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Community Based Intervention: Prevention of Neurological Injuries in Young Children: Think First for Kids!
Marie L. Lobo, PhD, RN, FAAN
College of Nursing
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Specific Aims:
- Introduce the "Think First for Kids" program in schools in South Carolina
- Assess safety equipment use, children's and teachers' knowledge of injury prevention, before/after public education
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| Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in young children in the United States. Head and spinal cord injuries are most destructive because they can result in lifelong disabilities. Wearing bicycle helmets and seat belts can decrease such injuries. This project aims to teach children and their families about preventing head and spinal cord injuries and the importance of wearing seat belts, using bicycle helmets and other safety equipment. A program developed by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and supported by the South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of Neuroscience Nurses and the MUSC Department of Neurological Surgery will be introduced into kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms in selected schools in South Carolina's Lowcountry. Over the three-year period of the project, all schools in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties will have the opportunity to have this kindergarten through grade 3 program. The South Carolina Stingrays will be involved in a public awareness program in connection with this project also. Dr. Lobo and her team will compare children's knowledge about head and spinal cord injuries and numbers of children wearing head protection in specific parks and neighborhoods before and after the educational material is presented in the schools. |
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