Aches & Pains

Things You Should Know

Pain is a fact of life and often hard to prevent. However, there are some measures parents can take to limit the number of injuries their children get:

• Sports and recreation injuries account for about 20% of emergency room visits each year for Canadian children. Fitness and conditioning, as well as proper protective equipment will help prevent these kinds of injuries.
• Teach your children to be observant about their surroundings. When they play outside, make sure they are aware of cars, pedestrians, in-line skaters and cyclists.
• Make sure sports equipment fits properly. A bike that is too big or too small can cause a fall, and a helmet that doesn't fit well won't protect your child's head, even in a minor accident. All helmets should be Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified.
• Only let your child play in playgrounds with sand, pea gravel, wood chip or rubber surfaces instead of those lined with dirt or grass. Make sure the equipment is safe by checking the security of handrails, barriers or railings. Check for broken glass, garbage or sharp edges in the playground.
• Supervise your child's play if he or she is under the age of nine.
• In the home, make sure carpeting is secure. Don't place bags or furniture in major walkways where children can trip over them.