Did you know that more children die each year in Canada from injuries than from all diseases combined? This is why we at BC Children's Hospital are interested not only in treating injuries, but in preventing them.
Many injuries don't just happen; they are not "accidents." Most injuries are predictable and preventable. Injury prevention experts believe that up to 90% of all injuries can be prevented!
Safe Start has put together these questions to test your child health and safety knowledge. For fun, jot down the number you answer correctly. Just click on the slide to advance to the next one. Ready? Start the quiz here!
When you're enjoying the many activities Springtime has to offer, keep these safety tips for children in mind.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these
Before heading out to the playground this spring, read about playground safety from Parachute (our national injury prevention organization).
We see hundreds of kids every year in our emergency departments with injuries from indoor and outdoor trampolines. Of course we want to encourage physical activity and being outdoors, but we also want parents and caregivers to err on the side of caution, and take as many precautions as possible to limit preventable injuries related to trampoline use.
The most common injuries regarding outdoor trampolines involve jumping or falling off the trampoline, often as a result of being double-bounced by someone. 80% of injuries in kids on trampolines occur when two or more children are on the trampoline at the same time.
Whether you are cycling, skating, skiing or boarding, everyone should be wearing a helmet.
Our friends at
Preventable have launched their
Have a Word with Yourself Campaign to reach Canadian youth about the importance of helmet safety. Read more about it here:
Calling all youth
Burns are a leading cause of injury for children under the age of five. To help prevent childhood burn injuries, we have produced the Too Hot for Tots! program, with resources, for parents and for organizations who work with families of young children. This program has been moved to the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association Burn Fund website.