Summer Safety
Tips
Summer has arrived and with it are long,
warm days with plenty of outdoor activities for the young and
old. Unfortunately, some of these activities result in an unscheduled
visit to the emergency department. Before beginning this summer's
activities, we should review some simple safety tips that can
greatly reduce the chances of injury.
Playground Safety
Probably the single most avoidable injury
seen on playgrounds has to do with the feet. During the hot summer
months, children will often take off their shoes and play outside
barefoot. This activity can be responsible for significant injury
and pain, particularly in the form of lacerations. Trauma to the
feet can be particularly difficult because these wounds are often
extensive and painful to repair. These injuries can easily be
prevented by wearing shoes whenever playing outside.
Always inspect the playground equipment. It may have been a few
months since we last visited the playground, and some of the equipment
may no longer be safe and in need of repair. It is also important
to discuss with your child on which equipment they can and cannot
play on and review the safety rules (no pushing, always share
and take turns). Pay particular attention to equipment that has
moving parts like swings and merry-go-rounds, because they are
the most common equipment involved in playground injuries.
Finally, adequate adult supervision is essential whenever children
are at play.
Bicycle Safety
An estimated 57 million Americans ride
bicycles. This is a wonderful source of entertainment and exercise.
Many of us have not been on our bicycles since last summer, so
it is important to give you bicycle a "tune-up," paying
particular attention to the tires and brakes. Also be certain
that reflectors are well positioned and are working. Don't forget
that the height of the seat may need some adjustment from last
year, particularly for growing children.
Once the bike is "tuned-up,"
we are ready to go for a ride. Bicyclist should always wear a
helmet with a firmly attached chinstrap. Seventy-five percent
of all fatalities from bicycle injuries are the result of head
injury. Knee pads, elbow pads and gloves are also excellent safety
equipment. Know the terrain that you are riding on. Steep hills
and areas with high automobile traffic deserve greater attention.
Children should be supervised and should only ride in parks, bike
paths and sidewalks, never on streets.
In-Line Skating and Skateboarding
Skating injuries are a very common cause
of trauma seen in the emergency department, most of which involve
arm, wrist, and leg injuries. Protective gear is the easiest way
to avoid some of these injuries. Helmet, gloves, knee and elbow
pads and wrist guards are excellent safety equipment. Skating
enjoyment requires a smooth flat surface without debris such as
rocks and sticks that can get caught in the wheels. Skating at
night is also not a good idea. It is too difficult to see the
obstacles in your pathway, and motorists have a difficult time
seeing skaters.
Boating Safety
There is no better time than a hot summer
day to get out on a lake with some friends and family and
enjoy boating and fishing. We are fortunate in Louisiana to have
such a large variety of waterways to choose from. Unfortunately,
boating activities do not come without certain risks. The most
common cause of death related to boating is the result of falling
overboard and drowning. Most boating injuries also involve the
consumption of alcohol. If a few simple steps are taken, many
boating injuries can be avoided.
- Check the operation of your boat and give it a tune-up on
a regular basis.
- Be aware for smells of gasoline or smoke that may be coming
from your motor.
- Always carry life jackets and first aid equipment.
- Pay very close attention to changes in the weather.
- Alcohol and boating is a bad combination, and mixing the two
can lead to a visit to an emergency department.
Diving and Swimming Safety Tips
Close to 5,000 deaths from drowning occur
every year while people are participating in water activities.
Fifty percent of the drowning victims die during the months of
June, July and August. The first step to avoid injury from drowning
is to learn how to swim. There is amply opportunity to take swimming
lessons for all ages at a variety of community facilities. Next,
swimmers should know the conditions and the depth of the water.
Very cold water can make swimming more difficult, and shallow
water can be particularly dangerous. Never dive into the shallow
end of the pool and never, never dive into a pond or lake without
first knowing the depth of the water, being certain that there
are no dangerous obstacles in the way. Once again, alcohol should
be avoided while swimming and we should never swim alone.
Summer can be a very enjoyable season for
the entire family. If the above safety tips are followed, then
everyone can expect to have an enjoyable time.
If you have any questions regarding summer safety or any medical
conditions, please call St. Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Department
(225-647-5000), or consult your primary care doctor.
St. Elizabeth is the premiere emergent
care facility in Ascension Parish. It is open 24 hours a day with
highly trained doctors and nurses who are committed to the health
and safety of the residents of Ascension Parish.
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