For Immediate Release
For more information, contact:Todd Schuetz(847) 384-4032 [email protected]
Teena Austin(847) 384-4031 [email protected]
April is Injury Prevention MonthAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons kicks off year-long "Prevent Injuries America!" campaign
ROSEMONT, Ill.--The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons will kick-off a year-long public education program that offers prevention tips for all ages on a variety of orthopaedic injuries.
"Helping people avoid needless injury is a number one priority of orthopaedic surgeons," said Stuart Hirsch, MD, chairman of the Academy's Council on Communications. "'Prevent Injuries America!' is an important step toward protecting yourself and your family from these all too common occurrences, now and in the future."
Through the "Prevent Injuries America!" public education program, the Academy will make available a wide variety of prevention and wellness information on specific sports- and work-related injuries, home safety issues, driving safety tips, proper shoewear tips and falls prevention.
Over the next twelve months as part of the PIA program, the Academy will provide consumers with tips for preventing some of the most common and avoidable injuries. The campaign will address these startling statistics.
*Each year, more than 509,650 children are treated in hospitals and doctors' offices because of injuries related to playground equipment. The Academy offers tips on reducing the incidence of these injuries and offers information on what to look for in improving playground equipment and safety.
*Each year, one out of every three people falls, accounting for 40% of new nursing home admissions. The Academy offers helpful tips on exercising and ways to adjust the home environment to reduce the risk of falls.
*An estimated 2.2 million children's fractures, dislocations and soft tissue injuries due to recreational activities are treated at U.S. hospital emergency rooms, doctor's offices and clinics each year. The Academy offers tips on avoiding common sports related injuries and the proper safety precautions for each sport.
*Women are three to four times likely to injure their knees then men because of muscle differences. Explore and read the latest research findings and recommendations on reducing risk.
Each year in the spring, the Academy also conducts a public service message program. This year's campaign addresses the importance of exercise related to children's bone health and the alarming increase in obesity; preventing life-threatening falls in the home; the need for continuing orthopaedic research in preventing and treating orthopaedic injuries; and the importance of patient-physician communication and effective ways to combat medical errors.
Throughout the year, additional topics will be added to the campaign. For physician-reviewed information on these subjects, contact the Academy's public service line at (800) 824-BONES or visit the Prevent Injuries America website at www.aaos.org.
An orthopaedic surgeon is a medical doctor with extensive training in the diagnosis and nonsurgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
The 25,500-member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.boneandjointdecade.org), the global initiative to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life. President Bush has declared the years 2002-2011 National Bone and Joint Decade in support of these objectives.
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