Preventing Unintentional Injuries Overview

How to prevent unintentional injuries

Many unintentional injuries and emergencies can be prevented by reevaluating your family's health habits, lifestyles, and risks. Early detection and a prompt response is crucial in keeping situations manageable, and from becoming an emergency.

It is important to take charge of your health and to follow a program which is designed to help you and your family stay healthy, while providing a safe environment.

There are two sides to prevention, including the following:

Take Care of You and Your Family's Health

Follow Safety Rules and Guidelines

  • Exercise regularly.

  • Do not smoke.

  • Eat a healthy diet.

  • Have routine examinations and check-ups with your physician.

  • Monitor your weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

  • Follow the nationally recommended immunization schedule for children and adults.

  • Learn the warning signs and symptoms of diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart conditions.

  • Learn basic first-aid techniques, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

  • Manage stress.

  • Put safety first.

  • Supervise all children's activities, especially swimming.

  • Install safety devices in your home, such as smoke detectors, hand rails, and fire extinguishers.

  • Maintain heating equipment, and unplug supplemental heaters when sleeping.

  • Develop and practice using a fire escape route and plan, and make sure each family member knows what to do in case of emergency.

  • Set your water heater thermostat to 120° F or below to prevent scald burns.

  • Wear appropriate safety equipment at home, work, or play.

  • Always insist that all passengers are wearing seat belts, and that children are restrained in car seats properly.

  • Make sure small children are always seated in the rear seat.

  • Read and understand the labels on medications and food products.

  • Store medications and potential poisons in a safe place, away from children.

  • Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, work, and in the car.

  • Keep a list of emergency numbers in your home, business, and place of play, including the police, fire department, poison control center, local emergency service, local hospital, and family physician.

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