Each year 2.4 million Americans sustain brain injuries including 475,000 children. About 75% of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). There are many ways that these injuries can be prevented, so it is crucial that we work to protect the developing brains of our children. It is their little minds that will help shape our world for the generations yet to come.
Caregivers, wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle, and allow your children to see this good example! Never risk driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Wear a helmet and make sure your children wear helmets when:
- Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, 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; or Skiing or snowboarding
Make living areas safer for children, by doing the following:
- Installing window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows
- Using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around
- Make sure the surface on your child’s playground is made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand
As we all know, regardless of the precautions we take (and we should take them nonetheless!), accidents happen. And when they do… you will know what to do, whether it’s for your child or someone else’s.
Check out the CDC and the Brain Injury Association for more information and resources.
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