It only takes a moment for an injury to happen. It can occur from a fall on a stair, a moment’s glance away from the road, a biking or sports-related injury or a medication mix-up. It also takes just a moment to protect against injuries and make communities safer.During National Public Health Week April 4 to 10, the American Public Health Association (APHA) is educating Americans that “Safety is No Accident.” Centegra joins the APHA, the McHenry County Department of Health and Safe Kids McHenry County to help Americans live injury-free in all areas of life: at work, at home, at play, in the community and anywhere people are on the move.
Each year, nearly 150,000 people die from injuries and almost 30 million people are injured seriously enough to go to the emergency room.Taking actions such as wearing a seatbelt, properly installing and using child safety seats, wearing a helmet, and storing cleaning supplies in locked cabinets are important ways to proactively promote safety and prevent injuries.A few examples in which residents can protect themselves at home are as follows:
- Assess the home for potential hazards such as poor lighting and uneven surfaces to prevent falls.
- Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
- Establish a plan for how to evacuate from the home in the event of an emergency.
- Make sure all electrical outlets are covered and inaccessible to children.
- Supervise young children whenever they’re near cooking surfaces, and never leave food unattended on the stove.
- Program emergency numbers, such as the Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222), into phones to call in the event of a poisoning emergency.
- Install four-sided isolation fencing at least five feet high and equipped with self-latching gates to prevent drowning in home swimming pools.
- Store cleaning supplies and medicines in locked cabinets out of the reach of children.
- Check the hot water heater periodically and adjust the thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to avoid burns.
Centegra Health System is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the residents of greater McHenry County and to making services available in multiple and convenient locations, including hospitals in McHenry and Woodstock, Immediate and Primary Care Centers, Centegra Sage Cancer Center, Health Bridge Fitness Centers and more. As the region’s leading healthcare provider, Centegra Health System continues to bring the latest treatments and technology, along with the skills of nearly 4,000 medical professionals, to meet the needs of the growing McHenry County community. For more information on Centegra Health System visit Facebook, Twitter or call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).