Surviving Summer

   Teaching and practicing basic safety habits is a must for families “” especially active ones. 

Summer Safety : Hunter Greene, M.D.

   Accidental injury is the number one cause of death for American children, taking more lives than disease and violence combined. By taking some simple precautions, 90 percent of accidental injuries can be avoided.

PLAYGROUND SAFETY

   Playground injuries are the leading cause of injury to children in childcare and to children ages 5 to 14 in schools. The majority of playground injuries are caused by falls and almost 40 percent of playground injuries are linked to lack of supervision.

   To stay safe on the playground, parents should take the following precautions:

   >> Supervise the child and put a stop to situations that may cause danger or injury. Be available in case an injury happens.

   >> Teach the child to look for things that may case harm, such as broken glass or sharp metal edges on equipment. Make sure that metal equipment is in the shade or has a protective surface to keep it from getting too hot.

   >> Make sure there is cushioning beneath the equipment. A fall from equipment placed over grass, packed dirt, rocks, asphalt or blacktop can be life threatening. 

BIKING SAFETY

   Bicycle helmets for children are a necessity, not an accessory. Children should wear a helmet every time and everywhere they ride.

   >> The helmet should fit comfortably and snugly, but not too tightly. 

   >> Teach the child to obey all traffic laws, ride on the right side of the road, use hand signals, respect traffic signals and stop at all intersections.

USING 911

   Because parents may not always be there when an injury happens, it is important to teach children how to use 911. Describe examples of emergencies to your child and tell him/her to always try to find a parent or adult when an emergency happens.

   Enjoy your summer and stay safe!

Check out this article in the digital edition of SportStars Magazine… Surviving Summer 

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