This morning while driving to work, I heard the news that Exodus, Mike Tyson's four-year-old daughter, was in the hospital in critical condition and being treated for an accidental strangulation.
To my shame, I said a half-hearted prayer and went on with my day.
Five minutes ago, I was looking through the updates on K-Love's web-site (www.klove.com ) for unrelated information, only to learn that Exodus died at 11:45am today.
Her seven-year-old brother found her on Monday. The cord from the machine was wrapped around her neck. He mother gave her CPR and called 911. By the time the police arrived, she was unconscious and in need of life support.
According to CNN.Com, Sergeant Andy Hill of the Phoenix police was quoted as saying, "This is nothing more than a tragic accident".
May the grace and comfort of God abound toward the Tyson Family during this time of tragedy, may they feel God's loving arms around them and find some solace in the fact that Exodus is in the hands of God.
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Unfortunately, these kinds of stories are not uncommon and this one serves as a tragic reminder of the need to childproof our homes when young children are present.
According to Larry Stone, founder of Safety Matters - www.safetymatters.com , each year, about 1,000 children under the age of 14 die due to accidental strangulation. Of these, 88 percent of them are under the age of four.
I encourage everyone with small children to visit the Safety Matters web-site for detailed information and tips to have a home 100% childproof.
For starters, do a walk through of your home and check off the following items, making sure these precautions (found at http://pediatrics.about.com/c/ht/01/01/How_Childproof_Home0978663936.htm ) are in place.
1) Consider using a wall anchor for the stove and large pieces of furniture that can tip over.
2) Tie cords of blinds, curtains and appliances up and out of reach.
3) Keep a list of emergency numbers near the phone – on speed dial if possible.
4) Use nonskid backing on rugs and make sure carpets are securely tacked down.
5) Use stair gates and window guards.
6) When cooking, use the back burners and turn pot handles inward.
7) Lock rooms that are not childproof.
This is obviously not an all-inclusive list, but it should direct our focus to the safety of all children.
Because my children are grown, my home is no longer child proofed. However, I have a nephew who is 3-years old, and now that I read this story, I am reminded of the need to take precautions and special measures when he is in my home.
Source: www.cnn.com and sites already noted in the body of this article.
© Teresa Ortiz
