Safety Blog

Dr. Sarah Rust, Pediatrician, Deaconess Clinic Baseline

Bringing home a new baby has always been a nerve-wracking time for most families. Previously, families would worry about their new baby catching the flu, RSV or other viral infections during their first few weeks of life, but having a child during the COVID-19 pandemic has added to those fears and raises many new questions. 

Vaccines to prevent COVID-19 are proving to be the best hope for ending the pandemic. As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues authorizing emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines, many people have questions. Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

As the colder weather trickles in, bringing with it snow, ice, illnesses, high patient census, and increased workload, instead of practicing more self-care, we tend to feel rushed and fatigued leading to us taking more shortcuts and trying to find the easiest way to do things.

Christi Pagett, MD, Deaconess Clinic West

Antibiotics are a marvel of modern medicine and have saved millions of lives.  However, the overuse of antibiotics is harmful. Learn about proper use of antibiotics, preventing illnesses, and how to treat illnesses that don’t require antibiotics.
 

Terry Gehlhausen, DO, Deaconess Clinic, Oakland City

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States.  More than 100,000 cases have been reported since the disease was first discovered in 1982.  The disease is spread by the bite of a deer tick.

Rebecca Hopper, MD Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, Deaconess Clinic
 
Summer is a time when most of us head for the outdoors--even if it’s just our own backyard. The season provides a time to get more exercise, eat fresh produce, and perhaps most importantly lower our stress by enjoying nature.  

No one understands a hard shift like your coworkers who experienced it with you. Here are a few tips to support each other in tense times.

If you love a medical professional serving on the front lines of the global pandemic, here are some ways to support them when they are not at work. 

It’s always good practice to plan ahead for emergencies, but that planning becomes even more important when you have specific dietary needs and restrictions.

Dr. Taniza Karim, Deaconess Clinic Pediatrician 

The summer months are a special time during childhood.  Outdoor activities, vacations, camps, etc. all lead to lifelong memories. Discover the top ways to keep your children safe this summer and what habits to encourage (and avoid) during this long break from school.

Since 1988, May of each year is designated as National Trauma Awareness Month. The American Trauma Society works with its partners to choose a new focus for injury and violence prevention and awareness. This year’s focus is Firearm Injury Prevention.

Summer is in full swing - sunshine, fireworks, backyard barbecues, campfires and dehydration! Follow our helpful tips so these five summer-related (and totally preventable) accidents and injuries don’t ruin your fun in the sun. 


 

Amanda Bohleber, MD, Medical Director, Deaconess Clinic

A doctor—and mom—shares her tips for choosing the right care at the right time at the right place.

Jim Hays, Deaconess Home Medical Equipment, and Tom Fite, R.Ph, Manager, Deaconess Family Pharmacy

Recent national disasters have caused many people to give more thought to emergency preparedness.  As September is Emergency Preparedness Month, it’s a great time to be thinking about being disaster ready.
 

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center

Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the road. This means they are entitled to their space on the road, no matter the size of their ride. This also means that they must follow the same road laws as other vehicles, including keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Remember to “share the road” with motorcyclists, and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe. 

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center

Summer is synonymous with barbeques, parades and fireworks. But along with all of the celebrations come injuries from fireworks. While many of the injuries come from amateurs attempting to use professional grade, homemade, or illegal fireworks or explosives, about half of fireworks injuries come from legal, less powerful devices. Fireworks are also responsible for thousands of home and other structural fires each year. 

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center

The first week of June is ATV Safety Week. Sadly, 90% of all ATV-related fatalities could be prevented, as they are the result of behaviors that are warned about, such as children riding on adult-sized ATVs. 

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center

It’s summer, which means swimming and other water-related activities will fill the coming months, especially if you have children. Although playing in the water is fun, there are some inherent dangers. By following the tips below, you can have fun and remain safe at the same time. Simple steps save lives!

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center

Violence is the third leading cause of traumatic injury and death in our region. Natural disasters occur fairly routinely throughout the world. Accidents happen at home, school, and work. And sadly, in today’s society, we must also consider the possibility of a mass shooting event. 

Daren Vertein, RN, FNP-BC, Deaconess Urgent Care and James Boulware, MA, ATC, LAT, Orthopaedic Associates Walk-In/Urgent Care

Any sporting event, practice or training can lead to injuries.  Some injuries are minor, but others need urgent medical care. Below we discuss helpful information about how to handle a variety of common injuries resulting from nearly any sport.

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center
 
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many people, but the decorations, special activities and gatherings can cause safety issues.   So many visits to the ED—during the holidays and otherwise--can be prevented by taking safety precautions. Also, injuries, fires and other disasters that happen around the holidays seem to be extra-challenging and sad for those involved.

Deaconess Regional Trauma Team

Lack of exercise can lead to weak legs, which increases the chance of falling. Exercise programs can increase strength and improve balance, making falls less likely.


 

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center
 
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among those aged 1-54. For adults and older children (who are big enough for seat belts to fit properly), seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. 

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center
 
Sports and recreational activities are an important part of a healthy, physically active lifestyle – for kids and adults alike. But more than 2.6 million people are treated in emergency departments throughout the US each year for sports and recreation-related injuries.

Ruston Stoltz MD, Family Medicine, Deaconess Clinic
 
Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection, and it can happen to anyone.  Young or old, sepsis can be life threatening, as between ¼ and ½ of all individuals who develop sepsis will die from it.

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center

Walking is one of the best things we can do to stay healthy, but only if we put safety first. We are seldom more vulnerable than when walking. It is important to pay attention to what is going on around us.

Lu Weil, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Deaconess Regional Trauma Center

Skateboarding is fun, and can be great for building strength, balance and stamina.  But without the right precautions, young people can get hurt.

Dr. Taniza Karim, Pediatrician, Deaconess Clinic Boonville

Bumps and bruises, bangs and scrapes are all part of being a child.  But as children play, sometimes more serious injuries can happen, and parents have to decide if a trip to the doctor, urgent care or emergency room is needed.

Dr. Nancy Grauso-Eby, Pediatrician, Deaconess Clinic West

Summer time means being outside.  And sometimes, that means that insects think that we’re delicious, and begin to bite.
 Fortunately, most bites by mosquitos, flies, fleas and even ticks do NOT cause disease. That being said, the best thing to do for your kids and yourself is to try to prevent the bite in the first place.

Dr. Taniza Karim, Deaconess Clinic Pediatrician 

While enjoying the water is a memorable part of summer, water is one of the most ominous hazards your child will encounter. For youngsters in middle childhood, drowning ranks behind only motor-vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death.

Dr. Jung Smith, Family Medicine, Deaconess Clinic

I think it’s wise to have a stash of basic medications for everyone in the family, so I want to share information about various over-the-counter medications, to help you decide what you should have in YOUR well-stocked medicine cabinet.

University of Southern Indiana - University Health Center Staff

Young adults heading to college—or back to college—have unique health needs such as diet, sleep, exercise, illnesses, stress, mental health and immunizations/testing. 

Deaconess Medical Staff

Whether it’s back to school time for your child, or you’re planning a long hike, check out these helpful tips to ensure you know how to safely wear a backpack and promote good posture and spinal health. 

Gina Niemeier, PA-C, of the Deaconess Concussion Clinic ​

The Deaconess Concussion Clinic specializes in the assessment and treatment of concussions.  Through this blog post, I’ll explain what a concussion is, how to tell if you or someone you love has one, what should be done if you have a concussion and some prevention tips.

Deaconess Riley Children’s Services

Summer is a great time for children to be healthy and active outdoors! However, with the sunny weather comes the risk of sun dangers. Follow these sun safety tips to ensure that you and your kiddos have a fun and safe summer!
 

Tom Fite, RPh, Manager of the Deaconess Family Pharmacy

Did you know that medications are the leading cause of child poisoning?  Each year, thousands of children are rushed to emergency rooms due to being accidentally poisoned by medications.