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}

The news that British actress Natasha Richardson may be in critical condition after falling on a beginner’s ski slope highlights the importance of taking proper safety measures to prevent head injury. The incident also points out the insidious nature of some types of head trauma.

Reports say that the 45-year-old Richardson was participating in a beginner’s skiing lesson at the Mont Tremblant ski resort in Montreal when she fell. The accident occurred in a flat portion of the ski run and did not involve a collision with another person or object. She was not wearing a helmet at the time of the fall.

According to reports, there were no obvious signs of injury, and Richardson was walking and talking normally not long after the accident. About an hour after the fall, Richardson began experiencing headaches and was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Unconfirmed reports say the hospital has her listed in critical condition while other reports say she has been transported to a hospital in the U.S.

You may be asking, how could such a seemingly benign incident end up becoming a serious tragedy? The answer is related to the insidious nature of certain types of head trauma. Whenever the head is whipped back and forth abruptly or impacts a solid surface such as the ground, the brain collides with the inner surface of the skull. If the impact is hard enough, the person will likely lose consciousness, but if not there may not be any immediate symptoms.

This does NOT mean there is no cause for concern. Such an impact can cause the brain to swell slowly, a process that can occur over minutes or even hours. Because the brain is housed in the thick, unforgiving casement of the skull, swelling is very dangerous. It pushes the brain up against the sides of the skull, compressing it and causing symptoms ranging from headaches to loss of consciousness. If the pressure is not relieved quickly, the person may die.

This is why anyone who suffers a blow to the head should be monitored carefully for the ensuing day to make sure that no problems occur as a result of brain swelling. It is also why it is very important to wear a helmet when participating in any activity with a high risk of falls or collisions. This includes such common activities as skiing, biking, and skating. Remember that even a low speed crash can cause head trauma, so don’t skip the safety gear just because you are not going "all out."

For more information on head trauma or to share your own experience, join the Healia Support Group for Head and Brain Injuries.

_{Photo: KhEdara, 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>

After accidentally shooting himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub this weekend, NFL New York Giants star receiver Plaxico Burress turned himself in to New York Police Monday to face charges of criminal possession of a weapon. While Burress is expected to make a full recovery, his tenure with the Giants may be over just ten months removed from catching the winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl XLII.

The incident has highlighted several issues surrounding gun safety including frequency of accidental self-inflicted gunshot wounds. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 16,000 people are injured in the U.S. each year from such accidental shootings, which is likely an underestimate because people may not always seek medical treatment. An estimated 800 people die each year from accidental gunshot wounds, many of them self-inflicted.

The incident also highlights the need to practice gun safety if you are carrying a gun or have one in the house for protection. Burress and many other NFL stars say they carry guns in public because their high profile personas make them targets for robberies and assault. However, it is far more dangerous to carry a gun improperly than it is to carry no gun at all.

Burress reportedly had the gun in his waistband, which is a dangerous way to carry a gun because the trigger can easily be pulled accidentally. When carrying a gun, always use a proper holster because it keeps the firearm in place and keeps objects out of the trigger guard. Some other gun safety tips include:

• Guns are equipped with safety mechanisms that can be placed in a “locked” position, preventing the gun from firing. The safety should always be on, up until the point when you have raised the weapon into position to fire.
• Always keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to fire. Simply having your finger near the trigger makes it more likely that you will pull it accidentally.
• Always follow the laws of your local city and state regarding guns. Many places require concealed weapons permits in addition to gun registration if you want to carry a gun for protection outside the home.

If you have never done so, taking a gun safety class can teach you the basics of safe gun handling as well as how to safely clean and store a gun.

To find out more about gun safety, visit the CDC’s website to view an informative video. If you want to share an experience of yours regarding gun safety, join Healia Health Communities.

 

_{Photo: robertnelson, Flickr, Creative Commons}

Recalls of popular toys related to lead paint, entrapment or choking hazards, and other safety issues have been concerns for parents and consumers this year. As the holiday season approaches, consumers should be aware of safety issues when purchasing and receiving toys for children.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 202,300 children were treated in the emergency room for toy-related injuries in 2005. Prevent Blindness America is a national non-profit organization that provides toy safety tips to help protect children. They have designated the month of December as Safe Toys and Gifts Month in an effort to provide safety tips to people buying gifts for children this year. The organization suggests the following tips to help make this holiday season a safe one for children:

• Inspect all toys before purchasing. Monitor toys that your child has received to make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and development level.
• Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (such as a basketball along with eye goggles).
• Any toy that is labeled “supervision required” must always be used in the presence of an adult.
• Make recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for your child.
• Always save the warranties and directions for every toy.
• Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.
• Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact.
• Look for the letters "ASTM." This means the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) .
• Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.
• Repair or throw away damaged toys.
• Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.
• Remain aware of recalled products.

Whether you are giving or receiving a gift for a child, following the above guidelines will help make for a safer holiday season this year. To learn more about recent toy and product recalls, visit the U.S. Product Safety Commission Web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/.

 

For information about toy lead recalls, please see Healia’s health news blog titled Recalls of Popular Children’s Toys with High Lead Levels. For additional information regarding toy safety, visit healia.com.

toy safety toy recalls holiday shopping

During this festive holiday season, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds us to stay safe and keep those around us safe by not allowing drinking or drugged driving. The month of December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and the NHTSA cautions drivers to not let holiday parties get out of hand, to pour lightly, serve plenty of food, and not be afraid to take the keys from a friend who has had too much to drink.

Alcohol is a depressant which impairs a driver's judgment, vision, and reaction time. These critical skills are necessary for safe driving. Here are some important facts about drunk, drugged, and unsafe driving:

• An alcohol-related motor vehicle crash kills someone every 31 minutes and non-fatally injures someone every two minutes (NHTSA 2006).
• In 2005, 16,885 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 39% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States (NHTSA 2006).
• Most drinking and driving episodes go undetected. In 2005, nearly 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics (Department of Justice 2005).
• Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes are the single greatest cause of death for every age group from 6 through 33 years of age (National Commission Against Drunk Driving).
• Nearly 80% of all occupants killed in alcohol related traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts (National Commission Against Drunk Driving).

Obeying traffic laws will help make the roads safer for everyone this holiday season. For more information on drunk and drugged driving prevention, visit healia.com. 

drunk driving National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drunk and drugged driving prevention

Over the last few weeks, we have seen ice, rain, and snow storms devastate many areas of the United States; preparation is one of the best ways to combat winter weather problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers free winter weather and safety updates at http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/. This site contains information regarding emergency supply lists, winter storm preparation, indoor and outdoor safety, and loss of power preparation.

This week, winter weather warnings and advisories were posted due to a cold front that stretched from Texas to New Hampshire. According to CNN, roads were treacherous and more than a half-million homes and businesses lost power from the Plains into parts of the Northeast due to ice and freezing rain. To prevent injuries from winter weather, the CDC suggests equipping your car with the following emergency supplies:

• Cell phone; portable charger and extra batteries
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper
• Battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
• Flashlight (and extra batteries)
• Water
• Snack food
• Extra hats, coats, mittens
• Blankets
• Chains or rope
• Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant (emergency tire repair)
• Road salt and sand
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Bright colored flag; help signs
• First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Road maps
• Compass
• Waterproof matches and a can (to melt snow for water)
• Paper towels

How you prepare greatly depends on where you live. The best way to keep you and your family safe is to plan ahead, prepare your house and car, and stock up on emergency supplies. For more information on winter weather safety, visit healia.com.

winter weather winter weather preparation winter weather safety

The news about high lead levels in popular children’s toys and toy manufacturer recalls has been a hot topic recently. And many of you may feel overwhelmed by the toy recall information and are looking for a central information resource.

A list of recalled toys can be found on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site. Here, you can review a list of toys recalled for high levels of lead. You can also review what toys have been recalled for other health and safety problems such as danger for magnetic ingestion or choking and entrapment hazards. A picture of each toy is available to help you identify the product.

Lead is most often found in paint or dust, but it may also be found in toys and other sources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that lead can be found in the following sources:

• Traditional home health remedies such as azarcon and greta which are sometimes used for upset stomach or indigestion in the Hispanic community
• Imported candies
• Imported toys and toy jewelry
• Imported cosmetics
• Pottery and ceramics
• Drinking water contaminated by lead leaching from lead pipes, solder, brass fixtures, or valves
• Consumer products, including tea kettles and vinyl mini-blinds  

Children often ingest lead when they place their fingers and lead contaminated objects (such as toys) in their mouths. Prevention is key when dealing with lead exposure and children. If you believe that your child has been exposed to lead, you should contact your child’s physician immediately. A blood test can be performed to determine your child’s blood lead level.

According to the CDC, repeated exposure to lead can result in various childhood problems such as learning and hearing disabilities, behavioral problems, and delayed development. It is believed that even low blood lead levels can result in learning and behavior problems.

 

For more information about lead poisoning prevention and treatment visit Healia.com.

 

lead poisoning prevention Toy Recall Lead Poisoning Treatment

The National Hurricane Center in Miami has announced the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. After devastating the Caribbean as a Category 5 hurricane, Hurricane Dean hit Mexico this morning and weakened to Category 2 status. It appears that this storm will track away from the US Gulf Coast, but this region is at high risk for hurricane-related injuries. The fortunate thing about hurricanes is that, unlike tornadoes and earthquakes, they can be predicted days ahead of landfall. This gives those in potentially affected areas time to prepare and minimize personal injury and property damage.

If you live within an area prone to hurricanes, please check with your local emergency preparedness officials for specific recommendations, but here are some general hurricane safety tips:

• Know where and how to evacuate if you need to; get information from your local emergency officials.
• Establish a safe place for family members to meet if separated. Designate a central person (who is not in the affected area) for everyone to contact about their status.
• Prepare to be self-sufficient for several days. Stock up on emergency supplies, such as canned food, bottled water, and medications in waterproof containers.
• Board up windows and secure loose outdoor items.
• If you have power, monitor conditions on TV or radio.
• Stay indoors until it’s safe to go outside. Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Do not use candles or kerosene lamps for light due to the fire hazard; use flashlights and have extra batteries.
• Shut off your utilities if instructed by emergency officials.
• Don’t walk through moving water more than six inches deep or drive through flooded roads.
• Fill up your gas tank.
• Get extra cash.

Remember, the health consequences from hurricanes are more preventable compared to other natural disasters, so be prepared. Get more information about hurricane safety.

hurricanes Hurricane Dean Hurricane Safety