Tips for Observing and Raising Awareness about National Safety Month

In a country where injuries are the leading cause of death for those ages 1-44, it’s important for all of us to take some time to get back down to the basics (and not so basics) of safety.

From everything like places to trip and fall, to drugs that can lead to accidental overdose if not taken properly, danger lurks in just about every home. And the second we get in our car or begin to walk down the street to leave our home, we’re at risk.

Danger is everywhere.

So, each June, the National Safety Council invites us all to participate in their sponsored National Safety Month, which focuses on “reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities,” according to the NSC.​

This year’s National Safety Month theme is ‘What I Live For’ and the NSC hopes that “by sharing your stories and providing you with resources such as posters, tip sheets, safety checklists and an infographic, we can work together on keeping each other safe wherever we are.”

To get the month long observance kicked off, here are some facts about safety in the US from the NSC, along with some tips from us to help inspire you to protect yourself from everyday safety hazards:

Prescription pill, drug & alcohol overdose

NSC Fact: 18 women die every day from a prescription painkiller overdose.

HySoS Tip: Talk to your children about prescription pills and keep drugs securely locked away in your home. Help elderly members of your family by ensuring they are taking to proper dosages and not mixing pills that they shouldn’t be. If you or a loved one experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, consider talking to your doctor about other forms of treatment. Should you experience suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately: 1-800-273-8255.

 

Dangers of driving

NSC Fact: Almost 1 in 5 crashes (17%) that injured someone involved distracted driving.

HySoS Tip: Six words: Texting and Driving: It can wait. Avoid distractions like using the phone, eating or playing extremely loud music while driving. Teach teenagers about the dangers of driving while distracted and keep items in the car that will allow young children to (safely) keep themselves entertained.

Senior care

NSC Fact: 1 in 3 older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones and other health problems.

HySoS Tip: Encourage elderly members of the family to set up a system for getting help should they fall. Physical therapy sessions can be a great way to help older adults maintain and re-establish balance skills. An extra tip: no matter what your age, make sure you spend time and effort keeping your eyes in good shape! You’ll be needing those to stay safe for years to come.

From all of us at Healthy Sense of Self, have a great National Safety Month!