Thursday, May 26, 2011

Be Safe, Educate and Have Fun!

With Memorial Day right around the corner, we wanted to take the opportunity to provide some imperative warnings. According to some estimates, amputations and limb related injuries increase as much as 35% during the summer. Many of these injuries are avoidable.

The ACA (Amputee Coalition of America) estimates that 600 children are injured by lawn mowers every summer. Little feet and hands can quickly slip under the blade deck, producing catastrophic results. It is recommended that children refrain from playing in the vicinity of a moving lawn mower. If this is not feasible, please be vigilant and avoid engaging the blade until the area is clear.

Adults also risk injury their feet if they are mowing without proper footwear. Although the warm weather often makes it uncomfortable, experts recommend wearing sneakers or shoes that cover the foot entirely. Sandals simply aren't safe to wear when mowing!

Fireworks are often associated with summer celebrations. Although beautiful to watch, they pose dangers if improperly handled. Over 7,000 firework injuries were treated in emergency rooms last year. Of those injuries, almost 60% were individuals under the age of 20. Perhaps a more heartbreaking reality- 4 out of every 10 injuries attributed to fireworks was sustained by a child under the age of 15!

In order to keep celebrations safe this summer season, please read the instructions on your fireworks. They should be lit by an adult and children and spectators should view from a safe distance. For more information about firework safety, click here.

It is our hope that you will share this information with your friends and family. Knowledge of the risks translates into power. We wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day!

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