Pedaling for Safety
by Dr. Kimberly Schindler 
Pediatric Associates, CHKD Medical Group
Every day, approximately 1,000 children are rushed to emergency rooms nationwide because of bicycle-related accidents. Teach your little ones the rules of the road now to avoid serious injury. A helmet is the most important safety accessory when riding a bike. Helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by 85 percent. A helmet that fits properly should not rock back and forth or side to side. Be sure to use safety accessories such as reflectors – one on the back of the bike and one on the front. Also, be sure the bike fits. Your child should be able to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground. Additional safety tips are on CHKD.org.

by Dr. Cara Novick
Children's Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, CHKD Surgical Group
As the weather gets warmer, the grass gets higher. For many families, that means a lot of time spent outdoors tending to yard work. Mowing the lawn is one of the most common chores this time of year, but it can also be dangerous. Thousands of children end up in the emergency room every year because of lawn mower-related injuries. Never let a child ride on a riding lawn mower, and make sure young children are safely indoors when you plan to mow. Additional tips to prevent lawn mower injuries in kids are on CHKD.org.

by Dr. David Holzsager
Hampton Roads Pediatrics, CHKD Medical Group
Speech, language and hearing disorders are among the most common disabilities in the U.S. Better Hearing and Speech Month is a great time for parents to familiarize themselves with the early signs of these disorders. Some speech, language and hearing disabilities may be reversible with early intervention, but according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, many parents wait too long to seek treatment. Know the signs and talk to your child's pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.

by Dr. Aisha Joyce 
CHKD Sports Medicine Program
Young female athletes are two-to eight-times more likely to experience ACL ruptures than males in the same sports and at the same level of play. Research shows that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes can be reduced by up to 80 percent with the proper training. CHKD's sports medicine program is offering a six-week course for female athletes to help strengthen the ACL. Classes are led by physical therapy professionals and focus on proper jumping, landing and cutting techniques. Classes begin in June. Register here.

by Ashlynn Baker, BSN 
Manager of The King's Daughters Milk Bank
The King's Daughters Milk Bank will open in June. Human milk has been shown to enhance immunity, provide natural growth hormones, heal damaged and immature gastrointestinal systems, support brain growth and prevent devastating diseases. Last year, our NICU provided donor milk treatments to more than 100 medically fragile infants. CHKD will begin screening milk donors later this month and begin pasteurizing donated milk in early June. If you're interested in donating, contact us at (757) 668-MILK (6455) or email KDMilkBank@CHKD.org.

The King's Daughters annual RunWalk for the Kids is just less than a month away. On Saturday, June 14, families will gather at Town Point Park in Norfolk for an 8K run, 2-mile walk or 1-mile fun run. It's a great opportunity for families and people of all ages to get out, exercise and play together. Funds raised by the event will support CHKD and its special programs to benefit the kids in our community. Want to show your support, but can't participate? Donation, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available for organizations and individuals. To learn more or to register, visit www.RunWalkFortheKids.org. After the RunWalk, join us for the Kohl's FitKids Family Fun Day. Enjoy healthy snacks, giveaways, fitness activities and more.