Unintentional injuries can have an enormous impact on your personal life, your work life, and your health overall. These injuries are often caused by accidents that occur in the workplace, at home, or even when you’re just out in public.
While the actual causes of these accidents can be multiple, some leading culprits often cause unintentional injuries to occur. By knowing what these common causes are and how to avoid them, you can help prevent yourself from becoming injured yourself in the future. That’s why we’ve put together this top 10 list of unintentional injuries and how to avoid them.
1: Allergic Reactions
- Allergic reactions (or anaphylaxis) usually happen in response to a bite from a mosquito or tick, but sometimes these reactions can be triggered by certain foods.
- If you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.
- Call 911 if you experience difficulty breathing, hives, rashes or swelling of your tongue. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fainting, lightheadedness or dizziness.
- 2: Drowning
- Between 2000 and 2014, nearly 7,500 people drowned in America. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reported that over 2,400 of those were children 14 years old or younger.
- Children's brains are still developing when they’re young; therefore, they can’t pay as much attention to their surroundings as older kids or adults.
- Children also have a natural tendency toward risky behaviour like running around without looking both ways before crossing a street.
- That’s why parents need to take extra precautions with kids who aren’t yet mature enough to understand how dangerous certain activities can be.
3: Adverse Drug Reactions
An adverse drug reaction is any harmful effect caused by taking medication. These reactions range from minors—such as mild nausea or headache—to severe, including death. More than 1 in 4 Americans experience an adverse drug reaction each year, but you can avoid many of these problems by reading and following your prescription’s label carefully. Never change your dose or stop taking a medication without first consulting your doctor; sometimes stopping a medication suddenly can have even more serious consequences than continuing on it.
4: Dog Bites
According to one report, Americans are more likely to be killed by a dog than a shark. Dog bites cost an estimated $370 million in medical expenses each year. Dog owners have a responsibility not only to their pets but also to those who may come into contact with them. Though most dogs are friendly, it's always good practice to keep your hands off strange dogs. Should you get bit, go directly to a hospital emergency room; any delay could result in more damage or risk of infection. Dog bites can cause broken bones, muscle and nerve damage, deep lacerations and infection from bacteria like tetanus or rabies.
5: Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are a common cause of unintentional injuries. If you’re going up or down stairs, make sure you take extra care when walking on uneven surfaces. It’s also best to wear shoes with rubber soles, as they give you more traction and help reduce your chances of slipping. And although there may be spots around your home that could stand to be mopped up, try not to walk around in wet socks or bare feet. You could develop infections if bacteria from floors get into small cuts on your feet.
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