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Summer Can Be Time of Preventable Injuries -- 6.8.2011

COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011

Summer Can Be Time of Preventable Injuries
Supervision, Protective Gear and Other Simple Safety Steps Keep Kids Healthy and Safe

Carefree summer days of swimming, bike riding and playing in the back yard leave lasting memories for many children.  However, for some kids, summer fun can lead to injuries – and even death. According to the Central Ohio Trauma System, Injuries caused 646 deaths and 3,250 non-fatal hospitalizations per year in Central Ohio (2005-2007), the majority of these were preventable.

“The good news is that with active supervision, proper protective gear and other simple safety steps, parents and caregivers can help children avoid injuries and death,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long.

To keep kids healthy and safe this summer, Dr. Long offers these safety tips:

  • Watch kids closely when they are swimming or playing in back yards and parks
  • Use proper safety gear, including a helmet for biking and sports activities, a car or booster seat and a life jacket for boating and swimming.
  • Remove poisonous plants, pesticides and pool chemicals from the yard.
  • Apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen 15-30 minutes before kids go outside and frequently reapply it.
  • Don’t let kids play in driveways, streets, parking lots or unfenced yards near busy streets. 
  • Make sure kids drink plenty of water and get immediate medical help if a child’s skin is hot to the touch, if he or she has a seizure or becomes disoriented.
  • Pools and spas – including inflatable ones -- should be surrounded on all four sides by a fence at least four feet high with self-latching gates.  Inflatable pools should be emptied when not in use.

“These safety tips will go a long way in preventing unintentional childhood injuries which are the leading cause of death and disability in children ages 1 to 14,” says Safe Kids Central Ohio Coordinator Linda Tvorik.  “With these tips, parents can ensure that their children enjoy their favorite summertime activities while avoiding a visit to the emergency room.”

For more information, visit Columbus Public Health at www.publichealth.columbus.gov or on Facebook or safekidscentralohio.org.