Summer is here, and you want to keep your family safe and injury-free. Here are just some activities you'll want to pay special attention.
Biking. Biking is potentially a dangerous activity, based on estimates of injuries treated in emergency departments compiled by the National Safety Council. To protect your family, insist on bicycle helmets. They are your first line of defense again head injuries caused by bicycle, scooter and skateboard accidents.
Swimming. Each year, more than 225,000 swimming injuries are treated in emergency rooms, according to the National Safety Council. About 42 percent of injuries involve children between the ages of 5 and 14. Enroll your children in swimming classes to learn basic water skills and learn to stay afloat. Make sure even water-wise children are never unattended near water.
Outdoor fun. Sports-related concussions, one form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), affect thousands of young people who engage in a variety of sports. According to the National Institues of Health, "There are an estimated 1.7 to 3.8 million TBIs each year in the United States, approximately 10 percent of which are due to sports and recreational activities." But just because your children don't participate in organized sports over the summer doesn't mean they aren't at risk for concussions. Playground activities and recreational sports are among the most common causes of concussions and other brain injuries. Have children wear helmets as recommended, and make sure they are well-supervised. Get prompt medical attention for any blows to the head.
Chores. A common summer chore for many teens is mowing the lawn. One of the most common dangers associated with mowing the lawn is the possibility of physical injury from flying debris. Rocks or sticks can become projectiles when struck by a mower blade, potentially causing harm to nearby individuals or objects. Additionally, operating a lawnmower on uneven terrain or steep slopes can increase the risk of falls and other accidents. Furthermore, wearing loose clothing or failing to remove obstacles from the yard before beginning work may result in slips, trips and falls leading to severe injuries like sprains and fractures. It's essential always to exercise caution while operating lawnmowers and follow safety guidelines provided by manufacturers for safe operation around your garden or yard area. Young children should never ride on a mower, and even teens should be supervised.
Have a safe and happy summer!