WASHINGTON POST
Parents who contemplate turning over lawn mower duty to their children this summer, take note: Mowing injuries can be devastating but are usually preventable, a coalition of physicians groups warns.
Last year more than 220,000 Americans were treated in emergency rooms and doctors' offices for mowing-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including more than 16,500 children and teen-agers.
Some problems
Eye injuries, partial limb amputation and mutilating hand trauma are common consequences, according to the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
"It never ceases to amaze me how our emergency rooms continue to see the devastating injuries that lawn mowers can cause," said Lawrence Colen, president of the reconstructive microsurgery society.
To prevent injuries, children should be at least 12 before they operate any lawn mower and at least 16 before they use a ride-on mower, the physicians groups advise.
And a teen-ager who operates a lawn mower should wear sturdy shoes and protective eyewear, the group advises.
Monday, June 25, 2007
WASHINGTON POST
Parents who contemplate turning over lawn mower duty to their children this summer, take note: Mowing injuries can be devastating but are usually preventable, a coalition of physicians groups warns.
Last year more than 220,000 Americans were treated in emergency rooms and doctors' offices for mowing-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including more than 16,500 children and teen-agers.
Some problems
Eye injuries, partial limb amputation and mutilating hand trauma are common consequences, according to the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
"It never ceases to amaze me how our emergency rooms continue to see the devastating injuries that lawn mowers can cause," said Lawrence Colen, president of the reconstructive microsurgery society.
To prevent injuries, children should be at least 12 before they operate any lawn mower and at least 16 before they use a ride-on mower, the physicians groups advise.
And a teen-ager who operates a lawn mower should wear sturdy shoes and protective eyewear, the group advises.
Monday, June 25, 2007
WASHINGTON POST
Parents who contemplate turning over lawn mower duty to their children this summer, take note: Mowing...
