The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are over 80 million injuries-related visits to doctors’ office, hospital outpatient departments, and emergency treatment facilities in the United States each year. An estimated 9.2 Million children are treated in an emergency department for unintentional injuries each year.
If we could predict how, when, and where our children will be hurt, we’d certainly try to avoid it. Unfortunately, accidents happen unexpectedly. To reduce the amount of time spent in the emergency department, it is important to be safe all year.
These tips will help to prevent injuries to children during a new season.
Wear appropriate clothing
Wearing the right gear and apparel can make a big difference whether your child is outside playing, riding a bicycle, or participating in a school sport. Wearing a helmet on a bike can help reduce head injuries by 85 percent, and brain injury risk by 88 percent.
Learn the rules of the game.
Football bans the following: Tripping, helmet-to-helmet, helmet-to-helmet, facemask grabbing and below-the-knees blocking. They can pose dangers to both the player’s safety and that of others. Children can be less likely to get hurt if they know the rules.
Prepare.
Make sure your children are properly prepared before you take them to practice or play in a sport. Warming up properly makes the tissues of your body more flexible and warm. Cool-down exercise loosens muscles that are tightened from exercise.
Pay attention to your body.
You should teach your child to notify an adult if they feel any discomfort or pain while playing. Although it may be uncomfortable to sit on the sidelines, pushing through pain can cause more serious injuries and keep your child from moving for longer.
It is possible for life to change quickly. If you have to take your child to the emergency room, it can be a good idea that you are financially prepared. Add an accident insurance planIt helps you to avoid costly medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses that can often result from an accident or serious injury. Ask your human resource representative at work for more information about accident insurance policies. www.aflac.com/accident.
