You might be astonished as I was when I learnt that several deaths are caused by day to day injuries that our children face. The environment surrounding us is certainly not child safe to the extent that they are potential hazards. Unintentional injuries are responsible for many injury deaths each year, and it is estimated that 90 percent of unintentional injuries could be avoided. Unintentional injuries are those injuries that could be avoided if necessary precautions are taken. The five leading causes of injury death among children under age 15 are motor vehicle injuries, fires and burns, drowning, firearms and suffocation. Parents and caregivers need to know the greatest risk factors for their children and to take the appropriate steps to reduce the risk of unintentional injury. These were the findings of a research by the University of Missouri extension.
To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), always place infants on their backs during naps or at bedtime. If your infant was born with a birth defect, spits up after eating, or has breathing or heart problems check with your pediatrician about the best sleeping position for your baby. In addition, always remove soft items such as pillows or comforters from the crib. These soft items may cause infants to re-breathe exhaled air and suffocate. Walkers are responsible for more injuries than any other nursery product.
The leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in this age group is motor vehicle accidents. Although fireworks may only be used a few times each year, they are responsible for a number of serious injuries. Many of these unintentional injuries result from improper use of fireworks, and typically involve burns to the hands, eyes and head. An estimated 40 percent of homes contain some type of firearm for recreation or for protection. Firearms that are kept for protection are more likely to remain loaded, unlocked and stored within children reach.
Do not overlook health insurance for children as things quickly go out of hand in the case of children when such accidents happen. And the last you want is to be stranded without sufficient and necessary medical help for your child.
