In 2001 – the latest year for which statistics are available – about 17,500 kids were treated in emergency rooms for choking, but only 60 percent of those cases involved food. Keep in mind other choking hazards around the house, such as small toys. Balls, coins, marker tops and particularly latex balloons are common items that kids choke on.

Kids choking on balloons comprised 48 of the 160 recorded toy-related deaths between the years of 1990-1997, according to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, so they should be monitored especially closely. Broken pieces and deflated balloons should be kept away from young children – they can stick to the esophagus and trachea and be difficult to remove.

As scary as it may sound, there are steps you can take to be proactive and protect your children. In the famous words of action hero G.I. Joe, knowing is half the battle.

If your child does choke, time is of the essence to prevent asphyxiation. If the child is coughing or gagging, then give him a couple of seconds to get the food dislodged. Coughing is the best way to do this. If the child isn't making noise and is turning bright red or blue, then the situation is more serious because he or she isn't able to breathe. Call 911 to summon help immediately. In the meantime, attempt to dislodge the item yourself.