Injury Prevention

Community Focus with Mary Washington Healthcare

At Mary Washington Healthcare, we look to empower individuals in our community and help them establish healthy behaviors and routines that will encourage a safer lifestyle. Part of this comes from our involvement in injury prevention programs throughout Fredericksburg, Stafford, and surrounding areas in Virginia. By educating our community on safety and wellness, we can help prevent injury.

Community Programs

Through Mary Washington Healthcare, we provide several programs for the benefit of individuals and families in our community.

Take a look at our programs below:

• Choices for Living

This program is designed to empower teenagers with skills to make informed decisions and engage in healthy behaviors related to safer driving. The program discusses such topics as underage drinking, binge drinking, drinking and driving, and safety belt use. National crash and injury statistics, driving laws and regulations as well as driving safety facts and figures are integrated with teenagers’ personal stories.

• Stand Strong for Life

Falls are the second leading cause of traumatic injury in our area. The Stand Strong for Life program is for older adults and focuses on fall prevention both indoors and out, tips to stay active, medication reviews and what to discuss with your healthcare provider.

If you are interested in learning more about this program, and how it can be presented to your school or organization, please contact Jennifer Brown, Trauma Education/Injury at Jennifer.brown@mwhc.com

Bike Safety

Riding a bike is a great way to spend time with your family. It is also an excellent way to stay fit. However, it is important to practice bike safety in order to avoid injury. Injuries can range from cuts and bruises to more serious issues such as broken bones, internal injuries and head trauma.

It is important to remember the following when riding bikes:

• Make sure you/your child have proper training
• Keep new bike riders in an enclosed area
• Wear a properly-fitted helmet
• Wear reflective clothing
• Make sure your bike has reflectors on the frame and wheels
• Buy a bike that you or your children fit
• Obey the rules of the road
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Always wear protective equipment
• Ride with traffic, not against it
• Learn and use hand signals

For more information on our Bike Safety & Helmet Program or to schedule a Bike Rodeo for you school, community, or church organization please contact the Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator at (540) 741-2853 or jennifer.brown@mwhc.com

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of trauma in our area. Driving while distracted or intoxicated dramatically increases your risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash. Crashes are not accidents. Stop and think before getting behind the wheel.

Think Before You Drive

• Eat, drink and make phone calls BEFORE you drive
• Leave early so you aren’t stressed
• Be familiar with your vehicle’s instrumentation.
• Check your route BEFORE leaving. Do not attempt to read a map while driving.
• Attend to personal grooming BEFORE you drive.

Stay Focused and Pay Attention

• Limit interaction with passengers.
• Avoid the temptation to talk on the phone while driving
• Never text while driving.
• Keep our eyes on the road
• Don’t take notes while driving. Find a safe place to stop before writing things down.

Avoid Driver Fatigue

• Don’t drive if you are tired
• If you begin to feel sleepy while driving, pull off the road in a safe place to rest
• Share the driving responsibilities on long trips
• Don’t daydream while driving

Don’t Drive When Angry or Upset

• Avoid emotional conversations with passengers while driving
• Pull over to the side of the road if you are too upset to drive

Drive Defensively

• Avoid “rubbernecking” to look at crashes or other activities on the road
• Always have an “out” and be prepared to use it
• Keep a vigilant watch around the vehicle by shifting your eyes every few seconds and checking your rearview mirror
• Use your signals early enough when turning and changing lanes
• Be prepared for poor driving conditions

And NEVER drink and drive!

One of our programs is named Trauma Survivors Speak Out. This special program will highlight young trauma survivors who sustained significant life-changing injuries following motor vehicle collisions. They will openly share their stories in an effort to enlighten and educate drivers on the effects of drowsy driving, texting and driving, and other driving hazards, as well as the benefit and value of a local trauma center.

Our survivors want to share their stories with area high school students. If you are interested in learning more about this program, and how it can be presented to your school or organization, please contact Jennifer Brown, Trauma Education/Injury at Jennifer.brown@mwhc.com.