Lively children pose danger

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Updated: March 13, 2012 8:06AM

Dear Harriette: You have a large reader base, and it would mean so much to me if you could please print this to make others aware of something they may not really think about.

I have a massive blood clot in my leg, with extensive damage. My balance is very poor, and it’s easy for me to fall. If I fall and cut myself or break a bone, that’s big trouble for me.

The other day I was trying to get in the doctor’s office. Children were running around the door I was attempting to get in. I tried to get out of their way, but they were zigzagging all over, and I nearly fell trying to dodge them or even get in the door. The parents were right there and never said a thing to their children.

I’m a young person (in my 30s) and, looking at me, you’d never know I have a problem with my leg or my balance.

I love children, and I remember running around as a kid. It’s natural; I get that. But if even just one person reading this said, “Hmm, I never thought about that. I’ll have my children be more careful,” that would help a lot.

Sometimes you don’t know the condition a person is in just by looking at them. Thank you so much; I appreciate it.

Unsteady in Wisconsin

Dear Unsteady: I’m sorry to hear about your illness.

But you bring up a great point. I think the biggest issue here is that parents need to teach their children to pay attention to their surroundings. Indeed, adults need to do the same.

I imagine that someone walking and texting at the same time could just as easily bang into you without seeing you. We all could pay closer attention to who and what is sharing space with us. Thank you for the reminder.

Dear Harriette: This is in response to “Dog Gone,” who recently had a lost dog returned to her. The dog had lost its collar and you had recommended getting a new, properly fitted collar with identification.

A better solution would be to have a microchip implanted in the dog by a veterinarian. A microchip is a means of permanent identification, even if the dog loses its collar.

A veterinarian implants a small chip into the dog’s neck, and this chip is registered with the owner’s contact information. Most veterinary hospitals and animal control facilities routinely scan newly found animals for microchips and immediately contact the owners if one is found.

D.V.M., Chicago

Dear D.V.M.: You are right that many dog owners are now using these microchips. I know some owners are leery of doing so because they worry that the device could hurt their pet, possibly even causing tumors or cancer.

I recommend that you do your research before making this decision. It is an option that many dog owners embrace.

You can send questions to askharriette at harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick,
1130 Walnut St.,
Kansas City, MO 64106.