As we head into Spring Break, many children will be playing outdoors, and the most important message I can give families is this:

Most childhood injuries can be prevented!

With that in mind, please consider the following-injury prevention tips:

• Apply sunblock frequently — to prevent sunburn now and skin cancer later in life.

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, skateboard or while on the mountain skiing or snowboarding — head trauma is one of the most common serious injuries in childhood.

• Evaluate windows in your house to prevent falls — as the windows open during warm days, consider window guards for upper-level windows, especially if you have toddlers at home.

• Supervise your children — especially with trampolines and scooters. There should never be more than one child bouncing on the trampoline at a time.

• Wear protective gear — with most sports, but especially with skateboards and scooters, or if your child is just beginning to ride a bicycle.

• Know where your children are at all times and check in frequently when they are playing with other children.

• Spring Break is a great time for “Spring Cleaning” —  check to be sure medications are safely and securely stored in the house to prevent poisonings.

• Restrain your children properly, and don’t text while driving in motor vehicles — injuries sustained while driving remain common and many are preventable.

Although we hope you won’t need to pay us a visit any time soon, know that the 24/7 OHSU Doernbecher Pediatric Emergency Department is a welcoming place for children who suffer injuries, with pediatric emergency nursing care, short waiting times and a child-friendly environment.

Have a fun-filled – and safe! – Spring Break!

David M. Spiro, M.D., M.P.H.
Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics
OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital