Kids are unpredictable, injuries don’t have to be

SIMCOE MUSKOKA – With injuries a main cause of hospital visits in local children, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reaching out to parents and caregivers with some simple steps to prevent those injuries from occurring.

“Kids are curious and active, they like to be the biggest, fastest and best, and that means that they often take chances that can result in an injury,” says Mia Brown, a public health nurse with the health unit. “We know that our kids’ actions can be unpredictable but injuries don’t have to be.”

Fall-related injuries are the number one reason for children aged five to nine years to be treated at hospital emergency departments and they are the second leading cause of brain injuries for children. These injuries involve playground equipment more than any other type of fall. Other commonly treated injuries result from slipping, tripping and stumbling, falling from bicycles, skateboards and in line skates as well as stairs, beds and other furniture in the home.

“Children learn and develop new skills everyday, but they sometimes think they can do more than they are able to and they take chances that can result in an injury,” said Brown. “Understanding how injuries can occur is a first step in prevention.”

Parents and caregivers can help to reduce injuries by:

• Creating safer places for children to play. Find a safe place to play away from traffic, check playground equipment before children play, and maintain outdoor play equipment at home.
• Watch children closely. Active involvement in the supervision of children decreases the chance of injury.
• Involve children in making family safety rules and help them understand why they are important. Make sure they—and you—follow the rules.

For more information on preventing childhood injuries, call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.