Injury Prevention

Injury Prevention


Like Mother Like Daughter: Developing Safety Habits in Children and the Importance of Parents as Role Models

Paper Summary
The two major preventable health issues facing children are injuries that result in death or disability and lifestyle choices that may have long term adverse health consequences. A recent study by Ehrlich et al highlighted the importance of parents as role models and decreasing the risk of injury from two common activities -- motor vehicle and bicycle safety. Greater than 50% of all child injuries are either caused or related to car or bicycle crashes. Seat belts and bicycle helmet decrease risk of serious injury in up to 75% of all rashes yet many children still do not always use a bicycle helmet when riding or always wear a seat belt. The study by Ehrlich et al proved the old adage that "Actions speak louder than words." This study compared parents and their children safety practices for motor vehicle and car safety practices. Important findings were

  1. Parents over estimated bicycle helmet and seatbelt usage by their children.
  2. Those patients who wore a helmet or who road with their child were 80 times more likely to have their child use a bicycle helmet.
  3. The main reason that child do use a seat belt is that their parents do not use a seat belt.
  4. The main reason a child does not use a bicycle helmet is that it is not cool or they feel they are "too experienced" a bicycle rider.

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The full citation is Ehrlich PF et al Matched Analysis of Parent's and Children's Attitudes and Practices towards Motor Vehicle and Bicycle Safety: An Important Information Gap. Injury Control and Safety Promotion Volume 11, (1), 23-28, 2004.

Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire:
Caution for Parents When Cooking with Their Children

One of the most pleasurable and common activities for children is cooking with a parent. This is wonderful learning experience. However, caution should be used when planning certain culinary projects. This has been recently highlighted by a study by Allen and Kagan from the University of Cincinnati. This study examined cooking injuries in young children. Burns were overwhelmingly the main cause of injuries -- due to children pulling hot liquids onto themselves. These scald injuries were most severe when caused by grease.

Important findings include:

  1. Over 50% of burns requiring skin grafting.
  2. Grease burns account for 25%.
  3. The most common age for this to occur was 3.
  4. This article highlights the importance of good supervision and appropriate activities when cooking with your child.

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The full title of the article is Grease Fryers : A Significant Danger to Children. Journal of Burn Care and Rehabilitation, Vol 25, (5) 25, 456-60, 2004.