Stop smoking or reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
Avoid all drugs, including OTC drugs, unless prescribed by the health care provider.
Avoid exposure to pesticides and certain environmental chemicals.
Avoid exposure to radiation.
Any factors, chemical or physical, can adversely affect the fertilized ovum, embryo, and developing fetus. A fetus is extremely vulnerable to environmental hazards.
Neonate (first 28 days of life) Infection Falls SIDS
Wash hands frequently.
Never leave an infant unsupervised on a raised surface without side rails.
Use the appropriate infant car seat that is secured in the backseat facing the rear of the car.
Handle the infant securely while supporting the head.
Place infant on the back to sleep.
Physical care for the newborn includes maintaining a patent airway, protecting the baby from infection and injury, and providing optimal nutrition.
Infant Falls Injuries from toys Burns Suffocation or drowning Inhalation or ingestion of foreign bodies
Supervise the child closely to prevent injury.
Select toys appropriate for developmental level.
Use appropriate safety equipment in the home (e.g., locks for cabinets, gates, electrical outlet covers).
Never leave the child alone in the bathtub.
Childproof the entire house.
Infants progress from rolling over to sitting, crawling, and pulling up to stand. They are very curious and will explore everything in their environment that they can.
Toddler Falls Cuts from sharp objects Burns Suffocation or drowning Inhalation or ingestion of foreign bodies/poisons
Have poison control center phone number in readily accessible location.
Use appropriate car seat for the toddler.
Supervise the child closely to prevent injury.
Childproof the house to ensure that poisonous products, drugs, guns, and small objects are out of the toddler's reach.
Never leave the child alone and unsupervised outside.
Keep all hot items on the stove out of the child's reach.
Toddlers accomplish a wide variety of developmental tasks and progress to walking and talking. They become more independent and continue to explore their environment.
Preschooler Falls Cuts Burns Drowning Inhalation or ingestion Guns and weapons
Teach the child to wear proper safety equipment when riding bicycles or scooters.
Ensure that playing areas are safe.
Begin to teach safety measures to the child.
Do not leave the child alone in the bathtub or near water.
Practice emergency evacuation measures.
Teach about fire safety.
Though more independent, preschoolers still have an immature understanding of dangerous behavior. They may strive to imitate adults and thus attempt dangerous behavior.
School-aged child Burns Drowning Broken bones Concussions (TBI) Inhalation or ingestion Guns and weapons Substance abuse Bullying
Teach accident prevention at school and home.
Teach the child to wear safety equipment when playing sports and when riding a bicycle.
Reinforce teaching about symptoms that require immediate attention.
Continue immunizations as scheduled.
Provide drug, alcohol, and sexuality education.
Reinforce the use of seatbelts and pedestrian safety.
Support social relationships and watch for changes in the child that may indicate bullying or being bullied.
School-aged children have developed more refined muscular coordination, but increasing involvement in sports and play activities increases their risk for injury. TBI can cause disruption in brain function and death. Cognitive maturity improves their ability to understand safety instructions.
Adolescent Motor vehicle accidents Drowning Guns and weapons Inhalation and ingestion Bullying
Teach responsibilities of new freedoms that accompany being a teenager.
Enroll the teen in safety courses (driver education, water safety, emergency care measures).
Emphasize gun safety.
Get physical examination before participating in sports.
Make time to listen to and talk with your adolescent (helps with stress reduction).
Follow healthy lifestyle (nutrition, rest, etc.).
Teach about sexuality, intercourse sexually transmitted infections, and birth control.
Encourage the child to report any sexual harassment or abuse of any kind.
Engage in open dialogue about events relative to social media, personal relationships, and school activities.
Adolescence is a critical period in growth and development. The adolescent needs increasing freedom and responsibility to prepare for adulthood. During this time, the mind has a great ability to acquire and use knowledge. The teen's peer group is a greater influence than family during this stage.
Adult Stress Domestic violence Motor vehicle accidents Industrial accidents Drug and alcohol abuse
Practice stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, exercise).
Enroll in a defensive driving course.
Evaluate the workplace for safety hazards and utilize safety equipment as prescribed.
Practice moderation when consuming alcohol.
Avoid the use of illegal drugs.
Provide options and referrals to those experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).
As people progress through the adult years, visible signs of aging become apparent. Lifestyle behaviors and situational or family crises can also impact an adult's overall health and cause stress. Preventive health practices help adults improve the quality and duration of life.
Attend defensive driving courses on courses designed for older adult drivers.
Encourage regular vision and hearing tests.
Ensure that prescribed eyeglasses and hearing aids are available and functioning.
Wear appropriate footwear.
Have operational smoke detectors in place.
Objectively document and report any signs of neglect and abuse.
Accidental injuries occur more frequently in older adults because of decreased sensory abilities, slower reflexes and reaction times, changes in hearing and vision, and loss of strength and mobility. Collaboration between family/caregivers and health care providers can ensure a safe, comfortable environment and promote healthy aging.