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Most common childhood injuries include scratches, bumps and bruises. But sometimes, child injuries can put a severe strain on the child’s health. It is estimated that different types of accidents in children lead to more than 3 million hospitalisations and emergency hospital visits. In fact, they also affect the family income, mental health, emotional well-being, and quality of life, as well as the society at large.
Children from the economically weaker background are most vulnerable, regardless of the nation's income level. Unsafe environments are one of the main risk factors behind falls and injuries in childhood. They do not have as many safe places to play, are exposed to fast-moving traffic, or live in cramped dwellings with dangerous features like windows without guards or railings on the stairs.
Speaking of children who are five years of age and older, unintentional accidents are generally the main cause of death. The factors that influence the major types of accidents in children cannot be overlooked.
While the most common childhood injuries are often avoidable, careful caregiving and safety measures hold enormous potential to save lives. This blog speaks about the protection standards to prevent accidents and injuries in children. Let's understand child injuries better, and how health insurance can help you get through this situation financially.
Understanding Child Injuries: Types of Accidents in Children
Bruises, childhood bumps, falls, and scrapes are all part of growing up. However, with some preparation and practical steps, these occurrences are more likely to be resolved with a hug, kiss, or bandage.
However, to our surprise, unintentional accidents rank higher in terms of mortality than diseases, especially when it comes to children aged between 1 to 14.
To understand the types of accidents in children better, let's look into the major causes of accidents in children:
- Road accidents
- Falls
- Burns and scalds
- Drowning
- Poisoning
- Crushing and trapping
- Bicycle accidents
- Smoke, flames, and fire
- Choking, suffocation, and strangling
- Bicycle accidents
- Driveway accidents
How to Avoid the Most Common Childhood Injuries?
Below are the 7 tips to avoid most common childhood injuries to keep your child safe:
Make Your Home Kid-safe
The first step is to make your living space child-safe. Consider yourself a child and search your surroundings for anything that might be dangerous. Use gates to barricade staircases and no-go areas. Cover all electrical outlets, and place cushion protectors on sharp furniture edges. Make sure the cleaning supplies and medications are stored away.
Kitchen Safety is Essential
This is important. Cutlery and scissors should be kept out of children's reach, and stove knobs should have special coverings to prevent accidental ignition. Store all chemicals and cleaning supplies in locked cabinets or high shelf. Use the back burners and turn them on when cooking.
Be Extra Cautious in the Bathroom
Bathrooms can be dangerous and slick. To prevent potential slips and head injury in children, use non-slip mats on the bathroom floor and in the tub. Stow away items such as soap, cosmetics, and medications. When bathing small children, keep an eye on them and make sure to be extra cautious.
Electricity Safety
It's never too early to teach children about electricity and fire. Installing smoke detectors at home can be a good idea. Educate children to "Stop, Drop, and Roll" in the event that their cloth catches fire. Matches, lighters, and candles should always be kept out of their reach.
Toys Need to be Safe
Regularly inspect toys for broken parts, sharp edges, and small parts that children might swallow. Purchase toys that are non-toxic and safe, in good shape, and appropriate for your child's age. Steer clear of toys that have cables or strings that could be hazardous.
Keep a First Aid Kit Ready
Learn how to use a quality first aid kit. Make sure you can assist with small burns, bruising, and cuts. Store important phone numbers, such as those for emergency services and the doctor, in a quickly accessible place.
Talk to the Kids about Being Safe
In addition to maintaining order at home, teach children about safety protocols. Inform kids of the risks associated with playing near the streets, rushing inside, and upsetting animals. Practise what to do in a crisis and demonstrate to them the things they need to do in case of an emergency.
How to Prevent Sports Injuries in Children?
Kids these days are more likely to play their preferred sport all year round, considering the sports camps and more structured activities. However, with all the sports in place, it is equally important to analyse how to prevent falls and injuries in childhood. Below are 5 tips on how to prevent sports injury in children.
Schedule a Physical Test
Sports physicals are an excellent way to determine and help assess any areas of concern for athletes before they start any activity. They also determine if your child is fit to play. Moreover, physical tests can keep your child from further injuring themselves during play if a condition exists, and needs to be treated.
Emphasise the Importance of Warming Up
Before beginning any kind of exercise or sport, all athletes should make it a practice to stretch as a preventative measure. In short, warming up is an absolute necessity. It is said that combining static and dynamic stretching in warm-ups helps to decompress/loosen the muscles and prime it for the activity/sport.
Educate about the Importance of Hydration
For athletes, heat-related illness is a serious issue, particularly on hot and muggy days. Consequently, before, during, and after play, parents must make sure their kids drink enough water. They should also keep an eye out for any symptoms and illnesses that are heat-related (exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, or fainting). Staying hydrated is highly important.
Obtain the Necessary Tools
Protective gear, such as shoes, pads, and helmets, is crucial for preventing the most common childhood injuries. As a parent, you must make sure your child is dressed well and safe to prevent any type of sports injury. If required, speak with their coaches before their practice session begins.
Follow Right Methods and Procedures
Every sport has right and wrong techniques. For instance, budding cricket players should be taught the correct manner to hold the bat, hit or catch the ball etc. Similarly, football players should be taught how to tackle an opponent safely to prevent potential concussions.
Over to You
As a parent, you would want to know how to prevent sports injuries in children. However, you must also understand that when it comes to kids, you can never be too careful! It's essential to be proactive and take every precaution to keep them safe from harm. Whether it's childproofing the home, teaching them about safety rules, or ensuring they have the proper protective gear for activities, being vigilant and prepared is key.
Sometimes, despite your care and caution, there are things you couldn’t get hold of or predict. Certain incidents may pose a great threat to your savings as well. Being prepared is the only key here. And your financial preparation is incomplete without a health insurance cover. Having a health plan in place is crucial when you have kids at home. Our family health policy offers comprehensive coverage to ensure that medical expenses are taken care of in case of accidents or injuries. Additionally, access to emergency services and paediatric care facilities allows prompt and effective treatment. To ensure detailed information, kindly connect with our experts or visit the website.
>> Also Read: How to Buy the Best Health Insurance for Children?
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
