The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report today showing that more than 86,000 people are injured each year in falls caused by their cats and dogs, for an average annual injury rate of 29.7 per 100,000 people. Most of the injuries caused by pets were minor, but nearly 10 percent were serious enough to require hospitalization.

CDC researchers examined records from the emergency departments at 66 U.S. hospitals for the years 2001 through 2006 looking for mentions of dogs and cats involved in nonfatal injuries. According to the report, injuries related to falls caused by pets have never really been examined.

The results of the study show that nearly 88% of injuries caused by pet-related falls were associated with dogs, and females were 2.1 times more likely to be injured than males. Senior citizens were also disproportionately affected, with the rate of pet-related injuries nearly twice as high for people 75 and older. Overall, falls caused by pets account for only about one percent of all injuries from falls.

Nearly 62 percent of dog-related injuries occurred inside or immediately outside the home. Thirty-one percent of those cases involved falling or tripping over a dog. Other common dog-related falls occurred when someone was startled, pushed or pulled off balance during a walk, or fell down while chasing after a runaway dog.

Most falls involving cats occurred at home, with 66 percent due to the person falling or tripping over the cat. This will come as no surprise to cat owners, who may feel like their cat it is always underfoot.

The CDC released the report to educate the public on the dangers of such injuries and to suggest strategies for prevention. According to the report, such strategies should focus on increasing public awareness of pets and pet items as fall hazards and reinforcing American Veterinary Medical Association recommendations emphasizing obedience training for dogs.

For more information on safety in the home, join the Healia Online Community for Environmental Health.




_{Photo: Mr. T in DC, Flickr, Creative Commons}

This Sunday, with millions of people attending Super Bowl viewing parties in homes, bars, and restaurants across the country, safety and health should be a primary concern. With so many people heading out to parties, the roads can be a hazardous place to be both before and after the big game. The living room can also be hazardous for kids and pets when it is full of raucous partygoers. Also, Super Bowl gatherings often provide the opportunity to eat and drink too much. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has come up with a list of 5 tips to help ensure your Super Bowl Sunday is a safe and healthy one.

1. Eat healthy. If you are attending a Super Bowl party, it is a good idea to eat a healthy meal before you go. That way you won’t be tempted to snack throughout the long game or to overindulge in unhealthy foods. If you are hosting the party, include some healthy snack and entrée options. You can still serve the traditional typical pizza, wings, and chips, but try including some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples or carrot sticks, and food and options that are low in sugar and fat, such as "baked" potato chips, low-fat dips, and pretzel sticks. You can also offer low-fat beverage options such as coffee, tea, and fruit drinks.
   
   
2. Limit alcohol. If you are a partygoer, avoid overindulging in alcoholic beverages before, during, and after the game. Moderate alcohol consumption may be fine, as long as you are not driving. Plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver before the party begins. If you are a host, take steps to make sure that all your guests avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver. Offer alcohol-free beverages. Take responsibility and make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
   
   
3. Move around. If you watch the pre-game, game, and after-celebration, you will spend eight hours or more sitting. Make sure to include some physical activity during the day. You don’t necessarily need to go for a two mile run a halftime, just try to include some activities that raise your breathing and heart rate. Play a game of touch football during pregame or at halftime. Take a brisk 10 minute walk. Go up and down the stairs a few times. Anything to get you moving around.
   
   
4. Stay warm. Many parts of the country are pretty chilly right now. If it’s going to be cold where you are, take steps to stay warm, especially if you have to be outdoors for any length of time. Dress warmly wearing loose-fitting layers that you can easily remove if you get hot. Drink warm liquids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol, which tend to dehydrate you. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not warm you up; instead it actually causes your body to lose heat more quickly. When using a heat sources such as a radiator or space heater, make sure it is at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
   
   
5. Be careful. Injuries can easily occur to adults or children if you are not paying attention. Parties and tailgating can be fun, but it’s important to pay close attention to things that may cause injury. Take precautions to help prevent unwanted contact (physical, emotional, or sexual) between individuals. Watch the kids: DO NOT leave children unattended. Make sure your pets can handle the excitement before placing them in new or strange situations. If not, keep them in a safe place away from the noise, but make sure they have adequate food and water and that they get an opportunity to go to the bathroom. Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or other or other combustible heat source indoors. Have a first-aid kit in your home and vehicle to handle injuries, like small cuts and bruises. Be especially careful when playing with children, particularly if you have been drinking.

Enjoy the game!

Have questions about party safety or other health issues? Ask the Experts at Healia Health Communities.

<sub>Source: CDC Office of Women's Health, modified January, 2009. http://www.cdc.gov/men/superbowl/index.htm

Photo: Alissa Gail Oakley, Flickr, Creative Commons</sub>

Parents always worry about their kids – especially boys – getting sick or being injured, but what are the real reasons that parents bring their boys into the emergency room? Every year, the CDC publishes an annual report called the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, one of its National Health Statistics Reports. The data in this report include information on emergency room (ER) visits based on age and gender. The following is a list of the top 10 reasons that boys aged 14 and under visited the ER in the year 2006, the year for which the most recent data are available. After each reason, the number of visits appears in parentheses followed by the percentage that number represents out of all ER visits by this age group.

Boys under 15 make up more than half of the ER visits for this age group: overall, males aged 14 and under made 11,548,000 visits to the ER in 2006, representing 52.8% of all ER visits for this age group. For the 15 and older age group, ER visits by females vastly outnumber those by men.

The top 10 reasons for ER visits among boys under 15 for 2006 are:

1. Fever (1,659,000 visits, 7.6%)
2. Cough (828,000 visits, 3.8%)
3. Vomiting (611,000 visits, 2.8%)
4. Unspecified injuries to the head, neck, and face (368,000 visits, 1.7%)
5. Facial area symptoms (352,000 visits, 1.6%)
6. Ear ache or ear infection (347,000 visits, 1.6%)
8. Stomach and abdominal pain or cramps (277,000 visits, 1.35)
9. Throat symptoms (239,000 visits, 1.1%)
10. Difficulty breathing (dyspnea; 203,000 visits, 0.9%)

For more information on children’ health, join the Healia Health Community for Child Health.

Related blog posts:

  - Top 10 Reasons for ER Visits Among Males 15 and Older

  - Top 10 Reasons for ER Visits Among Females 15 and Older

_{Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2008–1250, August 2008. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2006 Emergency Department Summary, National Health Statistics Report No. 7}

_{Photo: Matthew Oliphant, Flickr, Creative Commons}

Every year, the CDC publishes an annual report called the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, one of its National Health Statistics Reports. The data in this report include information on emergency room (ER) visits based on age and gender. The following is a list of the top 10 reasons patients visited the emergency room for adult females 15 years and older for 2006, the year for which the most recent data are available. After each reason, the number of visits appears in parentheses followed by the percentage that number represents out of all ER visits by people of this age group.

Previously, we posted the top 10 reasons for ER visits for males aged 15 and older. As you will see, the top reasons that older teen and adult females end up in the ER over are somewhat different than the reasons for males. Females also make more ER visits: overall, females aged 15 and older made 54,633,000 visits to the ER in 2006, representing 56.1 % of all ER visits for this age group.

The top 10 reasons for ER visits among males aged 15 and older for 2006 are:

1. Stomach and abdominal pain or cramp (5,062,000 visits, 5.2%)
2. Chest pain and related symptoms (3,212,000 visits, 3.3%)
3. Headache or other head pain (1,923,000 visits, 2.0%)
4. Back symptoms (1,692,000 visits, 1.7%)
5. Shortness of breath (1,583,000 visits, 1.6%)
6. Pain, non-specific or poorly localized (1,303,000 visits, 1.3%)
7. Throat symptoms (1,148,000 visits, 1.2%)
8. Nausea (1,065,000 visits, 1.1%)
9. Cough (966,000 visits, 1.0%)
10. Dizziness or vertigo (952,000 visits, 1.0%)

For more information on women’s health, join the Healia Health Community for Women’s Health.

Related blog post: Top 10 Reasons for ER Visits Among Males 15 and Older

_{Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2008–1250, August 2008. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2006 Emergency Department Summary, National Health Statistics Report No. 7}

_{Photo: Mark Coggins, Flickr, Creative Commons}

With the news of the USAir plane crash in New York’s Hudson River, many people may conclude that they are more common than they truly are. Plane crashes only seem common because they always make the news, but just imagine what it would be like if every car accident was reported on the news! Another surprising fact is that most people actually survive plane crashes. Estimates of the proportion of people who survive plane crashes in the U.S. range from 70 to 95 percent. Your chances of survival increase if you know what to do in the event of a plane crash. Here are some tips from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on how to survive a plane crash:

1. There is no safest seat. Recent research indicates that where you sit in the plane has little impact on your chances of surviving a plane crash. If a fire starts in the front of the plane, it’s better to be sitting in the back, and vice versa.
   
2. Count the rows. When you board the plane, count the rows between your seat and the nearest exit. One of the biggest impediments to escaping a plane is low visibility. This is why airlines dim the lights during takeoff and landing, so if there is an incident and the plane loses power, your eyes will be better adjusted to find your way out. Being able to count the rows as you pass them can help get you to an exit. The floor lighting can also help lead you to an exit.
   
3. Read the safety card. If you have flown more than a few times, you probably no longer consult the laminated safety card located in the seat back in front of you. Read it. It can help familiarize you with the layout of that particular plane and the locations of the exits, and helps you visualize how you would escape the plane in the event of a crash. Even if you are very familiar with the plane you are on, it never hurts to review the information to keep it fresh in your mind.
   
4. Properly brace for landing. The FAA says the safest position to adopt when a plane is coming in for a crash landing is to cross your hands on the seat in front of you and put your head against your hands. That way, when the plane hits, you won’t be thrown forward into the seat in front of you. Stay in that position until the plane is on the ground.
   
5. Forget about your bags. The biggest mistake people make when trying to evacuate a plane is attempting to take their baggage with them. LEAVE YOUR POSSESSIONS BEHIND. It is not worth it. They will only slow you down, especially if you have to find them in a dark cabin.
   
6. "Stop, go and stay low." When the plane come to rest, start moving toward an exit right away, keeping low to the ground to minimize the amount of toxic smoke you inhale. The important thing is to get out fast. People who have never seen a fire burn in person are always shocked at how fast it spreads. FAA experiments show that within 20 seconds of the start of a fuel fire, airplane seats decompose, and within 50 seconds, the poisonous fumes in the fuselage are as toxic as any poison gas. After 90 seconds, fire consumes anyone who is still on board.
   
7. Remain orderly. Even though time is of the essence in a plane evacuation, it does little good to try and jump over others who are also trying to escape. It is best to remain orderly: everyone can’t cram through the exit door at once.
   
8. Go feet first. If you are exiting via an evacuation slide, jump out feet first. Don't sit down to slide. Place arms across your chest, elbows in, and legs and feet together. If you are wearing high-heeled shoes, remove them.
   
9. Clear the area. After you exit the aircraft, get away from crash site as soon as possible. Remain alert for emergency vehicles and if you are able, assist injured passengers in an area a safe distance from the plane.
   
10. Don't go back. Never return to a burning aircraft. Not for any reason. Attempting to do so is suicide.

Source: Federal Aviation Administration, Safety Information, March 2005. http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_safe/information/


_{Photo: Ole C Eid, Flickr, Creative Commons}

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks emergency room (ER), hospital and doctor’s office visits among the American people each year. The CDC publishes this data in an annual report called the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, one of the National Health Statistics Reports. The data in this report include information on emergency room visits based on age and gender. The following is a list of the top 10 reasons patients visited the emergency room for adult males 15 years and older for 2006, the year for which the most recent data are available. After each reason, the number of visits appears in parentheses followed by the percentage that number represents out of all ER visits by this age group Overall, males aged 15 and older made 42,682,000 ER visits in 2006, representing 43.9% of all ER visits for this age group.

The top 10 reasons for ER visits among males aged 15 and older for 2006 are:

1. Chest pain and related symptoms (3,023,000 visits, 3.1%)
2. Stomach and abdominal pain or cramps (2,358,000 visits, 2.4%)
3. Back symptoms (1,517,000 visits, 1.6%)
4. Shortness of breath (1,256,000 visits, 1.3%)
5. Lacerations and cuts on the hand or arm (1,169,000 visits, 1.2%)
6. Pain, non-specific or poorly localized (1,077,000 visits, 1.1%)
7. Headache or other head pain (1,063,000 visits, 1.1%)
8. Leg symptoms (778,000 visits, 0.8%)
9. Dizziness or vertigo (677,000 vistis, 0.7%)
10. Motor vehicle accident, unspecified injuries (645,000 visits, 0.7%)

For more information on male health, join the Healia Health Community for Men’s Health.

_{Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2008–1250, August 2008. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2006 Emergency Department Summary, National Health Statistics Report No. 7}

_{Photo: Stephen Witherden, Filckr, Creative Commons}

Whether you play sports competitively or just in your own backyard, the benefits to your fitness level and overall health can be incredible. However, a major downside of sports and exercise is the increased likelihood of suffering an injury. Depending on the activity, the severity of such injuries can range from minor to very serious. Some of these injuries are caused by accidents, while others may result from poor training practices, flawed technique, or improper equipment. Sometimes injuries occur when people are not properly conditioned for a particular activity. Failing to warming up or stretching out before you play or exercise can also lead to injuries.

The top 7 most common sports injuries are:

• Sprains and strains. By far the most common types of injuries that occur during physical activity are sprains and strains. Sprains occur when a ligament, a band of connective tissue that attaches bones to each, overstretches or tears. They can range in severity from minor to complete – in which the entire ligament is severed. They are most common in knees, ankles, or wrists. Strains (also referred to as a “pulled muscle”) occur when the fibers within a muscle or tendon – connective tissue that connects muscle to bone – stretch too far or tear. Strains can also range from minor to severe.


• Knee injuries.Anyone who has ever played competitive sports knows how common knee injuries can be. Each year, more than five million people visit orthopedic surgeons for their knee problems. Milder knee injuries include runner's knee (pain or tenderness near the front side of the kneecap, iliotibial (IT) band syndrome (pain in the outer knee), and tendonitis (inflammation or degeneration within a tendon). More severe knee injuries involve bone bruising or damage to the cartilage or ligaments. There are two types of cartilage in the knee. Four major ligaments that are commonly injured include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).


• Swollen muscles. Also called “compartment syndrome,” muscle swelling can occur due to a blow or ongoing overuse move. When muscles swell, they enlarge and press against the connective tissue sheaths which surround them, kind of like blowing up a balloon inside a glass. This can causing interference with nerves and blood vessels and may also damage the muscles themselves.


• Achilles tendon injuries. The Achilles tendon (also called the calcaneal tendon) connects to two large muscles of the calf to the back of the heel. This thick tendon is under a lot of tension and so awkward blows can cause tears that are said to be incredibly painful. The most common cause of Achilles tendon tears is weakening due to tendonitis, which makes the tendon more likely to rupture.


• Shin splints. Pain along the shin bone (tibia) known as shin splints can occur at the front outside part of the lower leg, including the foot and ankle (anterior shin splints) or at the inner edge of the bone where it meets the calf muscles (medial shin splints). They are most common in runners, especially those who run on hard surfaces. Contributing factors to shin splints include failing to warm up or stretch out, improper running technique, running in shoes that lack proper support, and having “flat” feet.


• Fractures. Also known as broken bones, fractures are a common sports injury often caused by a one-time injury to the bone (acute fracture) but they may also be caused by repeated stress to the bone over time (stress fracture). Acute fractures can cause a small crack in a bone or a complete break. Most are emergencies and may require surgical intervention for proper healing to occur. Stress fractures occur almost exclusively in the legs and feet and are common in sports that cause repetitive impact from running or jumping such as basketball and gymnastics.


• Dislocations. Also known as a luxation, a dislocation occurs when bones in a joint are forced out of alignment. This type of injury is most common in contact sports such as football, but can also occur due to excessive stretching or a fall. Dislocations are usually emergencies that require medical treatment. Even if the bones can be put back into place, the damage done to the connective tissue surrounding the joint can be severe. The joints of the fingers and hand are most likely to be dislocated, followed by the shoulder. Dislocations of the knees, hips, and elbows are less common.

For more information about knee injuries, join the Healia Health Community for Knee Injuries and Disorders.


_{Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIH, Publication No. 04-5278, April 2004. http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/sports/injuries.htm}

_{Photo: Monica's Dad, Flickr, Creative Commons}

As part of the “Protect the Ones You Love” initiative, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report listing the top types of fatal injuries in children and teens. Unintentional injuries account for the greatest number of deaths in children and teens up to 19 years old. The CDC included this data in the “Protect the Ones You Love” initiative in order to raise awareness and to prevent injuries like these from occurring. Death rates are per 100,000 people and are listed in parentheses.

The Top 7 Causes of Unintentional Fatal Injuries in Children up to 19 years old (2000-2005) are:

1. Transportation-related (9.8 deaths per 100,000 children)
2. Drowning (1.4)
3. Suffocation (1.2)
4. Other Injuries (0.9)
5. Poisoning (0.8)
6. Fires or Burns (0.7)
7. Falls (0.2)

Join others in the Child Health community on Healia Communities.

Related Blog Post: Car Accidents, Falls Leading Causes of Injury and Death in U.S. Children and Teens

_{Source: CDC Childhood Injury Report: Patterns of Unintentional Injuries among 0–19 Year Olds in the United States, 2000 – 2006, CDC/NCHS, National Vital Statistics System, 2000-2005. http://www.cdc.gov/safechild/Child_Injury_Data.htm}

_{Photo: woodleywonderworks, Flickr, Creative Commons}

Each year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the most common causes of death in the United States. The CDC collects data from death records around the country and publishes the results in the National Vital Statistics Report. The latest data available are from 2006. One of the key results to come from this data was that the national life expectancy in 2006 increased to the highest it’s ever been: 78.1 years. In addition, 11 of the top 15 causes of death for the previous year decreased in frequency. Death rates per 100,000 persons are listed in parentheses.

The top 15 causes of death in the U.S. for 2006 are:

1. Heart disease (210.2)
2. Cancer (malignant neoplasms; 187.1)
3. Stroke (cerebrovascular disease; 45.8)
4. Lung diseases (chronic lower respiratory disease; 41.6)
5. Accidents (39.3)
6. Alzheimer’s disease (24.4)
7. Diabetes (24.2)
8. Influenza and pneumonia (18.8)
9. Kidney disease (nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis; 15.0)
10. Blood poisoning (septicemia, 11.4)
11. Suicide (10.7)
12. Liver disease (9.1)
13. High blood pressure (hypertension and hypertensive renal disease; 8.0)
14. Parkinson’s disease (6.6)
15. Assault (6.0)

Use the Healia Health Search Engine to find out more information about the above diseases. Also see our Healia Health Guide on Heart Disease and the Healia Health Guide on Alzheimer's Disease.

_{Source: CDC, National VitalStatistics Reports Vol. 56, No. 16. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr56/nvsr56_16.pdf
Photo: aussiegall, Flickr, Creative Commons}

Winter storms have already arrived in many parts of the country, making driving conditions treacherous and safe driving a challenge. In general, it is best not to drive at all during such a storm. However, despite the best attempts of meteorologists, winter storms don’t always arrive on schedule or with the same intensity as initially forecast. Even if you plan ahead, you can get stuck in the middle of a storm or stranded without another way home. If this happens to you, public transportation is usually the safest option, but if you must drive during a snow or ice storm, the following tips can help keep you safe on the roads:

• Do not travel alone. Having someone with you not only provides additional manpower to help if your vehicle gets stuck, it also means one of you can go get help if the other is injured. If you must go it alone, tell someone else when you are leaving, the route you are taking, and when you plan to arrive; this can help people locate you if you become stranded.
• Dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting clothing in layers. Don’t dress as if you are going for a car ride, dress as you would if you had to walk outside in winter conditions. Alternatively, you can bring along extra layers in the vehicle with you in case you get stranded and need to walk a long distance.
• Keep up with the latest road conditions. Before you leave, watch TV, listen to the radio, check the internet, or call the state highway patrol for information about the roads along your route. Along the way, you can listen to the car radio for updates.
• Use major streets or highways. It is always better to use well-travelled roads in a storm. These roadways are the first to be cleared by road crews. Also, taking major roads lessens the chance that you will get lost, increases the likelihood that you will be found if you run off the road, and provides more people to help you if you get stuck.
• Drive slowly. This is one of the most important tips for winter driving. Not only do vehicles take longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions, travelling at a low rate of speed helps lessen the chances that you will lose control of the vehicle and increases the probability that you will be able to regain control without a collision.
• Do not rely on four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to get traction on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop any quicker than other vehicles; in fact, since they are usually heavier, it may take them longer to stop.
• Steer into a skid. If you start to slide, steer in the direction you want the car to go, then straighten the wheel when the car moves in the direction you want it to go.
• Know your brakes. If your vehicle does not have antilock breaks, it is important to pump the break pedal instead of applying constant pressure when trying to stop in slippery conditions. Vehicles with antilock breaks do not respond to pumping the brake pedal; a slow steady increase in pressure is best.
• Top off your tank. Keep your gas tank as full as possible in case you get stuck need to idle the car to stay warm. Also, it is a very bad idea to run out of gas in the middle of a storm.

Have questions about winter driving safety? Ask the experts at Healia Health Communities.

_{Source: Source: City of New York Office of Emergency Management, Winter Safety Tips, 2008 http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/}

_{Photo: ElektraCute, Flickr, Creative Commons}