National Public Health Week April 4-10

 By Robin G. Pilus

National Public Health Week is April 4-10.  This year’s theme is “Safety is No Accident – Live Injury Free.”

The main purpose of public health is to make sure everyone in a community has the opportunity to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.  Most public health work is population-based, meaning  it focuses on improving the health of the entire community. 

With this year’s emphasis on preventing injury, the National Public Health Association points out that it only takes a moment for an injury to occur and most injuries are preventable.

Common sense tips for preventing injuries are the focus of this year’s educational effort.  Among them are:

For the home –

• Assess your home for poor lighting or uneven surfaces to prevent falls.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors.
• Make sure all electrical outlets are inaccessible to children.
• Supervise young children whenever they are near cooking surfaces and never leave food unattended on  stove.
• Program emergency number (including poison control) into your phone.
• Store medicines and cleaning supplies in locked cabinets out of the reach of children.

At work:

• Understand and follow all workplace safety regulations and guidelines.
• Educate employees on workplace safety issues and train them to recognize unsafe conditions.  Use a company bulletin board, website or newsletter to communicate important workplace safety tips.
• Create an employee monitoring system that rewards individuals for reporting hazardous working conditions.

On the move:

• Wear a seat belt on every trip, no matter how small.
• Avoid texting, eating, grooming or using the phone while driving.
• Walk facing traffic, and make yourself visable if walking at night.
• Be mindful of the environment and be careful when crossing the road.  Use crosswalks and avoid jay walking.

For more information about National Public Health Week and additional safety tips visit the National Public Health Week Website.