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June is National Safety Month

 
Image of Margo Kerrigan Margo Kerrigan, M.P.H, Area Director

Indian Health Service California Area Office

 

 

 

 

June is National Safety Month

Injuries are the leading cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives ages 1-441.  When people practice safe behaviors, they can help prevent injuries. National Safety Month sponsored by the National Safety Council promotes awareness about a variety of safety issues including home safety, workplace safety, ergonomics, children’s safety, summer safety and much more. This article will provide tips to preventing falls and supplies to assemble for an emergency preparedness kit.

Fall Prevention Checklist

  • Look at the walking path in each room
    • Clear furniture, papers, books, towels, shoes, blankets or other objects
    • Rugs should not move and/or have non-slip backings
  • Look at the stairs inside and outside your home
    • Steps should be even and in good repair
    •  Handrails should be sturdy and as long as the stairs
    • Stairs should have proper lighting
  • Look at the kitchen and eating area
    • Move items in your cabinets to keep things you use often down to the lower shelves
    • If you must use a step stool, use a sturdy one with a handle
  • Look at all your bathrooms
    • Make sure you have a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower
    • Have grab bars inside the tub and next to the toilet
  • Other things you can do to prevent falls:
  • Exercise regularly
  • Have a doctor or pharmacist look at all your medicines to ensure they are not making you dizzy or sleepy
  • Have your vision checked
  • Wear shoes both inside and outside the house

Supplies for an Emergency Preparedness Kit

  • At least 3 gallons of water for each member of your family
  • Food for at least 3 days – choose foods that don’t need a refrigerator (example: granola bars, peanut butter, crackers, canned goods)
  • First aid kit
  • Flash light and battery operated radio
  • Change of clothing
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soap and Shampoo
  • Medications

For more information on Safety visit these websites:

  1. Childhood lead poisoning http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/pregnancy/getting-ready-for-your-baby/protect-your-family-from-lead-poisoning#take-action_1_
  2. Safety in the workplace http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/everyday-healthy-living/safety/stay-safe-at-work
  3. Build A Kit at Ready.gov https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
  4. Summer Safety https://www.cdc.gov/Features/HealthySwimming/index.html

References:

1.       CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System.

          http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/fatal.html (accessed on 04/29/13)