What can I do to lower my risk of sustaining a concussion?
- Seatbelts and age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats.
- Wear a helmet when playing contact sports or biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, snowboarding, and skiing. Ensure that they are properly fit to reduce the risk of serious brain injury or skull fracture. Of note, there is no such thing as a "concussion proof" helmet.
- Strengthening neck muscles. This is particularly important for athletes, as a stronger neck may be able to absorb some of the shock of the blow to the head.
Fall prevention is also essential to reduce risk of injury and concussion. The following simple tips can reduce one’s risk
- Use safety gates at the bottom and tops of stairs to reduce risk of serious falls in infants and toddlers.
- Do not read or text when walking.
- Keep living areas and pathways in the home uncluttered to reduce the risk of tripping over anything. Also, remove rugs and other furniture that could be a tripping hazard.
- Use non-slip mats or a shower chair in the bathroom.
- Use railings to go up and down the stairs.
- Make sure there is enough light to see in each room and when climbing the stairs.
