EDUCATION

There are approximately 400,000 individuals in the United States living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Every year, 11,000 people sustain new spinal cord injuries - that means one SCI occurs every 40 minutes.

The leading causes of SCI are automobile accidents (37%), violence (28%), falls (21%), and sports-related activities (6%).

There is no cure for spinal cord injury. There is PREVENTION!

Practice safe, defensive driving and always wear a seatbelt. Never drink alcohol / take drugs and drive. Do not travel in a vehicle that is being driven by a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The most common acts of violence that cause spinal cord injury are stabbings and gun shot wounds. 80% of victims are males in their teens and early twenties. Avoid violent situations! For detailed community and school initiatives on reducing youth violence please go to the CDC.

Every 35 minutes a person over the age of 65 dies as a result of a fall. Do not over reach when using ladders or step stools. Make sure stairways are well-lit and equipped with secure railings. Clear walkways and stairways of obstacles.

Diving accidents are the leading cause of sports-related spinal cord injuries. Each year, approximately 850 SCI's occur from diving accidents. Most involved striking the bottom or hidden formation in a lake or river. About 300 SCI's occur annually in residential pools. 95% of those resulted from a head-first dive into water less than 8 feet deep. Do not dive into unfamiliar or shallow water!

When playing sports, be sure to warm up first. Use safety equipment, such as helmets or pads. Remember to wear an approved helmet when bike riding, skateboarding, roller-blading, and motorbike or trail-bike riding. Be sure the safety equipment is high quality. Don't take unnecessary risks when horse riding, snow or water skiing, rock climbing, hang-gliding or trampolining.

GCI conducts spinal cord injury prevention programs for schools, businesses, churches, and service groups to reduce the community's risk of traumatic injury!

GCI also provides disability awareness programs to educate the public about service dogs and the rights of people with disabilities!

To arrange one of these unique community outreach presentations, simply contact GCI for more information.

E-mail: gcidogs@aol.com

Phone: 404-735-DOGS (3647)

Write: 1540 Heritage Cove Acworth, Ga. 30102