issues'' in yesterday's Taste section. We run it here for the benefit of its readers.

For all children, minor accidents are a part of growing up. Very often these accidents cannot be avoided, and in any case they teach children a bit more about the world around them. However, every year serious accidents happen to far too many children, and these cause serious injuries and even death. Many of these accidents could be avoided by creating safe environments: In your home Fix safety catches on windows Keep toddlers and garden ponds apart Lock away cleaning substances, garden chemicals, and tools Ensure that all toys are safe for your child -- look out for loose buttons and sharp edges or points Use safe playground equipment Keep pot handles and hot drinks away from the reach of your child Never leave a small baby where she might roll off the edge of something and fall Use safety caps over sockets Use a stair gate Use a coil flex on your kettle Make sure your child learns to swim as early as possible -- teach him about water safety Ensure that older family members keep medicines out of reach Never, never, never leave a baby alone in the bath Keep matches out of reach On the Road Use appropriate child seats or seat belts on every journey Get your child a helmet -- don't hit the road without one! Wear reflective clothing when you go out in the dark as a cyclist or pedestrian Keep your speed down when you are travelling Make sure that your child can cycle safely before you let him out alone on the roads. Ivena Laurenceo Department of Health.