, made up of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths, has been shown to cause mutations that lead to cancer in skin cells. Such mutations and other effects can be prevented by the use of sunblock."

To get the most out of sunscreen, Dr. Weitzul suggests the following:

Apply liberally at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun for full absorption into the skin. If applied too thin, the protective factor can be reduced dramatically.

Re-apply after immersion in water, sweating, contact with clothes or after every three hours.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers both UVA and UVB. Look for products that contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Use daily. Dr. Weitzul tells her patients to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 if they are going to be out in the sun for 15 minutes or less. For prolonged exposure, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is recommended.

(6-09-09)

Emmy Award-winning actress Christina Applegate, star of ABC's hit sitcom Samantha Who?, returns as the 2009 ambassador for Lee National Denim Day, one of the country's largest single-day fundraisers for breast cancer, benefiting the Women's Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Applegate, who was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2008, will appear in a new public service campaign that encourages people to wear their jeans on Friday, October 2, in exchange for a $5 donation to support crucial breast cancer research being funded by the Women's Cancer Programs. She is the first ambassador to return for a second time and the first to be a breast cancer survivor.

"Lee National Denim Day is such an effective grassroots campaign and its importance has become even more real to me in this past year," says Applegate. "By joining together on October 2, we can raise millions to support breast cancer research. It's so simple and so powerful. I truly believe that events like this help save lives."

Registration is now open and people nationwide can sign up for Denim Day 2009. Groups and individuals can register by visiting www.denimday.com or by calling 1-800-521-5533 to receive a comprehensive participation kit, which includes educational materials about breast cancer and supplies for easy coordination. As an added incentive, anyone who signs up by May 21 will be entered to win one of 100 free Denim Day tote bags.

The money raised through the campaign will help the Women's Cancer Programs of EIF to do the following:

Support Lee Laboratories nationwide, which work to find more effective, less toxic treatments for breast cancer and increase patient access to some of the most significant clinical trials in the nation.

Fund EIF's Breast Biomarker Discovery Project, a multi-year effort led by world-class scientists to develop a blood test for earlier detection of breast cancer.

Create resources with the National Breast Cancer Coalition to offer individuals with breast cancer evidence-based information, and train advocates nationwide.

And this year, funds will also support Applegate's newly launched foundation Right Action for Women. The foundation educates women about what it means to be at "high risk" for breast cancer and encourage them to talk to their doctors about appropriate screening. Right Action for Women will also provide aid to individuals who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have insurance or the financial flexibility to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings.

"We've watched Christina carry herself with such grace over the past year and we couldn't be happier to have her join us again for Lee National Denim Day," says Liz Cahill, VP of Marketing and Communications for Lee Jeans. "Early detection, along with the translational research being conducted through our Lee Labs, will help us make significant strides in the fight against breast cancer. And through our work with NBCC, we want to arm people with the facts to make informed decisions about how to deal with a diagnosis."

Since its inception in 1996, the program has raised more than $75 million to fight breast cancer. (6-09-09)