Top 3 Holiday Toys That Could Lead to an Urgent Care Visit

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Dec. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Some of the hottest-selling toys this holiday season might also be some of the most likely to lead to a visit at an urgent care center. With hoverboards, quadcopters and slingshots atop many gift lists, parents should be aware of the potential safety risks that accompany each toy and give proper thought to whether they are an appropriate gift for the recipient.

"It's very important to select toys that suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child," said Dr. Robert Graw, Chief Executive Officer of Righttime Medical Care. "The right toy for the right child, with proper use and supervision, can bring tremendous holiday joy, but families should be aware that misusing potentially dangerous toys could lead to serious, long term injuries. Parents should give serious thought when considering any toy as a gift and must take care to operate all toys in accordance with manufacturer instructions," adds Dr. Graw.

Righttime Medical Care, Maryland's leading provider of urgent care services, typically sees an uptick in visits due to holiday-related injuries. And with some toys seeing new levels of popularity this holiday season, their clinicians are prepared to handle any toy-related injuries from gifts like these:

1. Hoverboards

Riders can easily lose control of the board and fall down, leading to elbow fractures, ankle injuries, wrist fractures and even traumatic brain injuries or concussions. When using a hoverboard, Righttime recommends the following tips:

• Do not ride the board if you have a weak core or weak abdominal muscles, as it may be difficult to maintain balance.
• Wear proper protection such as a helmet, elbow pads and wrist guards. A fall while in motion can easily result in a sprain, fracture or concussion.
• Avoid crowds to prevent injuries to others in case the board goes out of control.
• Use caution if buying boards for children. Operating the board takes a high degree of control so be sure to monitor children during use.

2. Quadcopters, gyrocopters and drones

The high-speed rotors can cause serious lacerations and eye injuries. When using a quadcopter or similar toy, adhere to the following safety tips:

• Keep any quadcopter within eyesight at all times and remain clear of the device while it is in operation.
• Always maintain a safe distance from people, animals and objects. Never fly towards people and avoid flying over anyone in the vicinity.
• Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
• FAA rules prohibit recreational quadcopters from flying above 400 feet, near airports or in other potentially dangerous ways.

3. Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns can present a serious safety hazard as they can shoot projectiles at very high speeds. The most common injuries associated with airsoft guns are eye and facial injuries, and contusions (bruising). When using an airsoft gun it's important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Always wear eye protection or full facemasks when you shoot or handle airsoft guns.
• Point an airsoft gun only in a safe direction and never at another person or animal.
• Remove the magazine and/or disconnect the battery until you are ready to use the gun – simply turning on the safety is not enough. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Never use Airsoft guns in public places such as schools and parks.

"While we're ready to handle any injuries that do happen, we'd rather you have a safe holiday season at home," said Dr. Graw.

About Righttime Medical Care

Righttime Medical Care simplifies access to trustworthy medical care at its 13 urgent care locations in Maryland. Now in its 25th year, Righttime holds the Certified Urgent Care designation, which distinguishes it as among the top urgent care centers nationwide. Righttime is open from 7am to midnight 365 days a year and offers patients of all ages a 24-hour Call Center and online access for same day appointments, digital x-rays, laboratory testing, prescription services and electronic health records which are shared with patients' physicians, specialists and collaborating medical institutions. For more information, visit myRighttime.com.

Contact: Ann-Marie Sedor, 443-332-4260 x8130

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SOURCE Righttime Medical Care

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