Most parents are aware that their kids can get hurt when they are playing sports. In fact, according to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, "Each year, more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and under are treated for sports injuries," and certain youth sports injuries, like concussions, are on the rise.

You don't expect that your kids will get hurt when they are just spectators though. Unfortunately, two kids, in separate incidents, were injured at a Major League Baseball game on Monday between the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants. Although initial reports state that they were not thought to be seriously injured, both were taken to area emergency rooms.

The injured kids include a 13-year-old boy, sitting near the dugout, who was hit by a bat, and a 2-year-old girl sitting in the upper decks who was hit by a foul ball. Both were hit in the head.

Of course these types of injuries aren't limited to baseball. There was a report back in 2002 of a 13-year-old girl who died after getting hit in the forehead with a hockey puck at an NHL game.

This doesn't mean that you can't take your kids to watch professional sports or even minor league games. Instead, it means that you should be aware of the risks and you should teach your kids to watch for the ball or puck on every play. And if they can't, don't sit too close to the action or try to sit in an area that has protective netting or that is typically out of reach of foul balls. At the very least, have a designated adult sitting with you that is watching for foul balls.

Related:
Symptoms of a Concussion
Head Injury
Hidden Dangers

Accidents always seem to increase over a holiday weekend.

Maybe it is because more people are just out having fun, traveling, on the water, and in the sun. And more people are likely drinking, which definitely doesn't help prevent accidents and tragedies from happening.

To be safe this holiday weekend, be sure to:

• reduce the risk of drowning by always supervising kids in the water and have them wear a Coast Guard-approved life vest or life jacket when on a lake or river, even if they know how to swim
• not eat food that has been left out for more than an hour at barbecues and family picnics, which can cause food poisoning
• apply sunscreen or sunblock to prevent sunburn
• encourage kids to wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter
• follow the recommendations of the AAP and don't let kids under 16 ride on an ATV or other types of off-road motorized cycles

Related:
Accidents and Tragedies
Hidden Summer Dangers
Child Safety

In addition to the recent deli meat recall and continued egg recall, parents should be aware that Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. has recalled 8,500 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli, another bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

The recalled ground beef is thought to be associated with a cluster of illnesses in Maine and New York. The ground beef was sold at BJ's Wholesale Club stores in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, and Virginia. With a 'use/freeze by' date of 07/01/10, consumers likely wouldn't have any of these ground beef in their refrigerator, but may have it in their freezer. Parents should check their freezers if they shop at BJ's Wholesale Club stores at throw away any recalled ground beef (will have a product code W69032).

Although we don't seem to hear about it on the news much anymore, the egg recall continues. Over the last few days several egg brands and states were added to the recall, including some eggs from Sam's, Wagon Trail, and West Creek eggs that were sold in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Also, other new egg recall brands that were recently announced included Albertson, Glenview Farms, Liborio Market, Shamrock Foods, Shurfresh, and Sparboe Farms eggs that were sold in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

In addition to the egg recall, parents should be on alert for a meat recall, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Zemco Industries, a division of Tyson Foods, has recalled about 380,000 pounds of deli meat.

The deli meat may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning, with pregnant women, infants, and people with immune system problems most at risk. The recalled deli meat was sold at Walmart delicatessens, have "Use By" dates ranging from August 20 to September 10, 2010, and include:

• Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches Black Forest Ham with Natural Juices Coated with Caramel Color
• Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches Hot Ham, Hard Salami, Pepperoni, Sandwich Peppers
• Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches Virginia Brand Ham with Natural Juices, made in New York, fully cooked Bacon, Sandwich Pickles, Sandwich Peppers
• Marketside Grab and Go Sandwiches Angus Roast Beef Coated with Caramel Color

The recalled deli meat was originally packed in large 25 to 32-pound cases that was distributed to Walmart delicatessens and prepared as sandwiches, so it is unlikely that you would have the recalled deli meat in your home. If you buy pre-made sandwiches from a Walmart delicatessen, do check if it was made with any of the recalled deli meat, and throw it away or return it for a refund if it was.

Keep in mind that most of this recalled deli meat has likely already been eaten, although no illnesses have been reported. Symptoms of a Listeria monocytogenes infection, or listeriosis, can include high fever, severe headache, nausea, neck stiffness, and diarrhea. In addition to contaminated meat, people can get listeriosis from raw milk, soft cheeses, raw and undercooked poultry, and other contaminated foods. It is estimated that 2,500 people in the U.S. get Listeriosis each year, leading to about 500 deaths.

Related:
USDA - Deli Meat Recall Alert
Preventing Food Poisoning
Food Storage and Food Safety