October 10, 2005 -- When the bell rings for recess and your child makes a dash for the playground, she may be headed for harm.
“ Almost EVERY ONE of these playground injuries can be prevented ”
This year over 500,000 children will be injured in playgrounds in the United States.
“Almost EVERY ONE of these playground injuries can be prevented,” says Dr. David Janda, author of The Awakening of a Surgeon: A Family Guide to Preventing Sports Injuries and Death.
An orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Janda directs the Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine. His research has been published in prestigious journals and he is a frequently consulted expert on national news and talk shows. Studies show that Dr. Janda’s findings have prevented 1.7 million injuries, and saved the United States two billion dollars in health care costs.
Here Janda shares seven ways “problem” playgrounds can pump up the protection factor and reduce the risk of your child suffering a serious or fatal injury.
*Create a softer surface such as a surface made of wood mulch, shredded tires, or sand at least 1 foot in thickness.
*Allocate separate “active” play areas for swinging and jumping and “quiet” play areas with sand boxes.
*Designate areas for younger and older children.
*Implement “use zones” to avoid collisions.
*Erect barriers between play areas and streets with fences.
*Make sure equipment is made of durable materials and free from sharp edges, rust, and exposed or loose screws or nails.
*Encourage the adult in charge to bring a book, laptop computer or paperwork to keep them in the playground area. Maintaining a semi-supervised or supervised environment is imperative!
Don’t let a poorly planned playground put your children in harm’s way; take steps today to ensure the place they play offers a safe, risk-free environment for fun, fresh air, and exercise.
Get the FREE report “7 Questions to Ask the Coach or Trainer to Keep
Your Student Athlete Safe” at www.NoInjury.com.
The Awakening of a Surgeon: A Family Guide to Preventing Sports Injuries and Death The Institute for Preventive Sports Medicine ¿ 2003 ¿ ISBN: 0-9745655-0-4 ¿$9.95 ¿ www.NoInjury.com
