Expert Advice for Preventing Playground Injuries
Online, October 31, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Injuries caused by playground equipment are on the rise, according to several recent studies, with U.S. statistics showing a 12 percent increase in the rate of playground-related hospitalizations during the last 5 years. New Jersey Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael Gross has provided several precautions that parents can take in order to ensure their children's safety.
Playgrounds should be regularly inspected to ensure that its equipment and surfacing are in good condition. Although most plastic playground pieces are made of a durable material called polyboard, it can become cracked, scratched or weakened by years of everyday use.
All playground equipment should have a soft surfacing underneath that can consist of wood chips, sand, mulch or rubber mats. The playground area should also be free of garbage or any other items that children could possibly trip over. Common tripping hazards include exposed concrete, tree stumps, and rocks.
Parents should also check playground equipment for dangerous hardware, such as open "S" hooks on swing sets or protruding bolt ends. Keeping children away from such hazards and alerting park or town authorities of the possible dangers will help prevent future injuries.
Most importantly, children should be supervised during their time on a playground, and parents should regularly check to make sure that they are playing safely. Dr. Gross advises parents to carve out time that's specifically dedicated to monitoring their children while they are on the playground, and to make sure that they keep cell phones and other distractions tucked away during this allotted time.
A recent advisory from public health officials warns that the increase in playground accidents may, in part, be caused by parents focusing too much on their smartphones. Checking texts and e-mails while trying to simultaneously keep an eye on playing children is a recipe for disaster, experts warn. Distracted parents and caretakers can put a child at an unnecessary risk of being seriously injured in a playground accident.
About Dr. Gross
Dr. Michael Gross is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon practicing in New Jersey. Board certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Gross also holds a subspecialty certificate in Sports Medicine.
Dr. Gross received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine in 1983, followed by an internship in general surgery and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, the University Hospital for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Completing advanced fellowship training in Sports Medicine at UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Gross served on the medical staff of the UCLA Bruins.
Practicing at Active Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Gross can be reached at (201) 358-0707 in Westwood, (201) 343-2277 in Hackensack or at www.activeorthopedic.com
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