It’s a simple fact: Accidents happen. But those that occur in childhood can have a significant impact on children later in life, resulting in long-term physical issues like chronic pain, mental health problems like anxiety and depression and behavioral changes, including an increased risk of substance abuse.
The long-term effects can be especially pronounced after traumatic brain injuries or with repeated traumatic events, influencing a person's ability to form relationships, succeed in their career and enjoy daily life.
In some cases, childhood accidents can result in disability, even death.
“Serious injuries can lead to physical disabilities that impact a person's quality of life,” says Anila Khan, MD, family medicine resident, South Texas Health System (STHS) GME Consortium. “Even minor injuries to muscles, ligaments and nerves can lead to long-lasting pain that affects daily activities and sleep, while trauma can lead to difficulties with emotional regulation, which can manifest as irritability, anger or mood swings later in life.”
Unintentional injuries remain the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1-14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with falls the most common cause of injury, accounting for more than 40% of unintentional injuries among children.
Some of the common causes of injury for kids of all ages include falls, accidental impacts, motor vehicle accidents, cuts and puncture wounds and burns.
“Most accidents result in minor injuries that can be treated easily with antibacterial ointment, a little rest and some extra TLC,” says Dr. Khan. “But the reality is that every mishap has the potential to result in an injury that has you rushing to the nearest emergency room.”
To help parents and caregivers prevent accidents in childhood, STHS Children’s will dedicate its latest Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar to the subject.
Broadcast live via the STHS Children’s Facebook page on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will shine a spotlight on common childhood accidents, which ones require immediate medical attention and strategies to prevent them.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
Who: South Texas Health System Children’s
What: FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Children’s Health – Accident Prevention”
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online via STHS Children’s & STHS’ Facebook pages
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
