DrGreene Content
Preventable injuries cause about two thirds of all deaths among school-aged children and adolescents. Motor-vehicle injuries lead the pack, causing 70% of unintentional injury deaths. Other unintentional injuries - on playgrounds, on athletic fields, in gymnasiums, in classrooms, or traveling between these locales- harm many of our children. Intentional injuries, even homicide and suicide, are also major problems. Schools can play a central role in keeping our children safer by taking steps to prevent injuries from occurring on school property and at school-sponsored events. Beyond that, schools can teach students the skills needed to promote safety and prevent unintentional injuries, violence, and suicide while at home, at work, at play, in the community, and throughout their lives. With this in mind, the CDC has issued a December 2001 set of “School Health Guidelines to Prevent Unintentional Injuries and Violence”. Following their 8 recommendations will help to create a culture of safety and health.
Alan Greene MD FAAP
Originally published: December 15, 2001
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