Five Must-Know Tips to Stay Safe this Fall

  1. Playground Safety

Playgrounds are great places for children to have fun, learn new skills and socialize with others. However, accidents with playground equipment account for more than 200,000 emergency room (ER) visits annually. Familiarize yourself with the risks on playgrounds so you can keep your child safe:

• Determine age-appropriate equipment: Not all equipment on playgrounds is safe for kids. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides a list of age-appropriate equipment, advising that adult supervision is key to preventing injuries and providing swift first aid.

• Check for hazards: Ensure play areas have soft material under them, like mulch or sand. Look for sharp points or edges on equipment and objects that might trip your child, like tree stumps or exposed concrete footings. Elevated play areas should have guardrails or barriers in place. Never allow children to wear or play with anything that could become a strangulation hazard.

• Know concussion signs: 80% of playground injuries are caused by falls, increasing chances of a serious brain injury. Concussion symptoms in children can be harder to recognize, so be aware of clues that can indicate one. 

  2. Home Safety

Fall brings the start of many decoration-rich holidays. As you get into the spirit by decking out your home, be sure to protect yourself from the following:

• Falls: The most common, costly and preventable injury in older adults, causing over 14 million cases every year. When using a ladder to hang decorations, wear proper footwear and have someone hold the ladder on a flat, stable surface. Ensure your surroundings are clear of tripping hazards like scattered boxes, rolled-up carpets or exposed wires and cords.
• Lifting: To avoid injuries to your back, shoulder, neck, wrists and hands, bend at your knees and push with your legs. Avoid bending or twisting awkwardly and don’t hesitate to ask someone for help. 
• Fire: Always monitor fireplaces, candles and electrical lights. Never leave a fire burning unattended or near flammable items. Check all light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Artificial trees should be labeled fire-resistant and kept away from sources of heat.

  3. Vision Safety 

As daylight saving time ends and it gets darker earlier, you're more at risk from reduced visibility and compromised vision while outdoors. For example, a peak time for car accidents occurs beginning in November between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Consider the following to stay alert:

• Drive slowly and be alert when visibility is low, especially with rainy or foggy conditions. 
• Deer are most active during sunrise and sunset; pay attention around wooded areas and near deer crossing signs.
• Leaves can not only make road conditions slippery but also obstruct your perception of potholes and pavement damage. Slow down and avoid sudden movements by braking or accelerating gradually.

Lack of night vision can also cause accidents in poorly lit areas like parking lots, stairwells and around your apartment complex or neighborhood. Park in well-lit areas or keep a flashlight handy. Turn on indoor lights or leave your porch light on at night when leaving home. 

  4. Seasonal Illness Safety 

The common cold and influenza start to peak in fall from close contact with others through back-to-school time or holiday get-togethers and colder, drier weather. In some extreme cases, these illnesses can become severe, leading to ER visits or even hospitalization. Some tips to prevent the spread include:

• Practice good hygiene: The CDC advises that washing hands properly and frequently is the best way to remove germs. Use clean water and soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. If water and soap are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Guard against germs: Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces, like door handles, light switches and countertops. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing and wash hands immediately after.
• Take precautions: Be aware of any signs or symptoms you or others exhibit that can indicate an illness, such as a sore throat, fever, stuffy nose or nausea. Stay home if you’re feeling sick or have a fever. If going out is unavoidable, wear a mask. 
• Schedule vaccines: Immunizations like a flu shot or COVID-19 booster act like armor for your immune system. They reduce your risk of getting sick and spreading germs to others, protecting both you and other vulnerable individuals from potentially life-threatening effects. MedMutual Protect recognizes that healthcare decisions are important and personal; vaccine recommendations should be discussed with your primary care provider (PCP). 

Whether you experience unexpected hospital stays or emergency care, MedMutual Protect’s Hospital Indemnity Plus is designed with multiple benefits to relieve the stress of covering any copays and out-of-pocket expenses.

  5. Food Safety 

As you attend holiday get-togethers where seasonal delicacies and treats are shared, exercise safe food practices to keep you (and your gut!) protected from foodborne illnesses that affect 48 million people annually. Ingesting contaminated food or drinks can result in uncomfortable gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, but can also include nausea, chills, stomach pain or cramping. Ensure foods you eat are: 

• Washed and prepared on clean surfaces. 
• Cooked to a safe minimum temperature. 
• Stored and chilled at proper temperatures to slow bacteria growth.

Baked goods and sweets are great to enjoy in small quantities, but all that sugar not only leads to GI issues, but to an increased risk of cavities. MedMutual Protect’s Dental Insurance features great coverage for preventive care, like cleanings, and no waiting period for check-ups.