> What is Brain Injury? > Prevention
It is very important to educate children on how to play safely to avoid getting hurt. Protecting a child from harm is the wish of every parent. Children learn by listening and watching. Parents, remember to lead by example.
When a child’s brain is injured, it does not heal like a broken bone, torn muscle or skin. Unlike broken bones that mend, or cut or scraped skin that grows again, the brain cannot repair itself. It cannot grow new brain cells, called neurons, once they are damaged.
The brain of a child continues to develop through the teenage years, so it is important to protect it from an injury. But children do not always recognize dangers and risks. They need to be taught about safety by their parents, teachers and doctors.
The brain is like a master computer for a child’s body. It controls thinking, learning, language and memory. A child’s ability to move, breathe, see, speak, hear and feel is also controlled by the brain because it sends signals to other parts of the body. It even affects a child’s emotions and personality. Protecting a child’s brain from an injury may be the most important thing that you can do.
With warmer weather and longer days, children spend more time outdoors. Bicycling, baseball and outdoor play are among children’s favorite spring activities. Time outdoors and away from the watchful eye of parents and adults means that children must know how to play safely to avoid getting hurt.
Children are at risk for brain injuries from falls and collisions while bicycling. Because their peripheral vision is not full developed, they do not see objects to the side as clearly as those directly ahead. Children often misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. They may hear sounds, but are unable to judge from where they are coming. Their undeveloped sense of danger increases their risk of injury.
FACT:
Brain injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes; it is the leading cause of disability among those who survive.
FACT:
Most deaths to bicyclists result from collisions with motor vehicles.
FACT:
A bicycle helmet protects your child’s skull, brain and face from injuries.
FACT:
A bicyclist who is wearing a helmet is less likely to die, be seriously injured or become disabled if hit by a car.
FACT:
Bicycle incidents are most likely to occur within five blocks of home.
Always teach children to:
Always wear a bicycle helmet
Bicycle only in daylight
Follow the rules of the road
Ride on the right side of the road with traffic
Use hand signals
Respect traffic signals
Stop at all intersections
Stop and look both ways before entering a street
Be extra careful around driveways
Always stop, look left-right-left and listen for traffic before crossing at stop signs, stoplights and busy streets
Check that the road is clear before turning or changing lanes
Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks
Use crosswalks to get across a busy street; walk, do not ride a bike in the crosswalk
Watch out for opening car doors and parked vehicles pulling away from the curb
Ride single file with at least one bicycle length between cyclists
Walk the bike when nervous about traffic or tired
Parents of children playing baseball at level from “T-ball” through “Hot Stove” and high school leagues should be aware of the risks of injuries.
FACT:
Baseball has the least amount of safety equipment required of any youth sport.
FACT:
The head is involved in more baseball injuries than any other body part. Almost half the injuries involve a child’s head, face, mouth or eyes.
FACT:
The leading cause of injury and death is being hit by the ball; the second
cause is collision.
Always teach children to:
Wear a baseball helmet that fits properly with ear flaps on both sides and a chin strap
Slide feet first, not head first
Playgrounds provide wonderful opportunities for socialization and exercise when safety is considered first.
FACT:
Falls are the most common cause of playground injuries
FACT:
The safest playground surfaces are soft; impact absorbing materials such as sand (10 inches deep) or wood chips (12 inches deep). Rubber maps also give
protection against falls.
FACT:
Three-quarters of the children who die by falling from playground equipment have brain injuries.
Always teach children to:
Avoid walking in front of moving swings
Wait until swing stops before getting off
Go feet first, not head first, down slides
Wait until slide is cleared before going down
These vehicles are appealing, but dangerous for children. Although they look safe and stable because of their large soft tires, riders are injured when the driver loses control or is thrown off; the vehicle rolls over and collides with something. Three-wheeled ATV’s are unstable than four-wheeled ATV’s.
FACT:
Two thirds of ATV related injuries have occurred to children under 16 years old
FACT:
Injuries to the central nervous system and the head are the major types of severe injuries involving ATV’s
Always teach children to:
Use the buddy system; never ride alone
Avoid riding on paved roads
Use moderate speed and only ride during daylight
ATV’s are designed for one person only; never take a passenger
Use four-wheeled, not three-wheeled ATV’s for better stability
Children are attracted to the speed and maneuverability of in-line skates, roller skates and skateboards. But they risk brain injuries when they skate without helmets and on the road.
FACT:
Wrists, knees and elbows are the most common areas injured
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Brain injuries can occur when skaters fall and hit their heads on the pavement
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Children who skate on roads risk collisions with cars, bicyclists, pedestrians and pets
Always teach children to:
Wear a helmet for protection against falls
Wear protective guards for wrists, elbows and knees
Avoid skating in traffic areas
Skate only during daylight
As children spend more time playing and walking outdoors, they are at greater risk for being hit by motor vehicles.
FACT:
Most children hit and killed by cars are playing in the street
FACT:
Brain injury is the leading cause of death among children hit by cars
Always teach children to:
Always stop at the curd or edge of the road; never run into the street
Look left-right-left before crossing
Walk on the sidewalk, not the road
Walk facing traffic if there is no sidewalk
Learn the signs that a parked car is about to move; engine noise, backup lights and a driver behind the wheel
Wear reflective clothing or strips when out after dark
Taken from the Brain Injury Association of America Spring Safety for children brochure.
Summer is a time for fun, vacation and special outings. Children have more freedom and less supervision out of school, but this exposes them to new risks. Protecting a child from harm is the wish of every parent. Children learn by listening and watching. So parents, always remember to lead by example.
Relief from the heat of summer can be found in the coolness of pools, lakes and oceans. Teaching a child to swim in very important, but it does not mean that your child is safe in the water. Safety in and near water requires constant care and attraction.
FACT:
Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death from injury in children age 14 and under
FACT:
Most Children who survive are found within two minutes of being under water; most who die are found after 10 minutes or longer
FACT:
Brain damage can result from a near drowning
Always teach children to:
Have an adult watching before going near the water
Always swim with a buddy or adult; never swim alone
Avoid pushing other under water
Avoid diving or jumping into shallow water
Keep out of the water during lightning storms and bad weather
Dive into water only after an adult has checked and given permission
Backyard pools give children and friends a place to play and have fun. The basic water safety rules for swimming apply to pools as well, but some additional safety rules need to be followed.
FACT:
Children ages 5-14 most often drown in open water and swimming pools
FACT:
A child can drown in just one inch of water
Always teach children to:
Ask permission and have an adult watching before entering a private pool
Step and climb into a pool; avoid jumping or diving
Avoid running on hard surfaced pool areas and near pool furniture to prevent tripping or falling
If a child is in a motorboat, sailboat, rowboat or canoe that turns over or is in a collision, a child could be injured or drown. A life jacket can help protect a child in a boat.
FACT:
Life jackets must be the proper size and in good condition to protect your child
FACT:
Recreational boats must have one U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person aboard
FACT:
There are laws in 25 states requiring children ages 6-12 to wear life jackets at all times when on boats or near water
FACT:
Alcohol use is a leading factor in boating incidents and deaths
Always teach children to:
Always wear an approved U.S. Coast Guard life jacket in a boat
Ask your permission before getting into any boat
Stay within sight of adults who can provide help if needed
Windows are opened more often with the heat of summer. Falling out of an open window can seriously or fatally hurt a child. Height, rate of fall and the force of impact can injure a child’s body in many ways.
FACT:
A child’s head is at special risk in a fall from a window because of its size and the force of gravity
FACT:
The higher the window, the greater the chance that a child will die from a fall
FACT:
Screens are designed to keep out bugs, not to keep children in
Always teach children to:
Stay away from windows; especially open ones
Avoid playing near windows
Taken from the Brain Injury Association of America Summer Safety for children brochure.
Children’s schedules change in the fall as school starts and outdoor play and sports activities change with the cooler weather. The shorter daylight hours make it harder for drivers to see children playing, bicycling or walking outside. School bus safety is also a concern as children travel to and from school.
Youth football has a lower rate of serious injury that high school and college level football. The smaller size and slower speed of young players reduces the force and speed of impact.
FACT:
A helmet helps prevent your child’s brain from an injury
FACT:
Concussion is the most common consequence of brain injury in contact sports
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Heavier players have a higher rate of injury among boys 8-15 years old
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Fractures to arms, hands, legs and feet are the most common football injuries among hospitalized children
Always teach children to:
Always wear a helmet and protective equipment when playing football
Play with kids of similar size and weight
Stop when tired
Play touch football when unsupervised or during informal play
Sprains, bruises and fractures of ankles, knees or legs are the most common injuries among children playing soccer. The proper use and storage of equipment can help keep your child safe.
FACT:
Heading or hitting the ball with the head is the riskiest activity; when done repeatedly, it can cause a concussion. The risk is greater if too large a ball is used by a small child
FACT:
Girls are injured playing soccer more often than boys
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Movable soccer goals can fall over and kill children who climb on them or hang from the crossbar
FACT:
Injuries sharply increase at age 14 due to more aggressive play and the heavier weight of players
Always teach children to:
Use the body and extremities, not the head, to hit the ball
Avoid climbing on the net or frame of the goal
Use synthetic non-absorbent balls in wet playing conditions
Wear protective mouth guard and shin guards
Play in sneakers or shoes with flat bottoms or corrugated soles; avoid shoes with screw in cleats
Play with children of similar weight, age and skill
A horse is much bigger, faster and heavier than a child, so attention to safety is very important
FACT:
Brain injury is the most common cause of death and serious injury to riders and it occurs more often among young riders
FACT:
Girls are injured more often than boys
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Many children are injured during non-riding activities, such as leading, grooming and feeding. Being kicked by a horse can cause serious injury
FACT:
Most serious injuries are caused by being separated from the horse while riding or by falling with the horse
Always teach children to:
Always wear an approved helmet when mounted on a horse
Tighten the helmet to fit snugly. The strap must touch the rider’s jaw and/or chin
Wear boots or shoes with a heel that covers the ankle when using stirrups
Never lock the safety stirrup bar upright
Use safety stirrup irons
Check equipment before riding
Avoid being tied to a horse by wrapping lead rope or reins around he hand or waist
The fun of Halloween can be dangerous. Wearing costumes, walking in the dark and being in unfamiliar neighborhoods raise the risk of injury. Costumes and masks make it harder for children to see and be seen by motorists.
FACT:
Falls are the leading cause of injuries on Halloween
FACT:
Children are at higher risk that usual for being hit by motorist
Always teach children to:
Stop at all corners and look left-right-left
Avoid entering the street between parked cars
Travel only in familiar areas and along an agreed upon route
With shorter daylight hours in the fall, it is harder for drivers to see children playing and walking
FACT:
Most children that are hit and killed by cars are playing in the street
FACT:
Parents or adults may not always be there when children get on and off the school bus, so it is very important to teach them how to make school bus travel safe.
Always teach children to:
Wait for the bus in a safe place off the road
Stand way from trees, bushes, cars, buildings or anything that can block the driver’s view
Respect the “danger zone.” This is a 10-foot wide area around all sides of the bus where the driver’s view is blocked
Wait until seen by the driver to go near the bus
Step far enough away from the “danger zone” to be seen by the driver after getting off the bus. Wait for the bus to pull away before walking on that side of the road
Wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross the street
Look left-right-left before crossing the street
Taken from the Brain Injury Association of America Fall Safety for children brochure.
For many children, the fun of winter is playing in the snow and on the ice. However, when children fall or have collisions, they can get hurt. Winter play is fun only if it is safe The Road is always a dangerous place for children, but winter brings special risks and dangers. Tips on road safety and bus stop safety can protect your child while away from home.
This is a favorite activity for children of all ages. But the fun of sliding downhill can turn into danger unless children know how to slide safely.
FACT:
Children are most commonly injured when the sled hits something or gets out of control
FACT:
Most serous injuries result from collisions with trees, fences or rocks
Always teach children to:
Sled sitting up, facing forward with feet first; never sled head first
Sled away from trees, buildings and roads
Sled only where there is a flat runoff area for stopping
Avoid sledding on icy slopes
Brake and steer on small slopes first, before moving onto steeper hills
Use hand holds when snow tubing to prevent bouncing or sliding off
Wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and helmets
Ice-skating requires skillful coordination of balance and speed in order to glide on thin blades over the slick surface of ice. It is important to teach children where and how to skate safely.
FACT:
Ice is a hard surface. A fall on the ice is like hitting the pavement
FACT:
Playing hockey without a helmet is dangerous. Blows from a puck or stick can injure a child’s brain. A helmet also protects a child’s brain in a collision with other players.
FACT:
Frozen ponds or lakes can have hidden soft spots and moving water. Children who nearly drown after falling through the ice can have brain damage from lack of oxygen.
Always teach children to:
Wear skates that fit properly for ankle support
Keep skates sharpened for control
Use indoor rinks and flooded outdoor yard areas
Always skate with someone on frozen ponds or lakes
Avoid skating near hockey players with moving pucks and sticks
Always wear a helmet and protective clothing when playing hockey
Speeding down a slope is the major attraction of skiing and snowboarding, but children need to know how to judge and control speed to avoid collisions and dangerous falls.
FACT:
Most skiers are hurt at the beginning and end of the day
FACT:
Many injuries occur when the skier or snowboarder is tired
FACT:
Most children who are injured when snowboarding are beginners
Always teach children to:
Ski and snowboard on easy slopes at the beginning and end of the day
Fall and get up safely
Choose slopes that match skiing ability
Ski or snowboard with someone who can help in case of injury
Recognize signs of tiring and know when to stop
Take rest breaks often
Wear a helmet for protection during falls and collisions, especially during races
Tuck in scarves, hood strings. Loose fabric and long hair to avoid catching them on ski lifts
Avoid areas where snowmaking equipment is being used. Surface and visibility can change quickly
Avoid snowboarding in large groups
Avoid icy slopes and conditions that increase speed and decrease control
Snowmobiles are heavy and powerful machines that can travel at high speeds over ice and snow. Safe driving and a helmet can protect your child from getting seriously injured.
FACT:
Brain injury is the number one cause of death from snowmobile injuries
FACT:
Riders are most often hurt by falling off snowmobiles or during collisions
FACT:
Helmets reduce the risk of brain injury and death when crashes of falls occur
FACT:
Children who are driving are most commonly hurt after losing control of the snowmobile
Always teach children to:
Stay on groomed and marked trails away from roads, waterways, railroads and pedestrians
Always wear a protective helmet designed and tested for snowmobile use. Wear goggles and boots to protect eyes and feet
Use head and rear lights and wear reflective strips on clothing after dark
Avoid riding over frozen water
Refuse to ride with a driver who has been drinking
Snowmobile only in areas free of wire or chain fences
Throwing snowballs is a favorite game of children, but the head should never be the target.
FACT:
Any blow to the head can be harmful
FACT:
A stone inside a snowball becomes a dangerous weapon
Always teach children to:
Avoid aiming at a person’s head or face
Only make snowballs from soft snow. Icy snow has pellets that can puncture and tear skin, scalp, eyes or ears
Throw safely. Snowballs thrown too hard can become dangerous missiles
Taken from the Brain Injury Association of America Winter Safety for children brochure.