HCHD Kicks off Baby Safety Month with Focus on Children Left in Cars

HOUSTON (Sept. 5, 2008) – With recent incidents involving children being left unattended in hot cars, physicians and experts at Ben Taub General Hospital will remind parents and caregivers during a press conference at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 to be mindful of the dangers of heat this summer. 

“Children, seniors and pets are very susceptible to being overcome by the heat during these hot days,” said Sheila Henderson, outreach coordinator for trauma services for the Harris County Hospital District. “This danger is compounded when these at-risk populations are left unattended in cars where temperatures quickly rise to dangerous levels.” 

Experts from the Ginni and Richard Mithoff Trauma Center at Ben Taub Hospital urge the public to take sensible steps to beat the heat. Every one is reminded that heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be life-threatening. 

Some recommendations to avoid heat complications:

• Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned environment, not just under a fan
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine or excessive sugar
• Frequently check on the elderly, people who are ill, and others who may need help
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets inside a parked car

“We want everyone to stay safe this summer and remember the simple advice of drinking plenty of fluids and remaining in air-conditioned facilities,” Henderson said. “It's best to be cautious about the heat and learn about its dangers.” 

WHAT: Kick-off to National Baby Safety Month
 

WHEN: 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5
 

WHERE: Emergency Ambulance Dock
              Ben Taub General Hospital
              1504 Taub Loop, Houston, 77030 

The Harris County Hospital District is the public health care system for the nation's third most populous county. It provides more than 1 million health care visits each year to uninsured, underinsured and medically needy residents of Harris County. It operates three hospitals, 12 community health centers, 13 homeless shelter clinics, eight school-based clinics, a dental center and five mobile health units.