Taking care of children is a big responsibility. This week on Health Watch, we’ll talk about keeping children safe and healthy. While getting children involved in planning and preparing meals is a good way to help them learn about nutrition, Dr. Pam Okada, a pediatrician and emergency department physician at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says children need to be supervised in the kitchen.

Very small children may not understand the dangers of the stove, sharp objects or hot foods. Keep hot dishes where children can’t reach them or pull them down on themselves with appliance cords or tablecloths. Give children kitchen tasks that don’t involve sharp objects or heat, and don’t leave them alone in the kitchen.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/patientcare/medicalservices/pediatrics.html to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in pediatrics.