When it comes to preventing injuries in the summertime, Great Care enlists the old adage, “Safety first!”

“Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages – and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44,” says the National Safety Council. “But there are many things people can do to stay safe and prevent injuries.”

June is National Safety Month, so the Council takes special time to educate the public on safety precautions and encourage measures to take during the summer months. The good news is everyone can get involved to help prevent injuries, says the National Safety Council.

“We can all work together to make a difference,” says Julie Sullivan, Great Care Founder and CEO. “We encourage our caregiver community, the Great Care family, and local Hoosiers to identify and report safety hazards.”

The National Safety Council says we can all use this month to raise awareness about important safety issues such as:

• Medication safety and prescription painkiller abuse
• Driving, biking, and working safely
• First aid and emergency preparedness
• Preventing slips, trips, and falls

During National Safety Month, Great Care is working with community members to help reduce the risk of injuries.

“This June, we encourage you to learn more about important safety issues like prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls,” Sullivan says.

According to the National Safety Council, prescription painkiller abuse is on the rise, with overdoses a growing problem in the U.S., especially among women.

“About 18 women die every day from a prescription painkiller overdose – more than 4 times as many as back in 1999,” reports the Council.

Transportation safety is also a priority with increased travel in the summertime. Distractions are an issue with all ages of drivers.

“Doing other activities while driving – like texting or eating – distracts you and increases your chance of crashing. Almost 1 in 5 crashes (17%) that injured someone involved distracted driving,” the National Safety Council says.

Especially important for senior safety concerns are slips, trips, and falls in the home and out in public, especially in unfamiliar territory.

“One in 4 older adults falls each year. Many falls lead to broken bones and other health problems,” the Council says. “Falling is the third leading cause of unintentional-injury-related death over all age groups, but it’s the No. 1 cause of death for those 65 and older, according to Injury Facts 2017. The good news: Aging, itself, does not cause falls.”

Learn what you can do to help protect older loved ones, from the National Safety Council.

Be safe this summer!

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non-medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.