Preventing TBI

Prevention tips

You Can Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury

• Buckle Up Every Ride – Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Choose a sports program that enforces rules for safety and avoids drills and plays that increase the risk for head impacts.
• Wear a helmet, or appropriate headgear, when you or your children:
  • Ride a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or use an all-terrain vehicle;
  • Play a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing;
  • Use in-line skates or ride a skateboard;
  • Bat and run bases in baseball or softball;
  • Ride a horse; or
  • Ski or snowboard.
• Prevent Older Adult Falls
  • Talk to your doctor to evaluate your risk for falling, and talk with them about specific things you can do to reduce your risk for a fall.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription medicines, over-the counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
  • Have your eyes checked at least once a year and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed.
  • Do strength and balance exercises to make your legs stronger and improve your balance.
  • Make your home safer.
• Make living and play areas safer for children
  • Install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows.
  • Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.
  • Make sure your child's playground has soft material under it, such as hardwood mulch or sand.1