Safe Kids Marathon County, led by Aspirus Wausau Hospital, is participating in Safe Kids Week (May 11-18), part of a month-long national celebration dedicated to raising awareness about child injury prevention. Safe Kids Marathon County joins safety experts from almost 400 Safe Kids’ coalitions and partners across the country hoping to inspire parents to “spring into summer safety” by focusing on proven and practical tips to keep their kids safe.
Unintentional injuries among kids rise dramatically from late spring throughout the summer. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 42 percent of all child deaths from unintentional injuries in the U.S. occur during the months of May through August. Preventable injuries are the number one cause of death of children in the U.S., and millions more are injured in ways that can affect them for the rest of their lives.
“Our main focus for Safe Kids Week is bike safety, particularly the importance of wearing a properly fitted helmet,” says Amanda Tabin, Safe Kids & Injury Prevention Coordinator at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. “Properly-fitted helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45 percent. Yet, in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, only 28 percent of Marathon County middle school students reported that they wear a helmet when riding a bike.”
Throughout the week, Safe Kids will be at community events where families can have their bike helmets checked for proper fit and safety, that the helmet is not damaged or expired, and learn how to make adjustments. Children without a safe and properly-fitted helmet can get a free helmet at these events while supplies last, thanks to funding from Aspirus Wausau Hospital Volunteers.
Safe Kids Week – Bike Helmet Fittings & Free Helmet Distribution Events:
5/11: Children’s Festival in Wausau
5/16: Bike & Walk for the Health of It in Kronenwetter
5/18: Everest Area Bike Rodeo in Rothschild
“New helmets can easily cost $25 or more. We know many families are struggling financially and may not be able to afford that,” says Tabin. “We want to remove cost as a barrier to safety.”
For more information about upcoming events and helpful safety tips for caregivers, follow Safe Kids Marathon County on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SafeKidsMC.