Assessment of Environmental Processes, Essay Example

Some of the most frequent causes of injuries and death in toddlers are falls; burns from stoves, hot water, matches; hit by vehicles; falling into pools, suffocation/drowning; heavy objects falling on them; second hand smoke inhalation; drinking poisons left carelessly in the environment; overdose of medicines left carelessly in their environment; choking; physical/sexual abuse by care givers, parents significant others and neglect (Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 2010).

As such, safety concerns relate to providing a risk free environment for toddlers. Objects that can break and create damage to skin ought to be removed from their environment. Toddlers are curious and would touch items in the course of their exploratory pursuits. Therefore, stove knobs ought to be covered preventing toddlers touching and turning them on if they are no placed high up on the stove. Rooms ought to be well lit so they do not stumble on furniture and fall creating injury to the body (Lally & Stewart, 1990).

A hobby of toddlers is climbing. Since their safety is utmost importance chairs, small tables should be positioned to deter climbing. Essentially, toddles should never be left alone or unattended. Precisely, adult supervision is highly recommended at all times. With adequate supervision potential environmental danger can be anticipated and the adult responded before an injury or fatal accident occurs (Lally & Stewart, 1990).

Importantly, health promotion and prevention measures can be incorporated into parent teaching when mothers/caregivers visit clinics. Toddler safety strategies could be communicated through doctors during examination and routine checks. Health promotion/prevention safety material could be displayed in more than one language for mothers to read while waiting to be seen. Women and Infant Community (WIC) settings are also valuable venues for dissemination of health promotion/prevention information (Jarvis, 2012)

References

Jarvis, C. (2012). Physical Examination & Health Assessment (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders.

Lally, R.., & Stewart, J. (1990). A Guide to Setting up Environments Infant/Toddler Caregiving. California Department of Education

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (2010, February 28). Choking is a leading cause of injury and death among children. ScienceDaily