Ways You Can Prevent a TBI

Spring is finally here and Summer is right around the corner.  The parks will be filling up with children and parents playing on swing sets and jungle gyms, people of all ages will be dusting off their bikes from the corner of the garage, and soon enough pools will begin to open.  It is no surprise that with the coming of warmer weather there is also an increase in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) cases.  Although serious if and when it happens, TBI can be prevented.

Here are some things to think about before heading out on your weekend adventure:

• Bicycle incidents are most likely to occur within five blocks of home.  
• TIP: Parents lead by example a helmet is not an accessory.
• Falls are the most common cause of playground injuries
• TIP: Avoid asphalt, concrete, grass and soil surfaces. Look for surfaces with shredded mulch, pea gravel, crushed stone, or other loose surfaces.  
• Brain injury is the leading cause of death among children hit by cars. 
• TIP: Always stop at the curb or edge of the road; never run into the street. 
• Most children who survive drowning are found within two minutes of being underwater; most who die are found after 10 minutes or longer. 
• TIP:  Do not let children in a pool without adult supervision or a lifeguard on duty. Talk to your children and make sure they know where all of the ladders/stairs are at   
• Alcohol is a leading factor in boating accidents, death, and injury
• TIP: Do not drink and drive or get in a boat with someone who has been drinking. 
• A bicyclist who is wearing a helmet is less likely to die, be seriously injured, or become disabled if hit by a car.
• TIP: Buy a helmet that meets the safety standards of ANSI, Snell, or ASTM.  The chin strap should be tightened to keep the helmet from sliding forward or backwards.  Only two fingers should fit under the chin strap and the helmet should be covering the forehead.
• Two-Thirds of all-terrain vehicle accidents have involved children under 16 years old. 
• TIP: Be a role model for safe behaviors! Always wear a helmet with face protection, chest protector, boots, and protective clothing. 
• Baseball requires the least amount of safety equipment in youth sports.
• TIP: Check that your child's helmet meets safety standard of the national Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).    

Information gathered from the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater KC.  

Pictures retrieved from: mylibaseball.com , bollivarchamber.com, ablepool.com, and yamahaopictures.blogspot.com