NATIONAL CHILDHOOD INJURY PREVENTION WEEK
National Childhood Injury Prevention Week during September 1-7 aims to inform parents and child caregivers of the simple steps to take to ensure their children stay safe.
From the moment our children are born, we become aware of dangers we may not have noticed before. So, we monitor their safety as they grow from newborn to an infant to a toddler and beyond. We make our homes childproof, monitor their comings and goings, and worry when they stay out late on a Saturday night.
There are 56,000 children injured every day in the United States. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found falls to be the most common cause of nonfatal injuries for children 0-19 years old. These falls resulted in 8,000 emergency room visits every day.
Several preventative measures keep children safe. For example, lock poisonous items out of reach. Never leave a child alone in a pool or bathtub. Prevent electrocution by covering unused outlets with appropriate safety devices.
What causes pediatric injury? US Department of Health and Human Services lists these as major causes of childhood injury:
- Motor Vehicle Crashes
- Suffocation
- Drowning
- Poisoning
- Burns
- Falls
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pediatric/conditioninfo/causes
HOW TO OBSERVE #ChildhoodInjuryPreventionWeek
Keep children safe with simple steps:
1. See that children wear safety helmets when bicycling. Check for fit and wear over time.
2. If they play sports, see that they wear appropriate safety gear. Make sure they understand the importance of using the gear properly and follow the coaches instructions.
3. Enroll your children in swimming lessons. No age is too young or too old. Local YMCAs and youth centers provide swimming lessons for all age groups.
4. Store medicine out of reach of children. Keep in mind a child’s ability to climb. Locks on cabinets will help keep medications secure, too.
5. In your car, see that they are secure in the proper booster or car seat. If you are uncertain, local fire and police departments will check for correct installation.
Learn more click here https://americanspcc.org/our-voice/childrens-rights-safety from The American Society for the Positive Care of Children
NATIONAL CHILDHOOD INJURY PREVENTION WEEK HISTORY
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