Fine Line Between Relaxed And Sloppy

Dear Ann Landers: This is in response to the woman who was upset by the informal dress of hospital employees (women in floral prints and slacks). While I can understand her concern, I have another point of view.

When my young cousin was born, he had to spend a lot of time in the hospital. Since then, he has made numerous trips back for surgeries and checkups. With so much poking and prodding at a young age, he has developed a fear of anyone in a white lab coat or uniform. It was a blessing to go to a hospital where nurses wore brightly colored or patterned outfits. It really made things easier for everyone.

I think it’s great that your writer was proud of her nurse’s uniform, but I hope she understands the need for a more relaxed dress code in hospitals today. - Geneva, Neb.

Dear Geneva: I agree, but unfortunately, the line between “relaxed” and “sloppy” can be a fine one. Ask any retired nurse what she thinks of the “relaxed” code, and you will get an earful. The important thing is that the nurse is properly identified, regardless of the dress code. P.S. Many doctors are now wearing gray lab coats instead of the traditional white.

Dear Ann Landers: I’ve read a lot lately about children being injured by dogs. I thought these tips, which originally appeared in the journal Pediatrics would be helpful for your readers who own or are thinking about owning a dog. Please print them. - Dog Owner in D.C.

Dear Dog Owner: I am grateful to you for sending them on. First-time dog owners will learn a lot from your contribution. Thanks on behalf of all of them.

Parents:

Consider the selection of any dog carefully. Speak with a professional and ask questions about a dog’s background and breed. Spend time with the dog before bringing it home. If your children are afraid or apprehensive, delay getting the dog.

Dogs should be spayed or neutered to reduce aggressive tendencies.

Don’t play aggressive games with your dog such as wrestling or “siccing.”

Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.

Make certain that any dog entering the household receives proper training and socialization. Try to teach submissive behavior, such as rolling over to show stomach and allowing food to be taken away without growling.

Dogs with histories of aggression are not appropriate for families with children.

If your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors, seek professional help immediately.

Teach children basic safety around dogs and review these ideas regularly.

Children:

Never approach an unfamiliar dog.

Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.

Never run from a dog and scream.

Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.

Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

Don’t pet a dog without letting it see and sniff you first.

Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.

If knocked over by a dog, lie still and remain curled up in a ball.

If you are bitten by a dog, let your parents know immediately.