News Summary
As summer approaches, Corewell Health highlights an increase in injuries in West Michigan, identifying this timeframe as the ‘annual trauma season.’ From May to October, health experts warn that activities like biking and swimming pose significant risks, particularly for children. Key recommendations include using proper car restraints, wearing helmets while biking, and ensuring life jackets are worn near water. Public awareness and preventive measures are vital to keeping families safe during this busy season of outdoor activities.
Grand Rapids – Corewell Health Urges Safety Precautions During West Michigan’s “Trauma Season” as Summer Safety Risks Rise
As summer takes hold in West Michigan, the region experiences a surge in outdoor activities and travel, which health experts warn can lead to an increase in injuries. Corewell Health has identified this period, spanning from May to October, as the “annual trauma season,” during which preventable injuries and pediatric trauma rates significantly rise.
Kelley Miller, who coordinates injury prevention programs at Corewell, states that this season sees the highest number of hospital admissions due to unintentional injuries, particularly among children. Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of these injuries and fatalities, and according to experts, their occurrence increases during the summer due to heightened travel.
Injury Statistics and Trends
Data indicates that injuries from falls, particularly those related to playground activities and biking, climb during the warmer months. It is noted that many of these incidents are associated with improper helmet use among children. With more families engaging in biking and visiting parks, these safety measures become increasingly vital.
Water safety is another major concern during the summer months. Instances of water-related injuries, including drownings, rise as families flock to pools and lakes. To combat this serious issue, experts recommend stringent supervision of children, advising parents and guardians to designate a “water watcher” tasked specifically with monitoring children in or near water bodies.
Recommended Safety Precautions
In response to the growing number of injuries, Corewell Health encourages residents to adopt several precautionary measures to safeguard themselves and their families. Key recommendations include:
- Use Proper Car Restraints: Ensuring that children are secured in appropriate car seats or booster seats based on their age and size is crucial. This simple step can drastically reduce the chances of injury in the event of an accident.
- Wear Helmets While Biking: Encouraging children to wear helmets while riding bikes can help prevent serious head injuries. Parents are advised to lead by example, showing that safety gear is a non-negotiable part of outdoor activities.
- Ensure Life Jackets Are Worn Near Water: When children are playing near pools, lakes, or any areas with water, wearing life jackets can provide an essential layer of safety. Even for children who can swim, having a life jacket increases their safety in unpredictable water situations.
Experts stress that taking these preventive steps can significantly reduce the risk of injuries throughout the busy summer months. Awareness and action, they argue, are key to ensuring that families enjoy a safe and fun-filled season.
Background Context
The term “trauma season” reflects the challenges that arise as families engage in more outdoor activities during the summer. This period poses heightened risks not only from motor vehicle crashes but also from recreational activities that children participate in as schools are out of session.
The emphasis on safety during this time is particularly important given recent trends in injury data, which have shown that many of the incidents occurring during the summer months are preventable with careful attention and adherence to safety measures. Education on proper safety practices can have a far-reaching impact, reducing emergency room visits and providing parents peace of mind as their children enjoy the summer.
As the region enters what is known as “trauma season,” community leaders and health experts are working to remind the public of these safety issues. They aim to foster a culture of prevention that will help reduce the rates of trauma and injuries, keeping families safe as they create summer memories.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM13: Corewell Health Urges Safety During Trauma Season
- WOOD TV: Corewell Health Invites Trauma Survivors and Caregivers for Event
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- WOOD TV: Doctor Urges Trauma Survivors to Seek Help
- Google Search: Trauma Season
