Infants, Toddlers Aren’T Ready For Swim Lessons

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under age 4 are not ready for formal swimming lessons.

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury and death in young children. In the United States, drowning rates are highest among toddlers ages 1 and 2 years old.

It is estimated that between 5 and 10 million infants and preschool children are enrolled in formal swimming lessons. These lessons, however, should not be promoted as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.

The academy warns that parents should not feel secure that their child is safe in water just because he or she has had swimming lessons. An adult should always be within arm’s length whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water.

* Election 2000 Teen Poll Results: Teen People Magazine has announced the results of its “Election 2000” poll which will be used for discussions during its upcoming “Use Your Voice” series of Town Hall Meetings for teens in Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. These meetings are to help define the teen agenda for the upcoming presidential election. As one of the largest demographic groups (30 million and growing), teens want to know where the candidates stand on issues important to them.

More than 56 percent of teens rank violence/crime as their top concern, followed closely by education (50 percent), gun control (48 percent), abortion (44 percent), drugs (41 percent), AIDS (30 percent), the economy (16 percent), and foreign affairs and welfare (both 11 percent).

More than 50 percent of teens polled say they have not chosen any particular political party. Of those that have, one-fourth said they were Republicans, one-fifth said they were Democrats and 4 percent were Independents. More than 58 percent of teens say their parents have the greatest influence over their political beliefs.

* Medicine Guide offered: With the onset of age comes a greater prevalence of chronic health conditions and the likelihood of potential problems with medicines for many seniors. With this in mind, the Council on Family Health has updated its guide for seniors on responsible medicine use.

First published in 1991, “Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Americans,” provides information for seniors about the use of prescription and non-prescription medications. Facts about drug interactions, tips for talking to health professionals and a section for medicine records are included.

To receive a free copy, send a self-addressed, 6-by-9 inch envelope to: Council on Family Health, “Medicines and You,” 1155 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036.