Concussion – What Every Parent Needs to Know!
Concussions are invisible injuries. Any hit on the head can cause concussion and serious long-lasting symptoms if not treated carefully. It is important to treat every hit on the head with caution even if they do not lose consciousness.
When your child hits their head, watch for symptoms, such as: trouble remembering, low energy, headaches, sensitivity to light and noise, or being more emotional than usual. If you see any of these, stop play and take them to a doctor right away.
Remember to tell your child’s school principal, teacher, and coaches about any head injuries that happen outside of school. Depending on the injury, your child may need a personalized plan, time off from school, work, sports or other activities to help them fully recover.
Rowans Law Day occurs every September.
For more information on concussion prevention and management visit http://www.parachutecanada.org/injury-topics/item/concussion.
Water Safety: Drowning Prevention
Did you know 90% of shallow water drownings occur when an adult is not watching.
Keep your child safe around water with these tips:
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Stay within sight and arm’s reach when a child is near water, bathtubs, pools, lakes, rivers and streams.
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Put down electronic devices; most drownings are silent and happen in just a few seconds.
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Register your child in swimming lessons.
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Make sure young children or children who have trouble swimming for a long time on their own wear a life jacket when in or around the water and in boats.
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Fence your pool –drowning’s can be prevented with four-sided pool fencing.
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Be Prepared: learn to swim and get trained in CPR and first aid.
For more information visit: www.parachutecanada.org and click on Injury Topics and Drowning Prevention or http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/swim-to-survive.aspx.
Safety on Wheels
Biking before and after school? Teach your child to be safe with these simple safety rules:
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Always wear a helmet – teach them to fit it properly each time they ride.
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Before the age of 10 years children can’t judge the speed of oncoming traffic and should not ride alone.
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Identify areas that are safe to ride and make sure your child knows them.
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Obey the rules of the road – teach them how to use hand signals, watch for traffic and how to cross safely.
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Be aware of roads in your neighbourhood where vehicle speed or traffic volume is an issue. Teach your child to avoid or be wary of these areas.
Before they ride, check their bike to make sure it’s the right size. Together check that the brakes and bell work, and that the tires have good pressure. Set a good example by wearing a helmet when you bike with your child. For more safety tips, visit
cycling Ontario and look for the Young Cyclists Guide.
Self-Injury and Suicide
Self-injuring behaviour, like cutting or burning skin, may be a sign that a child or youth is experiencing poor mental health. Self-injury is not always a suicide attempt, but self-injury does increase the risk of suicide. Asking about suicidal thoughts, offering a safe space to talk about
emotions and connecting students to mental health professionals are some key ways to provide support. For more on this topic, visit Canadian Mental Health Association. If you are thinking of suicide or are worried about someone you know,
call or text 9-8-8, toll-free, anytime, for support.