John Randolph Medical Center Pediatrician Offers  Warm Weather Safety Tips for Kids

(HOPEWELL, VA) April 1, 2008 - Kids need to take special care to prevent injuries while playing sports and enjoying other outdoor activities.  Especially troubling are head injuries that can sometimes be serious enough to cause disability and even death. This year more than 1 million children will sustain a traumatic brain injury, something most doctors consider largely preventable.  

“Unlike most neurological disorders, head injuries can be prevented,” said Dr. Ming Lee, Pediatrician, Hopewell Children’s Clinic. “Nearly 75% of all head injuries in children are minor concussions caused by falls, car accidents and sports injuries that are avoidable.”

Dr. Lee, who has practiced medicine for more than 30 years at John Randolph Medical Center, said caution and preparation are the keys to injury prevention. “Children usually acquire a concussion by a blow to the head, so always buckle your child into a booster seat or safety seat while in a motor vehicle to avoid harm during a collision. Children should always wear a helmet, as well as other protective gear, while riding a bike, skateboarding or playing contact sports,” he said. 

Dr. Lee also recommends inspecting playgrounds and other play areas for damaged equipment and outdated safety features.

In the event of a head injury, seek medical attention immediately following the accident, and recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Symptoms of concussions range from a mild headache and dizziness to loss of memory, unconsciousness or seizure. Drowsiness, sudden mood changes or a change in normal sleep patterns may also accompany a head injury.

 “Some symptoms of a concussion immediately follow the accident, such as dizziness or headache, but other symptoms may not occur for days after the accident, such as memory loss,” Dr. Lee said. “Seek medical attention as soon as possible if your child suffers a head injury that gives you any cause of concern.”

For more information about programs and services or a physician referral at John Randolph Medical Center, call Medline^SM at 800-242-5662 or visit HCARichmond.com and click on John Randolph Medical Center.

About John Randolph Medical Center
John Randolph Medical Center, a 147-bed facility located at 411 West Randolph Road in Hopewell, has served the Tri-Cities for over 90 years, providing high quality healthcare services, from oncology and cardiac care to behavioral health and emergency medicine. The facility combines a small-town atmosphere with sophisticated technology commonly found in large urban hospitals. John Randolph is part of the HCA Richmond Health System, the largest healthcare provider and largest private employer in the Richmond metropolitan area. The Cardiac Care services include noninvasive and minimally invasive diagnostics, cardiac catheterization, stress tests and a cardiac rehab program certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Oncology Services offers individualized treatment protocols accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, outpatient infusion, chemotherapy, as well as inpatient and surgical services. The ICU/CCU offers eICU WATCH for critical patients, a patient-monitoring system also available at HCA hospitals throughout the Richmond region. The 24-hour Emergency Room offers two distinct treatment areas – a Fast Track designed for non-emergent concerns and an acute section for more serious injury and illness.