January is known as the month of fresh starts, resolutions, and self-improvement. There is nothing better than making a decision to educate yourself on TBI prevention. TryMunity and its close-knit community are notorious for sharing exceptional information and resources for those impacted by traumatic brain injury after it occurs. However, there is a lot to be learned and shared on how to prevent a TBI as well. Here are a few of the biggest ways you can prevent TBI from occurring.
Safe Vehicle Practices
One of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury occurs from car accidents. Always wear your seat belt when you drive or ride in a vehicle. If you have a child, place them in the appropriate car seat or booster seat. It is now recommended that children sit in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible. This provides them with extra head and neck support in the event of an accident.
Wear a Helmet
If you are going to take part in any sport in which the head may be impacted, wear a helmet. This includes riding a bike, playing a contact sport, skateboarding, rollerblading, or any other fast-moving sport. Always check that your helmet has the proper fit and that the chin strap is fastened snugly.
Make Your Home Safe
Many TBIs occur in the home due to falling. You can take a few simple steps in making your home a safer place. Do the following:
- Complete a safety walkthrough at your home to remove any items that may cause you to trip.
- Install non-stick mats in showers and tubs
- If you have children, install safety gates at both the start and end to stairways and on windows.
By being aware of the causes of traumatic brain injury and taking the necessary steps, you can lower your risk of sustaining a TBI. For more information, join the TryMunity community today.
