Not every brain injury is preventable, but there are many things we can do in our day to day lives to lessen the chance of injury to ourselves and those we love.
At Home:
- Use a step stool with a grab bar to reach objects on high shelves
- Install handrails on stairways
- Install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around
- Remove tripping hazards such as small area rugs and loose electrical cords
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors
- Put grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower
- Maintain a regular exercise program to improve strength, balance, and coordination
- See an eye doctor regularly for a vision check to help lower the risk of falling.
- Keep firearms stored unloaded in a locked cabinet or safe. Store bullets in a separate
secured location.
On the Road:
- Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
- Always buckle your child into a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt (according to the child’s height, weight, and age) in the car.
- Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Having Fun:
Wear a helmet and make sure your children wear helmets when:
- Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle
- Playing a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing
- Using in-line skates or riding a skateboard
- Batting and running bases in baseball or softball
- Riding a horse
- Skiing or snowboarding
- Make sure the surface on your child’s playground is made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood, mulch, and sand.
In a nutshell, practice safety in all you do!