TRAGEDY STRIKES: 2-YEAR-OLD CHOKES TO DEATH ON MEATBALL AT DAYCARE

A @heartbroken mom is seeking answers after her 2-year-old child tragically choked to death on a meatball at daycare. This devastating incident highlights the importance of food safety and supervision for young children. *Understanding Choking Hazards in Children* Children under the age of 4 are at a higher risk of choking due to their inability to chew food properly and their tendency to put objects in their mouths. Certain foods pose a greater choking risk, including ¹ ²: - *High-Risk Foods:* - *Meat and Fish:* Tough or large chunks of meat, hot dogs, meat sticks, or sausages - *Fruits and Vegetables:* Uncut grapes, berries, cherries, or melon balls, raw carrots, and apples - *Snacks:* Whole nuts, seeds, popcorn, potato or corn chips, and pretzels - *Dairy:* Large chunks of cheese, especially string cheese

Preventing Choking Incidents* To minimize the risk of choking, it's essential to: - *Prepare Food Safely:* Cut food into small, manageable pieces (½ inch or smaller) and ensure they are soft and easy to chew - *Supervise Mealtime:* Always watch your child while they're eating and avoid distractions - *Choose Safe Foods:* Avoid giving young children high-risk foods - *Teach Children to Eat Safely:* Encourage children to sit upright while eating and not to walk, run, or play with food in their mouths ¹ ² *What to Do in Case of Choking* If a child chokes, it's crucial to act quickly and properly. Knowing first aid techniques, such as the Heimlich maneuver and CPR, can save lives. If you're not trained, call 911 immediately