Febuary 2006 Page 2     Car Safety Seats — A Guide for Families (Continued) Seat belts Your child is ready to use a seat belt when the belt fits properly. This means when:   The shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat.   The lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, not the stomach.   The child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with his legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down and can stay in this position comfortably throughout a trip.   Remember, seat belts are made for adults. If the seat belt does not fit your child correctly, he should stay in a booster seat until the adult seat belt fits. This is usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age. References: Car seat manufactures, phone numbers, and their web sites go to the American Academy of Pediatrics web site at: www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm Car safety seats for children with special needs, see the AAP brochure, "Safe Transportation of Children with Special Needs: A Guide for Families." Product recalls, call the manufacturer or contact Auto Safety Hot Line 888/DASH-2-DOT (888/327-4236), from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ET, Monday through Friday. Or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. "Sisters Care" — 6th Annual Women's Health Day The Mecosta County Medical Center Auxiliary is hosting the 6th Annual Women's Day this year on Saturday, February 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Registration is from 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. The location is 120 South State Street at the United Church of Big Rapids. This year the event is called "Sisters Care", and the main topic discussed will be on breast cancer. Speakers include General Surgeon Jerry Pearson, M.D., and Oncologist Lawrence E. Paul, M.D. The two doctors will discuss new treatments available including a breast stereo tactic biopsy machine now available at MCMC. Women will learn what they can do to care for themselves and for each other. Two other speakers include MCMC Education Coordinator Amy Wemple (myths and facts about nutrition and cancer), and Cynthia Shafer from Migun Company (thermal massage bed therapy). Women are encouraged to attend and bring sisters, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, friends, and any women that may be interested. This day will not only be fun, but informative with gifts, door prizes, vendor booths, free massage table demonstrations, and more! Lunch is provided by Pere Marquette, and the total cost for the day is $18. Please call (231) 592-4200 to register before February 10. New Urologist at Mecosta Health Services Jeffrey Chapman, M.D., Urologist-will begin full-time practice in the Big Rapids office of Mecosta Health Services, beginning April 10. Dr. Chapman will be in Big Rapids weekly to begin preparations, as a patient referral list is being maintained by MHS. Inquiries from patients and providers seeking Urology Services may be referred to MHS at (231) 796-3200. Dr. Chapman is relocating here from his successful practice in Hastings, Michigan where he has practiced since 1994. A graduate of Kalamazoo College and a 1981 graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, he completed his residencies in Urology at the University of Minnesota and William Beaumont Hospital. He is a member of the American Urological Association and is Board Certified by the American Board of Urology. Welcome Dr. Chapman!