Celebrate National Public Health Week

Monday kicked off a week-long campaign celebrating National Public Health Week, April 4-10. Promoted through the American Public Health Association (APHA), this year’s National Public Health Week’s theme is “Safety is No Accident” which focuses on living injury-free in your home, during work, at play, and within the community.  APHA explains that injuries happen daily from falling on the stairs to sports-related injuries to mixing up medications. According to their research, nearly 150,000 die from injuries, and almost 30 million people are injured seriously enough to need emergency treatment.

The best method to protect against accidents is to think clearly about your surroundings. APHA suggests that you check the following for safety:

Safety at Home:

1. Assess your home for hazards such as throw rugs, poorly lit areas, and uneven surfaces.
2. Install and maintain smoke detectors.
3. Make sure all electrical outlets are covered and inaccessible to young children.
4. Check your hot water heater to avoid the risk of burns.

Safety at Work:

1. Wear all personal protective equipment recommended for your occupation
2. Participate in any safety training programs that may be offered at your workplace.
3. Wear rubber-soled shoes on smooth floors.
4. Report any potential hazards that may be unsafe for employees and clients.

Safety at Play:

1. Wear a helmet and other properly fitted protective gear during appropriate sporting activities.
2. Play it safe and strictly enforce rules that prevent injuries.
3. Monitor children while they are at play.
4. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Safety within your Community:

1. Join or start a neighborhood watch program.
2. Work with school leaders/teachers to implement anti-bullying or anti-violence at school campaigns.
3. Call the police or local child protective services if you suspect anyone has been abusing or neglecting a child in your neighborhood.
4. Walk through your neighborhood and report any unsafe conditions such as sewer grates without covers in which children could become trapped.

One way in which our community is participating in the week-long celebration is through the YMCA of Meadville’s Healthy Kid’s Day set for April 9^th in Diamond Park. A plethora of activities scattered throughout the Diamond will not only entertain children, but will also provide information for them and their families to live healthy and injury-free. This free event starts at 10 a.m. and runs until about 1 p.m.  Safety is definitely no accident, and through a little common sense and planning, our community can become a healthier and safer place to live.

Reference:

American Public Health Association. (2011). National Public Health Week. Retrieved March 27, 2011 from http://www.nphw.org/nphw11/first1.htm.