Avoid Common Summer Injuries

By Sister Dorothy Krupp, OSF, Director of Mission & Spiritual Care

        Summer is considered “trauma season” in most emergency rooms across the country. When the clock gets turned ahead, it gives both children and adults an extra hour or two of daylight and playtime in the evening, and children and adults who have been hibernating for the long months of winter break out in a flurry of activity. Often, the increased numbers of injuries resulting from warm weather activities require some form of medical imaging to determine the extent and severity of the injury. Listed below are some common warm weather activities and some ways to prevent or lessen the severity of the injuries that might be acquired.

      Beginning in Spring, the incidence of warm weather accidents begins to rise. Injuries to extremities and heads are the most common injuries from bikes, ATV’s, and dirt bikes. Bikes, ATV, and dirt bike drivers and riders should always wear helmets. Making sure the bike and helmet is the right fit for the rider should help lessen the effect of any accidents that may occur. No one under 16 should operate an ATV.

      Trampolines are also a lot of fun, but not without potential for concussion, sprains and occasional broken bones, especially when there are multiple children involved. Make sure children are supervised when using a trampoline, and limit the amount of people allowed on the trampoline at the same time.

      Diving injuries are more prevalent in the summer, as well, so find out the depth of the water before diving. Additionally, knee injuries, stress fractures, and sprains are more common this time of year with these injuries likely caused by tennis, golf, and basketball injuries.

      Falls from jungle gyms, skateboarding, feet slipping on wet surfaces, face-plants on the cement, and falling into something hard are the traumatic events most likely to land a person in the ER requiring x-rays. Over the past 5 years, falls have surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the top reason for emergency room visits. Always use caution when engaging in outdoor activities.

      Overall, summer accidents are avoidable or at least the risk of serious injury can be decreased with proper safety precautions. Also, physical activity is great for children, but they need to be supervised and play in a safe environment. Thankfully, by using safety precautions, many accidents are entirely preventable. Take extra time to follow safety rules this summer.

Story source: Toland, Bill. http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2014/05/09/Hospital-fun-in-the-summertime-Summertime-means-weathering-more-injuries/stories/201405090080