Specialists Teach Area 3rd Graders to'ThinkFirst' to Prevent Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Neuroscience and trauma prevention specialists from Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak (Mich.) have teamed up to deliver a new program called ThinkFirst to teach elementary school students how to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries. 

"ThinkFirst programs educate young people nationwide about their vulnerability and the importance of making safe choices. The message is that you can have a fun-filled, exciting life without hurting yourself if you ThinkFirst," says Daniel Michael, M.D., Ph.D., Beaumont neurosurgeon and board member of the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation."Buckle up. Avoid violent situations. Lower your risk of falling. Wear a helmet. Check the water before you dive. Use your mind to protect your body."

Beaumont, Royal Oak is the first chapter of ThinkFirst in Metropolitan Detroit to take the national safety program into the classroom. Trauma prevention nurses are currently delivering the ThinkFirst For Kids Program to third graders at St. Dennis Catholic School, also in Royal Oak.

"This program addresses the most common causes of pediatric injuries seen in our Level 1 Trauma Center - bicycle/motor vehicle crashes, diving/swimming accidents, violence, falls and sports activities," explains Donna Bucciarelli, R.N., trauma prevention coordinator, Beaumont, Royal Oak and program manager for Safety City U.S.A."It's a great hands-on program and well put together. The St. Dennis students' participation and enthusiasm demonstrate they're learning important life lessons."

The six-week safety prevention education program was developed to increase knowledge and awareness among children in third grade. Beaumont trauma prevention and neuroscience specialists present each weekly lesson. Lessons are approximately 45 minutes and address: the importance of protecting the brain and spinal cord; vehicle safety; bicycle safety; weapon safety; water safety; and recreation/sports safety.

There is no charge for ThinkFirst For Kids. All materials are provided by Beaumont's ThinkFirst Chapter. This school program is a collaboration between Beaumont's Neuroscience department and Safety City U.S.A. - Michigan's first and only year-round, nonprofit injury prevention center founded by Beaumont Hospital and the Royal Oak Fire and Police. Call 248-551-0100 for more information.

The ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation was organized in 1986. Today, it offers a research-validated, multi-level education program that has reached more than 8 million people nationally and internationally, has had major influences on public policy initiatives and continues to expand to reach those most vulnerable to traumatic injuries.