700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts About Safety & Prevention

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Posted by: Lara McKenzie, PhD, MA on Aug 12, 2026

I’ll admit I’m no Martha Stewart. But something about Pinterest sucks me in. But as a childhood injury researcher, I have a problem with Pinterest. I see ideas for children that are completely unsafe for them.

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No Poo in the Pool! Tips for Safe Enjoyment of the Water

First published August 2016 Updated August 2026 Nothing says summer like a day at the pool, waterpark, lake, or beach. Swimming is a great way to stay active and cool off, but even the cleanest-looking water can contain germs that make people sick.

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What Parents Need to Know About the Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana

Back in 2018, this 700 Children’s Blog taught about a brand-new hazard: somehow a group of drugs known as the synthetic cannabinoids was getting contaminated with blood thinners, and especially with a rat poison called brodifacoum. Here’s one with a bit of good news: one dangerous outbreak involving contamination of an abused drug has mostly faded away!

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

E-cigarettes and Liquid Nicotine: Are They Safe to Use Around Kids?

May 10, 2016

You already know that secondhand smoke from cigarettes is bad for your kids, but do you know about the dangers of e-cigarettes? Since e-cigarettes, vape pens, and other similar devices hit the U.S. market several years ago, their popularity has skyrocketed. Read More

Laundry Detergent Packet Dangers

Apr 25, 2016

Hey, moms and dads: I get it. You are busy. I’m a parent. I’m busy, too. My calendar is so full that I have to schedule time with my husband or it doesn’t happen. So I love products that make my life easier. Read More

How to Choose the Right Summer Camp (Yes, in January!)

Jan 19, 2016

Right about now, parents across the country are feeling the pressure. It’s not because their New Year’s resolutions are beginning to slide, or that the neighbors are starting to notice that the holiday decorations are still up. Read More

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Fire Escape Plan: Can Your Family Get Out in Less Than Two Minutes?

Jan 14, 2016

As a mother and an injury research scientist, I’ve dedicated much of my career to keeping kids safe and reducing pediatric injuries, which are the leading cause of death for children. Read More

Early Sports Specialization: Does Benefit Outweigh Risk?

Jan 05, 2016

Early sports specialization is when a young athlete chooses a single sport to practice and play exclusively. This usually occurs prior to elementary or middle school, is nearly year-round, and is an attempt to gain early skills. Read More

A Doctor's Take on Essential Oils

Jun 04, 2015

Essential oils are all the rage. You’ve probably also wondered if they really work. Are they safe? And is buying into the movement a waste of money or an effective use of a natural remedy? Read More

Are Laxatives Safe For Children?

Mar 17, 2015

While potential concerns have been raised about use of PEG 3350 in children, one must realize that refusing to use PEG 3350 laxatives due to a possible danger can result in the occurrence of a real known danger. Read More

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