Recently, The News & Observer included a story about the increase in death among 10 to 14 year olds in North Carolina based on data from 2012. Although deaths were up in this age group for all causes, a significant increase was seen in suicides, homicides and poisonings. This data points to the intense need for additional mental health services in our state.
The same report also showed a slightly higher infant mortality and child death rate in 2012 compared to the previous year. Many of these deaths were from preventable injuries. As Wake County’s only Trauma Center and the sponsoring agency for Wake County SafeKids, we track pediatric injury data very closely. Following find a chart that shows pediatric trauma over the past month broken down by reason. The chart clearly shows the number one cause of preventable injury in children is falls. Interestingly enough, the same is true for adults.
A few years ago, we posted a blog by Orthopaedic Surgeon Robert Howard that would be worth revisiting to help keep your family safe and injury free. The blog identifies the top 10 common items that cause injury including trampolines, ladders, bicycles, skateboards, pets and more.
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