January
Elderly Fall Prevention
 In an effort to help prevent falls & raise an awareness of safety in everyday activities, the Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center Violence & Injury Prevention Program has compiled this simple list of things ANYONE can do to prevent falls in and out of their home. According to the CDC, one out of every 3 adults 65 years or older falls each year. A primary consequence of falling is fracture, which may lead to significant changes on an older person's quality of life, everyday functioning & independence. Falls in the elderly can also have a larger impact on health care services & our larger society.
February
Child Passenger Safety Month
DID YOU KNOW????
 ALL children less than 80 pounds and under 4'9" (approximately 8 years old) should be in some form of child passenger restraint to prevent serious injury or death in a crash. And these injuries are the number one reason why children die in America.
- 90% of the car seats nationally are installed INCORRECTLY
- Proper use of child restraints reduces fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
- Motor Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Hispanics ages 1-44 & for African-Americans from birth - 14 years
- Injury related medical costs are 55% higher for those not wearing a safety belt
This months safety sheet highlights child passenger safety. In it, there is basic information about the proper use and fit of Child Safety Seats. ALL CHILDREN, under 8 years old weighing less than 80 pounds and under 4'9", should be in some form of a child passenger safety seat, depending on their age and size. Please review our Safety Sheet and pass along to those who you feel may benefit. Print them out in English or in Spanish.
For more information, go to the KISS-CT Page!
March
National Poison Prevention Month
 Did you know that every 30 seconds a child is poisoned in the United Sates? 60% of all poisonings occur to children under six years old. Accidental poisoning is a concern of every parent and caregiver. However, it is not uncommon for adults to be unintentionally poisoned as well. The most common products involved in poisonings are drugs (prescriptions and over the counter), household and chemical products, plants, and cosmetics. Poisoning can also be caused by animal bites, insect stings, and food poisoning.
The Violence & Injury Prevention Program of Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center encourages you to review the following safety hints to prevent accidental poisonings to family members of all ages.
The attached safety sheets, available in English and Spanish, highlight important information regarding accidental poisonings.
Additional links that can provide more information:
April
Child Abuse Awareness Month
Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center has always been committed to prevention, but as number of programs and services provided to patients and the community truly demonstrate this commitment-especially in the area of children and child protection. The Violence & Injury Prevention Program, the Aetna Foundation Children's Center, and the Saint Francis Child Protection Team most especially work on a daily basis dealing with issues regarding Child Abuse/Neglect & Child Abuse prevention. These, along with other Saint Francis Programs, increase the understanding of the problem of child abuse; serve as a resource for patients, families and staff; and foster an environment that is committed to child abuse prevention.
click here, for more information on child abuse awareness
May
Trauma Awareness Month
June
Summer Safety
July
Water Safety
As temperatures heat up and summer vacations begin we will spend more time
cooling off in pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Drowning claims the lives of over
4,000 people across all age groups every year. Children 0-4 have the highest rate of
death due to drowning. The Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center Violence &
Injury Prevention Program would like to share this valuable information on Water
Safety.
August
Back to School Safety
 Its School Time again, which is bringing a sigh of relief to many parents, and grumblings from many children. The end of the summer brings new beginnings for students and an air of excitement for everyone. Unfortunately, with more children on the road each day, it also brings a rise in injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus, and motor vehicle crashes. In an effort to help prevent injuries & raise an awareness of safety in everyday activities, the Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center Violence & Injury Prevention Program has compiled this simple list of things motorists, parents, and students can do to reduce the risk of injuries. While you enjoy the next few days and weeks, remember to take time to remember safety to make the memories last even longer. Enjoy the school year!
 September
National Childhood Injury Prevention Month
Baby Safety Month: Shaken Baby Syndrome - Safety sheet pending�check back soon!
October
Halloween Safety
 Halloween is a cherished tradition, but the excitement of the festivities can often cause children and parents to forget to be careful. The major dangers are from falls and pedestrian/car crashes. Anytime a child has an accident, it is tragic. To help ensure you have a safe holiday, the following safety suggestions from the American Academy of Pediatrics & The Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center Violence & Injury Prevention Program can help you and your family have a safe, fun and happy time.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- 4.9 MILLION WOMEN ARE PHYSICALLY OR SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BY AN INTIMATE PARTNER EVERY YEAR (TJADEN AND THOENNES, JULY 2000).
- 30-40% WOMEN REPORT BEING PHYSICALLY OR SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A HUSBAND OR BOYFRIEND AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIVES.
- EACH YEAR, AT LEAST SIX PERCENT OF ALL PREGNANT WOMEN, ABOUT 240,000 PREGNANT WOMEN, IN THIS COUNTRY ARE BATTERED BY THE MEN IN THEIR LIVES.
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CROSSES ALL SOCIOECONOMIC AND CULTURAL LINES.
- UP TO 50% OF ALL HOMELESS WOMEN & CHILDREN IN THE U.S. ARE FLEEING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (NCADV).
November
Thanksgiving Safety
 Thanksgiving is a time of family, friends, festivities, abundant meals, and giving thanks
for all our blessings. While you share your upcoming days and meals with family and friends,
remember to take time to remember safety to make the memories last even longer. The
Violence & Injury Prevention Program of Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center
encourages you to review the following safety hints to make your holidays special AND safe!
December
Enjoy A Safe And Happy Holiday Season!
 The excitement of the festivities can often cause children and parents to forget to be careful. As the holidays approach, the Violence & Injury Prevention Program at Saint Francis Hospital & Medical  Center encourages you to look for and eliminate potential dangers from holiday decoration, toys, and celebrations that could lead to injuries and/or fires.
As a service to you, your family, your patients, and our shared community, we have included the following safety sheets:
- Gift recommendations for children- It includes a list of toys that the American Academy of Pediatrics & the Violence & Injury Prevention Program recommends for specific age groups.
 They keep in mind the developmental stages of children, which should reduce risk of injury. Use these recommendations when shopping for toys.
- Holiday Safety Sheet- This safety sheets provides reminders to keep your home, your pets, and your family safe while preparing for your holiday celebrations.
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