ABSTRACT
Motorcycle crashes are associated with a high incidence of head injuries and fatalities. Helmets have been shown to decrease the risk and occurrence of both head injuries and fatalities in motorcycle crashes, along with a decrease in hospitalizations and healthcare costs. Many states have laws in place requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets and have shown that laws directly affect these outcomes. Wisconsin is a state in which there is a law regarding helmet use; however, there are contingents. It is required only in those who are younger than 18 years and those with an instructional permit.
Subject(s)
Accidents, Traffic/legislation & jurisprudence , Accidents, Traffic/prevention & control , Head Protective Devices , Mandatory Programs/legislation & jurisprudence , Motorcycles/legislation & jurisprudence , Accidents, Traffic/mortality , Accidents, Traffic/statistics & numerical data , Age Factors , Craniocerebral Trauma/epidemiology , Craniocerebral Trauma/etiology , Craniocerebral Trauma/prevention & control , Health Promotion , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , Nurse's Role , Safety Management , Specialties, Nursing , Traumatology , United States , Wisconsin/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The rise in the number of cases of skin cancers, both melanomas and nonmelanomas, has prompted increased awareness and educational efforts to limit sun exposure. Because 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18, educating parents and adolescents to incorporate sun-protective behaviors into daily routines is particularly important. Education of parents is essential to establishing healthy behavior patterns in children. Educational interventions are recommended that encourage the following: using sunscreen, wearing hats with wide brims and clothing that blocks or absorbs ultraviolet rays, using sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation, and seeking shade. Continued efforts are important through adolescence to maintain the established behaviors. School nurses are in a position to affect the health education curriculum, as well as school policies that promote sun safety behaviors.
