The essence of proactivity lies in taking the responsibility to focus on the things in our lives we can actually do something about. Proactive simply means anticipating need, and acting first--not letting yourself be put in the position where all you can do is react. When was the last time you saved a life? If you have young children at home, you probably saved some lives yesterday and again today even though you never gave it a second thought. Every time you replaced the child-resistant cap on the medicine bottle or reinserted an electrical outlet safety "plug", you were saving the lives of your loved ones. Every year, 50,000 children just like yours, are permanently disabled by injuries at home. It always hurts to see young children cry, but it's worse when the "accident" could have been prevented. In the headlines and on newscasts, we're hearing lots of concern about school bus safety, and TV violence. And while the installation of seat belts on buses, and teaching children appropriate ways to deal with life's disappointments is certainly worth further consideration, parents should keep the matter in perspective with the other pressing issues that affect children's safety, from unprotected electrical outlets, working batteries in smoke detectors, to the matches on coffee tables and yes... to the guns in the closets. These dangers, which we can work individually and collectively to alleviate, pose a far greater threat to our children. INJURIES ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH TO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE U.S.. As a child safety specialist, I can affirm that most products are safe. Owners' manuals and packaging carry, warnings about potential dangers. But neither protective engineering nor warnings can prevent accidents caused by the user's poor judgment. I regularly see children in dangerous situations . And the sad fact is that as long as adults don't take reasonable and rational steps to keep their children safe, these tragedies will continue to occur. We, as a society believe the false notion that "accidents just happen". Injuries are erroneously referred to as "accident's", because they occur so quickly, and appear to be uncontrollable. But, by removing "known" hazards, and with careful adult supervision, most of these injuries are preventable. It's easy-for all of us to get so caught up in the pressing demands of the everyday life, that parents can lose sight of the simple steps they can take to keep their children safe. But it is something that parents must remember to do! In the time it takes you to read this article, 1 child will die, and about 45 will suffer from a disabling injury. "Don't WORRY about childhood injuries in your home...DO something to prevent them" I urge you to eliminate the hidden dangers in your home. While everyone is focusing on outdoor activities, what better time to remind you to give your home a safety checkup? Among the precautions recommended to get started: -install window guards, gates at tops & bottoms of stairs, outlet covers, and cabinet, drawer & toilet latches/ locks. -set the water heater to 120 F degrees or lower. -stock and maintain first-aid kits -invest in a no-choke tube [small-parts tester] -shorten and conceal cords and wires.[to less than 10" in length] -install smoke detectors in every bedroom, and check the batteries! Until now, there has been little done to prevent unintentional childhood injuries. That was then, but this is now, because a new innovative program can now help prevent these needless tragedies. As a parent, you have the enormous task of trying to keep your little ones safe. Well now there is help at hand, for new parents or even parents who may want to continue making their household a "child safe" environment. This year, 20.6 million children will be hurt seriously enough to require medical attention. Each year, injuries lead to 360,000 hospitalizations and 10,400,000 emergency room visits. Most unintentional childhood injuries happen in a matter of seconds and often come in innocent and unexpected forms. 90% of these injuries are PREVENTABLE. Parents are the number-one safety feature that come with any child. Detecting and correcting known safety hazards makes children less vulnerable to preventable death or disability, it also reduces health care costs. The price of an injured child is greater than anyone can pay. A new study pegs the cost of common childhood injury at $347 billion dollars. These chilling statistics have triggered a call for action. What is this remarkable program you ask? It is The As Safe As Possible Campaign, proud sponsor of National Childhood Injury Prevention Week (NCIPW). The As Safe As Possible Campaign has taken on the enormous task of trying to reach and educate as many parents as possible to prevent childhood injuries. Help them by spreading the word about National Childhood Injury Prevention Week (NCIPW) which is COMING TO LONG ISLAND . This week long observance is scheduled for September 1 through 7, 2000.The goal of this program is to raise awareness about injury prevention issues and to encourage members of our community to protect children from unnecessary injury. National Childhood Injury Prevention Week is approaching quickly, so I hope that this article reaches a large number of parents who will in turn pass on this valuable information to others "because the worst kind of childhood injury, is the one that could have been prevented". National Childhood Injury Prevention Week Is Coming To Long Island !!!!! The location of this year's event will be determined by the community having the most corporate sponsors. Funds raised in this campaign will be used primarily to support the 2000 NCIPW event on Long Island. Residents of the community where the funds are generated will benefit ,as recipients of educational and outreach programs such as safety device give-aways and day care center "edu-cause" programs. FYI: You can contact The As Safe As Possible Campaign, a Long Island not-for-profit organization for more information on organizing the observance of NCIPW in your family, school, or community, Parent's can receive send a free home safety checklist (send a SASE) by writing to The As Safe As Possible Campaign, P.O. Box 4312, Great Neck, N.Y. 11023. Corporations/employers can request info on participation/sponsorship by e-mail:NOBOOBOOS@aol.com. NOTE: The As Safe As Possible Campaign, and National Childhood Injury Prevention Week has received local and national recognition, most recently from the U.S. Congress. MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!! On Tuesday, June 27, 2000, LUXE, a premiere night spot on Long Island will be the site of "Taking Steps for Safety" a kick-off fundraising event. KTU , 103.5 FM, The Beat of New York will be there, to ensure that this event is a success!