Protect Your Child Against Brain Injury This Spring, Summer

Brain Injury Association of Michigan President Michael Dabbs said that there is only one known cure for traumatic brain injury today: prevention.

Help protect children from harm by following these selected seasonal safety facts from the Brain Injury Association of America’s Seasonal Brochures:

Spring

• Bicycle incidents are most likely to occur within five blocks of home. Teach by example. A bicycle helmet is a necessity not an accessory.
• Baseball has the least amount of safety equipment required of any youth sport. Check that your child’s baseball helmet meets standards of the national Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.
• Falls are the most common cause of playground injuries. Check the surface under playground equipment. Avoid asphalt concrete, grass and soil surfaces. Look for surfaces with shredded mulch, pea gravel, crushed stone and other loose surfaces.
• Two-thirds of all-terrain vehicle accidents have involved children under 16 years old. Model safe behavior by always wearing helmets with face protection and protective clothing.
• Brain injuries occur when skaters fall and hit their heads on the pavement.
• Wear a helmet for protection against falls.
• Brain injury is the leading cause of death among children hit by cars. Always stop at the curb or edge of the road; never run into the street.

Summer

• Most children who survive drowning are found within two minutes of being under water; most who die are found after 10 minutes or longer. Always supervise your child around water.
• Alcohol use is a leading factor in boating incidents and deaths. Stop your child from riding in a boat with anyone who has been drinking alcohol.
• A bicyclist who is wearing a helmet is less likely to die, be seriously injured or become disabled if hit by a car. Buy a helmet that meets the safety standards of ANSI , Snell, or ASTM. Tighten chin strap to keep helmets from slipping forward or backward. Only two fingers should fit under the chin strap Place the helmet directly over the forehead.
• Screens are designed to keep out bugs, not to keep in children. Install child safety window guards.