Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/223209
Keeping Watch for Choking Hazards 3 "CHOKING IS A serious health concern for young and old alike," says Shef Massey, DO, FACEP, Medical Director of Emergency Medical Services for St. Joseph's and Sacred Heart hospitals. "Every year we see several patients due to choking. Most cases involve swallowed items lodged in the throat but people are still able to breathe, and we work hard to educate the public about preventing and properly responding to choking." WHAT TO DO Being aware is the first step to preventing choking. If you spend time with young children, make sure they do not have access to hard candy, toys, or other foods and objects that could become lodged in their throats. Certain medications and age-related conditions may make it difficult for adults to swallow. If preparing meals or snacks for a family gathering, provide options that are easy to eat. Steak, popcorn, and peanut butter are foods that may be hard to get down. If someone begins choking, performing the Heimlich maneuver can save his or her life. Position yourself behind the person, put a balled fist above the navel, and pull it sharply in and up in one fluid motion. Have another person call 911 immediately to get emergency help. In an emergency, minutes matter. Call 911 for all life-threatening choking situations. For throat injuries sustained after choking, visit Sacred Heart Urgent Care, located next to the ED entrance and open seven days a week, 6 a.m.–10 p.m., or St. Joseph's 24/7 Urgent Care Center in Chippewa Falls. P lay Your Way Fit IF STAYING FIT IS FEELING MORE LIKE WORK AND LESS LIKE FUN, IT MAY BE TIME TO TRY A NEW APPROACH. FORGET ABOUT "WORKING" out—start turning gym time into playtime. It's all about choosing activities that inspire you, connect you with others, and help you develop good habits that don't feel like chores. "Being active gives us great benefits, both physically and mentally, so it is very important to make physical activity part of everyday life," says Chris Klay, Physical Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation Services at St. Joseph's Hospital. "People who have fun while being physically active have an easier time getting started and are more committed in the long run." GET GOING! Klay recommends classes such as Zumba® for those who love to dance, yoga and Tai Chi for challenging new moves while busting stress, and adult sports-focused activities like the local YMCA's Soccersize series for current and former athletes. "If you don't want to be tied to a gym, experiment at home with activities such as hula hooping or jumping rope," Klay suggests. "Try organizing a kick ball tournament or adult field day. Anything that gets you moving, works up a sweat, and makes you smile will do. Remember to ease into new activities just like you would at the gym. Stretch, warm up, and cool down to avoid injuries." Visit GOChippewaValley.com and download the GO myWay mobile app for more ideas to get moving and have fun in the process. SAC R ED H E A RTE AU C L A I R E .O RG ACCORDING TO A STUDY PUBLISHED IN 'PEDIATRICS,' THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN TREATED FOR CHOKING IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS (EDs) IS ON THE RISE. HOW CAN CHILDREN AND PARENTS STAY SAFE?