Ask the Expert: Turning a spotlight on safety
For too long, preventable injuries have been called accidents, implying that we are powerless to stop. However, in the United States, preventable injuries are at an all-time high, ranking as the third leading cause of death. June is National Safety Month, so keep these tips from the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in mind to make safe decisions for you and your loved ones.
How can I poison-proof my home?
Poisoning is the leading cause of preventable injury-related death in the U.S. according to the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Every day, there are over 300 children treated in an emergency department, and two children die, as a result of being poisoned. Fortunately, there are ways you can help poison-proof your home:
- Keep medicines and toxic products, such as cleaning solutions in their original packaging and lock them up and away where children can’t see or get them.
- Program the nationwide poison control number (1-800-222-1222) into your cell phone.
- Safely dispose of unused, unneeded or expired prescription drugs. You can safely dispose of these at the outpatient pharmacy kiosk at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.
How can I reduce the risk of my child drowning?
Drownings are a leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 14. Parents can play a key role in protecting their children.
- Learn the basics of swimming and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Install a four-sided fence or electric pool cover around backyard swimming pools.
- Make sure children wear life jackets in and around natural bodies of water, such as lakes or the ocean, even if they know how to swim.
- When children are in or near water, they must be closely supervised at all times. Adults must refrain from distracting activities like reading books and talking on the phone.
How can I reduce my risk of falling?
Although our homes are where we feel the safest, there are several causes of injury associated with them, including falls, improper lifting and fatigue.
Falls can happen anywhere, but falls in the home are one of the leading causes of injury-related death in the United States. According to the CDC, falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, including concussions. Getting your vision checked regularly can reduce your risk, but the best way to prevent falls is by eliminating tripping hazards:
- Secure electrical and phone cords away from walking areas.
- Use non-skid rugs and be sure to tape them down to prevent rolling.
- Keep drawers and cabinets closed when you’re not using them.
- Wear proper footwear, paying special attention to outdoor conditions.
- Clean up any spills immediately and include warning signage if necessary.
- Refrain from walking while distracted.
- Ensure there is adequate lighting in your workspace.
- Don’t carry more than you can handle—large loads can obstruct your vision and affect your balance.
Bathrooms are especially dangerous because of their slippery floors and surfaces. People of all ages can prevent falls in the bathroom:
- Place a non-slip mat both inside and outside of the tub.
- Plug in nightlights in and around the bathroom for increased visibility.
- Clean up any condensation or puddles on the floor.
- Place nonslip decals on the bottom of your shower or tub.
- Keep shampoo, soap and other bath products higher up to avoid bending.
- Install grab bars by the toilet and in or near the shower and tub to assist older adults.
- Make sure the bathroom door swings outward in case of a fall.
How can I reduce my risk of back injuries?
The American Chiropractic Association states that 31 million Americans will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Muscle tears, strains and other back injuries can be prevented with proper lifting technique:
- Stretch and warm up before you perform any lifting.
- Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
- Never twist or bend your back.
- Stand on solid ground with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Keep the box or object close to your body.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Limit the amount of weight you carry; separate boxes or make two trips instead of carrying more than you can handle.
- Ask for help to carry heavy, bulky or large loads.
- Keep pathways clear of a tripping hazard.
How can I reduce my risk of fatigue?
Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep every day to properly recharge. Fatigue impairs our ability to be alert, which makes us more susceptible to injuries.
We need to start seeing sleep as a key component of health. Lack of sleep can impact day-to-day function and mortality. There is a direct correlation between sleep deprivation and traffic accidents. Sleep disorders – including insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome – are common. If you consistently struggle with persistent sleepiness, you should consider seeing a sleep specialist to discover the underlying cause.
In order to get the best rest:
- Create and follow a sleep schedule. Follow it every day, even on weekends.
- Eliminate unnecessary light.
- Keep your bedroom temperate, neither hot nor cold.
- Make sure your bed and pillows are comfortable and support restful sleep.
- Avoid eating right before bed.
- Keep in mind that bedtime is for sleeping, not reading or watching TV.
- Avoid using electronic devices before bed which can inhibit sleep.
How can I learn more?
The National Safety Council has additional tips, tools and resources for injury prevention at nsc.org/work-safety/get-involved/national-safety-month
Cherlynn Bennett is the manager of quality and safety/infection prevention at IU Health Ball, Blackford and Jay hospitals. For more information, visit iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.