DCH Corner – National Safety Month

We’re celebrating 1 year of the DCH Corner! As a preface to this week’s article, we want to thank the publishers of this newspaper for allowing us to write an article each week to give you health information you need to know, and to provide information on the services available in Decatur County. Thank you!

Injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 40. The good news? Everyone can get involved to help prevent injuries.

During National Safety Month, DCH will provide information to the public to provide tips to help you reduce the risk of injuries. This June, we encourage you to learn more about important safety issues like preventing poisonings, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls.

Poisonings: Nine out of 10 poisonings happen right at home. You can be poisoned by many things, like cleaning products or another person’s medicine.

Transportation safety: Doing other activities while driving – like texting or eating – distracts you and increases your chance of crashing. Almost 1 in 6 crashes (15%) where someone is injured involves distracted driving.

Slips, trips, and falls: One in 4 older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones or a head injury.

You can make a difference. Follow us on Facebook throughout the month of June to find out ways to help reduce the risk of these safety issues. Just search for Decatur County Hospital Iowa. For more information about our services, visit www.www.decaturcountyhospital.org.