Free Coloring Book and Free Safe Toy Purchasing Guide Available For the Holidays

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Prevent Blindness America

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To keep children's safety in mind during your holiday shopping, Prevent Blindness America is offering a toy safety card. The card, designed to fit easily into a wallet, lists safe toy suggestions and provides space to keep your holiday shopping list. A FREE copy of the card can be obtained by calling 877-PBA-SITE (877-722-7483) toll- free or by visiting www.preventblindness.org on the Web.

While supplies last, a FREE 16-page coloring book, Play It Safe With Your Eyes is also available. The book teaches children important lessons about year-round eye safety. "In 1999 there were more than 8,500 serious eye injuries to children 14 and under associated with toys and sporting equipment. The sad thing for these families is that 90 percent of these injuries could have been prevented," said Tod Turriff, Prevent Blindness America's Vice President of Program and Information Services.

Prevent Blindness America reminds you that following a few simple guidelines can help guarantee a safe holiday season for you and your family. Follow these recommendations when selecting toys:

• Avoid toys that shoot or have parts that fly off. Slingshots and water guns are dangerous because they invite children to target other youngsters. BB guns should never be considered toys.
• Inspect toys for sound construction. Toys should be made of durable materials, with no sharp edges or points and they should withstand impact.
• Avoid giving toys with small parts to young children. Youngsters tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.
• Read instructions carefully and follow suggested age levels. Age labeling is provided for developmental and safety reasons.
• Look for the letters "ASTM." These letters indicate that the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Prevent Blindness America(R) is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America and its nationwide network of affiliates, divisions and chapters serve millions of people each year through public and professional education, community and patient services programs and research. For more information on vision, eye health and safety, call 800-331-2020 or visit the web site at www.preventblindness.org

Date: Dec. 8, 2000