Health News
Public Health Week tips remind us that safety is part of health
In celebration of 2011 National Public Health Week, being honored April 4-10, the
Kentucky Department of Public Health offers tips on preventing injuries. Each year, injuries account for $80 billion spent on medical care and another $326 billion in lost productivity.
"Kentuckians can make a real difference in their homes and communities by committing to safe behaviors for themselves, their children and families," said Dr. William Hacker, commissioner of the department. "Implementing preventive measures into our daily routines can make a dramatic difference in both the overall health of our population and the amount of health care dollars spent on injury treatment."
To prevent injuries, the department recommends: wearing a helmet and protective gear while playing sports; wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher; having a physical before starting a new sport; warming up before playing sports; putting away items like toys and shoes lying on the floor or staircase to prevent falls; monitoring children while they play; drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration; always wearing a seatbelt; and avoiding distracted driving by not talking on the phone, texting or eating.
"We need to realize that public health requires more than the obvious examples we all know, such as eating fruits and vegetables, getting vaccinations and quitting smoking," Hacker said.
-
Girls Are More Likely Than Boys To Have Overuse Injuries While Participating In High School Sports
Overuse injuries make up more than 50 percent of athletic injuries and are most common in children ages 13 to 17. Girls are at a higher risk than boys of overuse injuries while participating in high school sports, according to a study by researchers at...
-
Centers For Disease Control Working To Find Ways To Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury; Affects One In Five Kentucky Households
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is using a public-health approach to find strategies to prevent traumatic brain injuries and reduce the physical, psychological, economic and social impacts they cause. Image: brainline.orgTraumatic...
-
How To Keep Kids Safe From Traumatic Brain Injuries This Summer
About 1.7 million people in the U.S. suffer a traumatic brain injury each year, and nearly half a million children under 15 visit an emergency room for TBI. A brain injury is traumatic if it disrupts the normal function of the brain. Dr. Michael Egnor,...
-
This Week Is National Public Health Week; This Year's Focus Is On Prevention And Wellness
With a focus on prevention and wellness this year, the Kentucky Department of Public Health is promoting national Public Health Week, which kicked off yesterday and will be observed until Sunday. The prevention theme was chosen to underscore the impact...
-
Bike Helmets Are A Must
It?s the time of year to jump back on the bike and enjoy the spring weather. But before you head for the Gwynn Falls Trail, remember your bike helmet. Even experienced bike riders cannot always avoid collisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control...
Health News