Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager for Cook Children's Health Care System, explains that, while these may seem like gifts without much concern, it is important to understand they are vehicles. She offers families tips on how to help their children safely enjoy e-bikes and e-scooters. 

“Always wear a helmet,” emphasizes Evans.

• Always wear a helmet: Make sure you have the right helmet. For e-bikes/e-scooters that go up to 20 mph, a bike helmet is sufficient, but parents may want to invest in a stronger helmet to better protect their children.
• Perform a safety check before each ride:
  • Check the tires. Ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressure on the sidewall.
  • Check brake levers. Squeeze them while rolling the bike forward and backward to ensure the brakes engage and stop the e-bike/e-scooter.
  • Inspect your e-bike/e-scooter for loose nuts or anything that looks abnormal.
• Follow the rules of the road:
  • Always ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic. Use the bike lane if available.
  • top and look both ways before entering a street or crossing an intersection.
  • Stop at all intersections.
  • Obey all traffic lights and traffic signs.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Do not talk on the phone or text. Do not wear earbuds; you cannot hear what is happening around you.
• Night rides: Make sure you wear bright, reflective clothing. Ensure your e-bike/e-scooter has a light and reflectors.

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More than a dozen officers with the Fort Worth Police Officers Association (FWPOA) visited Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth on Wednesday, greeting families and bringing a piece of holiday magic to patients.

Through the FWPOA’s nonprofit Cops for Kids, 700 teddy bears were donated and distributed to patients at the medical center. Each teddy bear was prepared with extra care, dressed by FWPOA officers and volunteers, and made at Cook Children’s Build-A-Bear workshop.

 “Some of these kiddos don’t get to go home for Christmas, and we want to give them something to be comfortable,” said Sgt. James Novak, chairman of Cops for Kids, FWPOA.

 With teddy bears in hand, officers divided into groups to spread holiday cheer, visiting with families and their little ones. Some patients were even able to check out their SWAT unit outside the medical center. The FWPOA has donated bears for more than a decade.

 “People love it, and we hand deliver them,” said officer Bel Haddad, co-chair of Cops for Kids, FWPOA.

 Officers share that it’s a joy to see the patient's excitement and the lasting impression it makes.

Football players and cheerleaders surprised patients in multiple departments at the Fort Worth Medical Center to spread some holiday cheer. Everyone was so excited to greet the team, especially after their Thanksgiving Day win against the New York Giants!

Each child receives a stocking loaded with goodies from the Dallas Cowboys and a special toy provided by the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Gene Jones, the entire Cowboys team has conducted annual holiday visits to local children’s hospitals for the past 35 years – a very special tradition that we are all grateful to experience.

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