5 Tips for Safe Summer Sports

About 4 million kids will sustain an injury from sports this year. Most of these injuries are preventable. 1. Check the gear. Are the shoes fitted and comfortable? Does the activity call for shin guards, elbow pads, or a helmet? Biking, skating and skateboarding are responsible for about half of sports head injuries: Safe Kids explains the quick 3-point helmet check in this video. 2. Stretch. Stretching before and after strenuous exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent injury. Kids think this part is boring – find videos for the stretches needed for their sport. 3. Sweat-proof, waterproof sunscreen. Sunburn affects the body’s natural ability to cool down. This leads to serious heat-related illnesses – heat cramps,

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Summer Safety for July 4: forget the sparklers

Fireworks (and burn injuries) If you are setting off fireworks this weekend, it is your responsibility to keep people safe. Your ignition area should be clear of trees and branches, and point away from buildings. Light fireworks one at a time. Have a bucket of water ready, and a hose nearby. Never re-light a dud. One more note on fireworks: sparklers are the most dangerous. They cause about 20% of fireworks injuries, and some of the most serious burn injuries to children. It makes sense: there’s no other situation in which it is acceptable to give a small child a stick burning at 1200 degrees or more. It’s not OK on July 4, either. Burn treatment Most people who

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Summer Safety: bullies, babysitters, and why it’s the most dangerous time of year for teenagers

Teens are more likely to be exposed to drugs and alcohol during summer months. Health experts say the best way to prevent destructive behaviors is to provide a structured environment, be clear about your rules, and have an “I’ll come and get you any time you need help” policy with your teenager. Bullying doesn’t end with the school year. “No school” means “more free time” – and a spike in social media use. Keep an eye on their social media accounts: more than half of adolescents are cyber-bullied at some time. Bullying can lead to depression, withdrawal, and low self-esteem. There are more car accidents involving teen drivers between Memorial Day and Labor Day than any other time of the

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Summer Safety: Pools, life jackets, and what drowning REALLY looks like

1. You can drown hours after swimming. It’s called Secondary Drowning, and occurs when fluid gets into the lungs. Every person who is rescued from water should be taken to a hospital- even if they appear to be fine. 2. There is no reason to be out in open water without a life jacket: you can borrow one through Life Jacket Loaner programs. 3. Drowning doesn’t look like drowning. This excellent article by maritime safety expert Mario Vittone explains how so many people drown in plain sight. Real signs of drowning: Head is low in the water, mouth at water level; OR the head is tilted back with mouth open Eyes glassy and unable to focus; or closed Legs are vertical Appear to be trying to

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Slow Down

The Pacific Northwest is blanketed in snow which is expected to remain on the roadways for the next 36 hours. It is especially important to slow down as you drive on the roadways. Truck drivers need to pay particular attention to safety and defensive driving. Truck drivers need to slow down, leave enough room between their rigs and other drivers. They also need to get off the roadway if conditions become too hazardous. In fact, federal regulations require this. Winter conditions require complete driver attention. Earlier, as I was driving to work, I watched a truck driver operate his rig while talking on the cell phone. This distraction contributes to accidents. In fact, it is estimated that 5,500 people were

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Keep a Look-out

The fall has arrived and soon we will be in winter. It is this time of year that greater care is needed when traveling on our roadways. Often, as I travel on Pacific Northwest freeways, I watch Trucks go speeding by me without regard to the weather conditions. Rain conditions require defensive driver practices. Stopping distances are greatly increased and properly following distances most be maintained. Visibility is decreased by rain and darkness. Our hope is that Truck drivers are getting the necessary training, too often they are not. Be defensive as you drive and protect yourself and your families.

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5 Tips for Safe Summer Sports

Summer Safety for July 4: forget the sparklers

Summer Safety: bullies, babysitters, and why it’s the most dangerous time of year for teenagers

Summer Safety: Pools, life jackets, and what drowning REALLY looks like

Slow Down

Keep a Look-out

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