Newton Wellness Talks: More than 200,000 kids treated in emergency rooms for injuries at playgrounds

Fall is officially here, and a trip to the playground is a great activity that both parents and kids enjoy. With Students heading back to school, Safe Kids Jasper County and the Newton Wellness reminds parents and teachers to actively supervise their kids when playing on a playground.

For more playground tips, visit: safekids.org/playgroundsafety

Each year, more than 270,000 kids are treated in emergency rooms for injuries that occur on the playground. While most of the injuries from playgrounds are due to falls (75 percent), most fatalities are caused by strangulation.

Even nonfatal injuries from playground falls can be serious. Almost half of playground-related injuries are severe, including fractures, internal injuries, concussions and dislocations.

“Lack of or improper supervision is associated with approximately 45 percent of playground-related injuries,” Melissa Gary, coordinator of Safe Kids Jasper County, said. “Playgrounds are a great way for kids to get exercise and explore, and with active supervision and some basic safety tips, every day at the playground can be a walk in the park.”

Safe Kids Jasper County and Newton Wellness Coalition reminds parents and caregivers of the following four playground safety tips.

1. Actively supervise children on playgrounds. It won’t be hard – they’ll probably be calling for you to watch them climb, jump and swing.

2. Take your kids to playgrounds with shock-absorbing surfaces such as rubber, synthetic turf, sand, pea gravel, wood chips or mulch. If your child falls, the landing will be more cushioned than on asphalt, concrete, grass or dirt.

3. Dress appropriately for the playground. Remove necklaces, purses, scarves or clothing with drawstrings that can get caught on equipment and pose a strangulation hazard. Even helmets can be dangerous on a playground, so save those for bikes.

4. Teach children that pushing, shoving or crowding while on the playground can be dangerous. Encourage the older kids to look out for the younger ones. Little kids play differently than big kids. It is important to have a separate play area for children under 5.

For more information about playground safety visit www.safekids.org.