Skip to main content Skip to home page

Safety Blog

  • Protecting Your Family From Bug Bites

    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.

  • Omicron and Masks - What You Need To Know

    Amy Lau, MSN, RN, CIC, Infection Preventionist, Deaconess Health System

    With the highly-contagious omicron variant spreading throughout our community, cases of COVID-19 are on the rise.  This has led to many questions about which masks work best. Find answers here.
     

  • Staying Safe In Cold Weather

    Dr. Jung Smith, Family Medicine  Deaconess Clinic Mary Street

    Frostbite, hypothermia, overexertion and falls are the most common cold-weather health hazards. Learn important tips and information for staying safe this winter.
     

  • "If I've Already Had COVID, Why Should I Get Vaccinated?"

    Reviewed by Majed Koleilat, MD, Deaconess Clinic Allergy and Immunology

    A break down of the reasons why you should still get vaccinated.

     

  • COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

    Garrett Koon, DO, Deaconess Clinic Pediatrician

    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12 and older, and parents have questions. Find answers to many of your questions from a board-certified pediatrician.

     

  • Summer Safety: Protect Your Skin from UV Rays

    Summer is here, and as many people like to enjoy the outdoors, it is important to remember that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of developing sun-related skin cancer. Find tips on how to protect yourself and your family. 

  • Child Summer Safety Tips

    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.

  • "Bringing Home Baby" in a Pandemic

    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. 

  • COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

    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.

  • Preventing Sprains & Strains at the Workplace

    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.

  • Antibiotics – What, When, Why (and Why Not)

    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.
     

  • Don’t Be Bugged by Bugs

    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.  

  • How to Support Health Care Coworkers During a Disaster

    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.

  • How Families Can Support Health Care Workers During COVID-19

    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. 

  • What’s Your Emergency Food Plan?

    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.

  • Preventing Firearm Injuries is Focus of National Trauma Awareness Month 2019

    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 Accidents and Injuries to Avoid

    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. 


     

  • Know Where to Go For Care

    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.

  • Emergency Preparedness for Patients with Health Problems

    Tom Fite, Pharmacy Manager at 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.
     

  • Be Motorcycle Aware!

    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. 

  • Enjoying Fireworks Safely

    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. 

  • Fun and Safety with ATVs

    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. 

  • National Water Safety Month

    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!

  • Stop The Bleed

    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. 

  • Sports Injuries – Knowing How To Treat, When To Get Medical Care

    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.

  • Having a Happy—and Safe—Holiday Season

    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.

  • Fall Prevention: Steps to Make Falls Less Likely

    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.


     

  • Be Smart and Buckle Up—Here’s Why

    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. 

  • Gear Up For Safe Sports

    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.

  • Understanding Sepsis

    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.

  • Walk On, and Walk Safety

    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.

  • Skateboarding Safety Tips

    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.

  • Big Boo-Boos – How to Know When Your Child’s Injury Needs Medical Attention

    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.

  • Top 20 Water Safety Tips for Children

    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.

  • The Well-Stocked Medicine Cabinet

    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.

  • Back to School for College Students

    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. 

  • 4 Steps to Safe Backpack Use

    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. 

  • Concussion Questions & Answers

    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.

  • Sun Safety for Kids

    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!
     

  • Be Smart About Medications...Especially Around Kids

    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.
     

Top Back to top