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Each year,14 million American children are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment. These injuries have financial, psychological, and social consequences for not only the children, but their families, communities, and society as a whole. The psychological consequences of a childhood injury may be temporary or they may precipitate chronic, serious disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder. A traumatic childhood injury can also affect personality development, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
While those most at risk for childhood injuries are young, male, minority, and poor children, risk varies according to developmental level, motor skill development, and cognitive, perceptual, and language abilities. Extra safety measures should be taken with children who fall into any of these risk categories. Parents can help protect children from injuries that may lead to mental health problems by insisting on child safety seats, protective athletic gear, working smoke alarms, and other safety measures at home and at play.
The Center for Mental Health Services spotlights Childhood Injury Prevention Week as one its many efforts to raise awareness of issues related to children's mental and physical health.
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