News Release
For Immediate Release: April 6, 2011
Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7730
Public Health Week Underway
The Garrett County Health Department recognizes this week as National Public Health Week, an occasion celebrated across the U.S. from April 4-10, 2011. The theme this year is Safety is no Accident: Live Injury-Free.
“ In addition to eating healthy, getting vaccinated, and quitting smoking, we must recognize that another important focus of public health is injury prevention,” reported Health Officer, Rodney Glotfelty. “Our agency promotes injury prevention through the distribution of smoke detectors, bicycle helmets, and child safety seats. Our young families are given information and tools to keep their children safe in their home, and older adults are provided safety tips and aides to protect them from injury, as well.”
Every year, nearly 150,000 people die from injuries, and almost 30 million people are injured seriously enough to go to the emergency room. Chances are good that you or someone you know are among these statistics – a friend who was injured in a car crash, a high school student injured on a four wheeler, an elderly neighbor who broke a bone from a fall, a young boy hurt while riding his bike without a helmet.
The good news is that there are actions that individuals can take to reduce the impact of injuries. The following are a few suggestions:
- Wear a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short.
- Make sure children are always buckled up appropriately for their age and weight, in either a child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt.
- Wear a helmet and reflective gear when riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter.
- Do not text and drive.
- Assess your home for potential hazards such as poor lighting and uneven surfaces to prevent falls.
- Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
- Keep weapons in a locked and safe place, away from children.
- Establish a plan for how you would evacuate your home in the event of an emergency.
Increasing awareness on how to live safer and injury-free lives is the first step in helping create a healthier nation. For more information about injury prevention programs at the Garrett County Health Department, contact 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.