Injuries and violence affect everyone, regardless of age,
race, economic status or geographic location. In fact, injuries are the
number-one killer for Americans, Coloradoans and those living in Jefferson
County between the ages of 1-44.
JCPH is partnering with hospitals, childcare
providers, high schools and senior groups to increase awareness and education
and ultimately decrease injuries among infants, teenagers and older adults in
the County.
- Safe Sleep for Baby
Parents, grandparents, childcare providers and others who
may be responsible for putting an infant down to rest or sleep are reminded of
the importance of providing a safe
sleep environment. Studies show that infants who are placed on their backs
when going to sleep or napping have a 50% reduced risk for Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome. It is also important to be aware of a baby’s sleep area, clothing and
location of sleep.
- Safe Driving for Adolescents
Motor vehicle crashes are the
leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three
deaths in this age group. In
Jefferson County alone, there were 123 teen injury cases involving motor
vehicles last year. Following the
Colorado Graduated
Driver Licensing-laws can help teens prevent motor vehicle crashes. Since these laws have been established in
1999, the number of teens killed in motor vehicle crashes in the state of
Colorado has decreased more than 50%.
- Fall Prevention for Older
adults
Every year In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment reports, an average of 400 Coloradans ages 65 and older
die from a fall-related injury, and more than 10,000 are hospitalized for
nonfatal injuries. Improving balance,
evaluating medications that may cause dizziness and getting a yearly eye exam
are ways to help prevent injuries from falls.
Eliminating hazards at home that may cause falls, such as throw rugs or
extension cords, are another way to stay safe.
The JCPH Injury Prevention Program
encourages everyone to learn more about preventing injuries across the
lifespan. For more information about preventing injuries, please visit the JCPH Injury Prevention web
page or contact Susan Moyer at 303-239-7045.
