Presented by NC Trauma Centers
Newsletter | November 2020 | Vol 1 Issue 4
Staying Safe During the Holiday Season
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 fourth edition is focused on the holiday season and addressing injury risks that often take place during this time of year. Click the links for information on holiday safety, driving under the influence, pedestrian safety, depression/isolation & gun safety, and senior fall prevention.
Holiday Safety
The holidays are a beloved time to prepare meals for family, decorate and put up a tree, travel to see family members, and delight children with gifts. Make sure you are celebrating safely and avoiding mistakes that can lead to a trip to the ED using this comprehensive guide from the National Safety Council.
Driving Under the Influence During the Holidays
There's More Than One Way to Be Under the Influence - NHTSA
Onslow County Sheriff's Office DWI Task Force Message
How A Mother’s Grief Inspired Community Safety Awareness
Pediatric Trauma Prevention Coordinator and one of the contributors to this newsletter, Luly Beckles, wrote an article about her experience with loss due to drunk driving and how it has motivated her to spread the message of community safety.

Going Back to School: Pedestrian Safety & Helmet Use
Be sure to look out for kids as some head back into school. Many children have been taking part in remote learning but are now headed back to the classroom! This means more children will be walking, biking, and taking the bus to school. The 2020 theme for school bus safety is “Red Lights Mean STOP!” so keep this in mind when you see school buses on the road! Read more about school bus safety here:

Kids may be riding bikes to school, or they may be getting bikes for holiday gifts! When getting the little one in your life a bike or other rideable toy, don’t forget the helmet!

Also keep in mind the age of the child you’re buying gifts for, and match the gift to the child. This can avoid getting a toy that is too advanced or that has parts that a little one could choke on or become injured with. Visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for more.
Seniors and Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression is a mood disorder characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year. Symptoms of seasonal depression include fatigue, hopelessness, mood swings, social withdrawal, and more. One of the big targets of seasonal depression is the older population. As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder elders are more likely to develop seasonal depression. Oftentimes the cold weather causes severe joint pain and with shorter days it also restricts time spent outside. Over time, people lose many things but as we get older we may lose our social status, loved ones and maybe even our income, this is why elders are more prone to seasonal depression. Keep an eye out for loss of interest in daily activities, changes in appetite, sleep and anxiety in your loved ones this holiday season.
Gun Safety & Children
While families are gathering together for the holidays, keep children safe from guns. On the left are some statistics about gun safety and children from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The first video below is a demonstration of safe storage and the second is a public service announcement addressing homes with unlocked or unsupervised guns.
Safe Storage Demonstration
PSA: End Family Fire
Senior Fall Prevention During Winter
Winter is a risky time for falls due to snow and icy weather, especially for older adults. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has a 12-question Falls Free Check-Up online questionnaire that can help you or a senior in your life assess risk for falling. Prefer pencil and paper? Check out the CDC's Stay Independent brochure. It has the same questions, but you can print this version and share with your healthcare provider. 

Exercise is also an important component in falls prevention. Strength and balance exercises have been shown to reduce falls among older adults. NYC Health and Hospitals developed a video of 9 exercises to prevent falls. These exercises should be done with a sturdy chair for support or may be done sitting. You should only participate if your doctor has told you that you can participate in an exercise program.
REGIONAL INFORMATION
The Injury Prevention Across North Carolina Newsletter is presented by NC Trauma Centers, including:
ATRIUM HEALTH
CAROLINAS MEDICAL CENTER
Tracie Campbell, MS, CHES
Injury & Violence Prevention Program Coordinator
704-355-3808


BRENNER CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC TRAUMA CENTER
WAKE FOREST BAPTIST HEALTH
Hayluri (Luly) Beckles MS, CPS-T
Pediatric Injury Prevention Coordinator
336-716-0649


DUKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
TRAUMA CENTER
Tricia Smar, MSW, CHES
Injury Prevention Coordinator
919-943-0841


NOVANT HEALTH PMC
Kelly Moriarty, RN
Trauma and Injury Prevention Coordinator
704-258-3287 (cell) 704-384-9761 (office)  


UNC TRAUMA CENTER
Lindsay Bailey, MPH
Injury Prevention Coordinator
984-974-2437
ATRIUM HEALTH
CLEVELAND
Jessica Crawford, RN
Trauma Prevention Specialist
980-487-3826

MOSES CONE HOSPITAL
TRAUMA CENTER
Leigha Jordan, M.S.
Injury Prevention Coordinator
336-832-3939

MISSION HEALTH
Tracey Gates, RN, CEN, CPEN
Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator
828-712-7014 (cell) 828-213-9459 (office)

TRAUMA CENTER AT NEW HANOVER MEDICAL CENTER
Meredith Spell, RN, BSN
Injury & Violence Prevention Coordinator
910-524-0690 (cell) 910-667-7902 (office)

WAKEMED HEALTH & HOSPITALS TRAUMA SERVICE
Christina Carmichael
Injury Prevention Representative
919-350-8364

WAKE FOREST BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER
Shawn Griffin, RN, BSN
Trauma/Burn Outreach Coordinator
336-716-0685