Report: Kids in superhero costumes at risk

March 17, 2007

A study by a child specialist in the British city of Nottingham has found that children wearing superhero costumes have a higher chance of being injured.

The study by Dr. Patrick Davies of the Queen's Medical Center found that when children don their superhero costumes, they are more likely to engage in imitative behavior of the hero and increase their chances of injury, The Daily Mail said.

"Imaginary role models are an essential part of growing up and it is important not to deny children their unrealistic dreams, whether it be scaling the sides of buildings, flying or playing football for England," Davies said.

"However, parents need to be aware that children may believe that their abilities have been given a superboost with an appropriate costume," he added.

In his study, that focuses on five specific cases of child injuries related to such costumes, Davies also warns of the likely effects of the impending release of a "Superman" film.

"Although the merchandising bombardment is yet to be released, we anticipate a rush of injured Supermen to come through our department in the next few months," he told the paper.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International


print this article email this article download pdf blog this article bookmark this article     Stumble it Digg this share on Facebook retweet share on Reddit add to delicious
Rate this story - 3.4 /5 (5 votes)


March 17, 2007 all stories

Comments: 0

3.4 /5 (5 votes)
  • Stumble this up

  • Digg this

  • share this

  • hide
  • Related Stories

  • Study links folic acid supplements to asthma
    created Nov 04, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • The Medical Minute: There's no trick to a safe Halloween
    created Oct 21, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Nottingham scientists commissioned for urgent swine flu research
    created Aug 25, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Stem cell hierarchy offers potential for isolating, growing cells
    created Aug 04, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Doctor in 1999 South Pole rescue dies in Mass.
    created Jun 24, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0



  • hide
  • Relevant PhysicsForums posts

Other News

Swine flu vaccine effective despite mutations: experts

Medicine & Health / Diseases

created 19 hours ago | popularity 1 / 5 (1) | comments 1

Swine flu vaccines are still effective despite reported cases of mutations in the A(H1N1) virus, health experts in Europe and North America said Saturday.


Study raises concerns about outdoor second-hand smoke

Medicine & Health / Health

created Nov 18, 2009 | popularity 1.8 / 5 (5) | comments 21

Indoor smoking bans have forced smokers at bars and restaurants onto outdoor patios, but a new University of Georgia study in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that these outdoor smoking ...


smoking, cigarette

Vaccine being developed to help smokers quit

Medicine & Health / Medications

created Nov 20, 2009 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (11) | comments 10

(PhysOrg.com) -- Glaxo-SmithKline has joined forces with Nabi Pharmaceuticals to produce a vaccine to help smokers give up their addiction permanently.


Pilot study relates phthalate exposure to less-masculine play by boys

Medicine & Health / Research

created Nov 16, 2009 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (9) | comments 9

A study of 145 preschool children reports, for the first time, that when the concentrations of two common phthalates in mothers' prenatal urine are elevated their sons are less likely to play with male-typical toys and games, ...


wine

Alcohol helps lower heart disease risk for men: study

Medicine & Health / Health

created Nov 19, 2009 | popularity 4.2 / 5 (6) | comments 7

Men who drink alcohol every day see a nearly one-third average reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease, according to a long-term study among Spanish men published on Thursday.