Wisconsin medical journal
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Wisconsin medical journal · Oct 1994
Comparative StudyTrends in motor vehicle and firearm deaths in Wisconsin: an analysis for examining prevention strategies.
Motor vehicle crash (MVC) deaths in Wisconsin have steadily declined since the 1970s. Multiple prevention strategies have been applied resulting in the lowest MVC death rate in 30 years. If current trends continue, firearms will exceed MVCs in Wisconsin by the year 2001. Multiple prevention strategies based on the public health model need to be applied to firearms.
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Wisconsin medical journal · Oct 1994
Firearm injuries among children and adolescents: II. The physician's role in prevention.
Firearm-related injury is a major public health problem in the United States. Many children are exposed to handguns in their own homes and in homes where they play and visit. ⋯ If patients keep a gun at home, they should be counseled to empty it and lock it up. Physicians also have the opportunity to be strong public advocates for establishing policies that lead to increased gun safety in the community.
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Although injuries, both intentional and unintentional, are the major cause of death of children under age 19, the rate of death from motor vehicle injuries has fallen during recent years, while the rate of injury death from violence is increasing. This increase in death rate is a reflection of greater availability of handguns in our society and greater numbers of handgun-related deaths. This article examines the facts related to firearm death and injury among America's youth. Physicians need to be armed with the facts to lead the forces to remove handguns from the environment of children.