Injury Prevention Across North Carolina

Presented by NC Trauma Centers

Newsletter | August 2021 | Vol 2 Issue 3

Injury Prevention Topics by Awareness Week/Month

The Injury Prevention Newsletter is created by Injury Prevention Coordinators from the trauma centers across the state of North Carolina to bring resources to North Carolinians about injury prevention. The quarterly interactive newsletter will cover many injury prevention topics. Our August edition is focused on the various injury prevention awareness topics taking place in the coming months. Click the links for information on back to school safety, fall prevention, child passenger safety, playground safety, and more.

Back to school safety

The end of summer means back to school! After most of the country attended school remotely, kids & parents are eager to get back in the classroom! Along with masking & hand washing, follow the below tips for keeping your kiddo safe this school year.

School Bus Safety: The bus is actually the safest way for kids to get to school. Learn more here!

Watch a video on bike safety here!

Walking, biking & skateboarding to school? Pedestrians can't always be seen easily by cars, so wear bright clothing and follow the road rules. Learn more here!

Wear your helmet!

When biking or skateboarding to school or for fun, don't forget to protect your noggin!

Wear a helmet each and every time you ride or skate!

Learn how to fit your helmet with this video:

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Backpack Safety

Kids carry books, computers, sports equipment, and more in their backpacks to and from school. Ill-fitting backpacks can lead to neck and back pain, shoulder pain, and numbness and tingling related to back problems. It can also lead to poor posture.

It's time to lighten the load, click on the link to learn more about back pack safety.

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Learn some yoga stretches with this 10 minute video to help with back pain and improved posture. Always clear all exercises with your doctor or medical provider!

10 min YOGA ROUTINE FOR GOOD POSTURE | Beginner Yoga | Yoga with Uliana

Playground Safety

Younger kids returning to school are surely excited to get on the playground at recess!

Remind kids the rules of the playground and make sure there is a trusted adult there to keep an eye on things. If a child does have a playground fall or injury, make sure they get checked out by their doctor, especially if there is concern for a head injury. Watch the video below to learn more about concussions and visit Heads up Playground Safety for more information.

Recognizing the Signs of Concussions in Children

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Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week is September 19-25!

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This week, and every week, we highlight the importance of appropriate use of car seats and seatbelts for our most precious cargo-our kids! It is important to find the right size seat and make sure it is secured correctly. Click here for more.

The U.S. Department of Transportations National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's primary goal for child passenger safety is to make sure all parents and caregivers are correctly using the right seats. Click here to learn about car seats

Car Seat Location and Installation | MyChart Bedside

When fitting your car seat, remember:

Read and follow the installation instructions included with the car seat.
All Children under 13 should ride in the back seat
Check out the video to the left to learn learn to properly install your child's car seat

For more info on child passenger safety week:

https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/child-safety/child-passenger-safety-week

September 20-14 is Fall Prevention Awareness week!

Falls Prevention Awareness:

Look for events throughout the month of September to raise awareness of falls and to learn about falls prevention.

Movement and exercise are great ways to stay active and strong, and to prevent weak muscles and bones, in turn preventing falls. Watch the short video to learn exercises that can be done at home to prevent falls.

Top 10 Balance Exercises for Seniors at Home. STOP FALLS.

Did you know most falls happen from slipping and tripping on the same level of a home? This is due to shuffle walking, so prevention starting as early as age 45 can help prevent a fall. Consider these tips:

Balance and strength exercises should be done especially for the lower legs, hips, and feet at least 3 times per week.
Start with leg lifts and ankle circles while seated in a chair.
Use night lights to light path, especially a path to the bath
Consider where furniture is placed to allow a clear, uncluttered pathway in your home
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at your medicines and make changes to reduce a risk of falling related to medicine side effects