Summer is here, and you want to keep your kids safe and injury-free. Here are some of the activities to pay special attention to while they’re out of school:
Biking. Biking is the most dangerous sport, based on estimates of injuries treated in emergency rooms compiled by the National Safety Council. To protect your family, insist on bicycle helmets. Helmets are the first line of defense again head injuries caused by bicycle, scooter and skateboard accidents. It’s estimated that as many as two-thirds of bicycle-related head injuries could be prevented by a properly-fitted helmet.
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 so they learn basic water skills and are able to stay afloat. Make sure even your water-wise children aren’t left unattended near any type of water. Check out these tips for keeping your family safe around water.
Sports. Sports-related concussions affect thousands of young people. Annually, there’s an estimated 173,285 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions, among children and adolescents, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But don’t think just because your children don’t participate in organized sports over the summer that 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 your children wear helmets and get prompt medical attention for any blows to the head.
For more tips, check out this handy guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics.