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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)

Moms with children under 18 are responsible for feeding 141 million individuals, and these moms are anxious about rising food prices and struggling to stay within a budget in this turbulent economy, according to a new report by The NPD Group, a leading market research company. The NPD report finds having enough money to meet their family's needs is the top concern among moms today, and the majority of those moms aren't optimistic about improvement in their situation, even in a year's time.

The moms surveyed by NPD say they're trying to save money on grocery purchases, and the top strategy moms say they are using is turning to discount stores more, buying less expensive brands, stocking up more often to take advantage of sales, searching for lower prices in store circulars and choosing store brands more often.

Here are the top 5 claimed ways moms' shopping habits have changed vs. 12 months ago:

1. Using Wal-Mart or other discount stores more often.
2. Buying less expensive brands more often.
3. Stocking up more often to take advantage of sales.
4. Searching store circulars more often for low prices.
5. Choosing store brands more often.

"Even though moms are trying to save money on groceries, they still want meals that are easy and quick to prepare, and healthy, affordable options for themselves and their families," says Dori Hickey, product development director at NPD and author of What's on the Minds of Moms and How They're Coping Today.

Here are moms' top 5 claimed influences on food and beverage purchases:

1. Trying to save money on grocery purchases.
2. Want meals that are easy to prepare.
3. Trying to eat healthy.
4. Need to stay within a food budget.
5. Want meals that are quick to prepare.

(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)

Sarah Jessica Parker, 44, best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, and her husband, Matthew Broderick, 47, welcomed twin girls on June 22, according to People magazine. The baby girls, born via a surrogate, were named Marion Loretta Elwell and Tabitha Hodge Broderick. Marion weighed 5 pounds, 11 ounces, and sister Tabitha weighed 6 pounds. The babies will join the couple's first child, James Wilkie, 6.

(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)

When should a parent schedule a comprehensive eye assessment for a baby? Clinical research has shown that at 6 months, the average baby has reached a number of critical developmental milestones, making this an appropriate age for the first eye and vision assessment.

According to the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 2008 American Eye-Q survey, which tracks public knowledge and understanding of a wide range of issues related to eye and visual health, only 13 percent of parents make sure their children receive a comprehensive eye assessment in their first year.

It's estimated that one in 10 children is at risk from an undiagnosed eye or vision problem that, if left untreated, can lead to difficulties later in school or even permanent vision loss. Additionally, many children at risk for eye and vision problems are not being identified at an early age, when many of those problems might be prevented or more easily corrected.

Infant eye and vision assessments offer early detection of vision and eye health problems and are critical to a child's development. Through the Optometry's Charity – The AOA Foundation's public health program, InfantSEE, optometrists provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, typically between the ages of 6 and 12 months. These assessments are provided at no cost to all families, regardless of families' ability to pay or access to insurance coverage.

"Many eye conditions have no visual symptoms so detection by a parent or in a well-baby checkup may be difficult," says Dr. Glen Steele, optometrist and chair of the InfantSEE committee. "Therefore, an early comprehensive vision assessment is the best way to ensure your baby has healthy eyes and appropriate vision development – now and in the future."

"The good news about a trip to the optometrist is that most babies seem to enjoy the 'games' we use to determine whether their visual development is progressing normally and their eyes are healthy," says Dr. Steele.

Since infants cannot speak, optometrists perform several non-invasive tests that evaluate visual acuity, refraction, motility, alignment, binocularity and overall eye health. As detailed below, these tests can identify signs of vision problems, such as strabismus (crossed-eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye) and diseases of the eye.

Family health history is also an important part of an infant's eye assessment. An optometrist will want to know about the parents' vision problems as well as the broader family's eye and medical history, developmental history and demographic data. Factors that may indicate a baby is at significant risk for visual impairment include the following:

Premature birth, low birth weight or oxygen used following birth

Family history of eye diseases such as retinoblastoma (eye cancer), congenital cataracts or metabolic or genetic disease

Drug or alcohol use during pregnancy

Sexually transmitted diseases, cytomegalovirus or HIV

Difficult or assisted labor, which may be associated with fetal distress or low Apgar scores

In addition to sharing findings with the parents, the doctor of optometry may send summary information to the infant's pediatrician, family physician or other appropriate practitioners to report and explain any significant condition(s) or concerns diagnosed in the assessment.

To learn more, visit InfantSEE.org.

(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)

Parents magazine has revealed the exclusive findings from its first-ever 10 Best Fast-Casual Family Restaurants survey. At a time when many household budgets don't allow for meals out at sit-down restaurants and fast-food places aren't exactly known for healthy menus, "fast casual" restaurants, a hybrid of the two, are increasingly popular with families across the country. Fast-casual restaurants provide quick meals, usually made from healthier ingredients, served in a more upscale setting.

The results of the 10 Best Fast-Casual Family Restaurants survey are the culmination of a two-month study that examined 50 restaurant chains nationwide. Parents focused on honoring restaurants with a variety of healthy kids' menu offerings, family-friendly conveniences and overall value.

According to the Parents survey, these are the 10 Best Fast-Casual Restaurants:

1. Cosi
147 locations in 19 states

2. Jason's Deli
210 locations in 27 states

3. Noodles & Company
205 locations in 18 states

4. Fazoli's
260 locations in 26 states

5. Panera Bread
1,264 locations in 40 states

6. Zpizza
91 locations in 16 states

7. Atlanta Bread
103 locations in 24 states

8. Corner Bakery Cafe
115 locations in 11 states

9. Taco Del Mar
260 locations in 20 states

10. McAlister's Deli
283 locations in 22 states

"These days, tight household budgets make going out to eat as a family a real treat," says Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents. "The 10 restaurants on Parents' list are affordable, healthy and family-friendly."

Each restaurant answered a 25-question survey and submitted nutritional information for all of the items on their kids' menus. Parents then examined the calories, fat and sodium in each dish on the menu. Healthfulness and range of choices on the kids' menu made up 70 percent of each restaurant's score. The survey, which made up the remaining 30 percent of each restaurant's overall ranking, included questions about family conveniences, value promotions and kid-friendly features.

(6-23-09)