(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Augusta, GA —Someone in the U.S. sustains a life-changing spinal cord injury every hour, but prevention takes only a second.

Spinal cord injuries can happen in an instant, and something as simple as forgetting to wear a seatbelt, tripping over a rug or not checking water levels before diving can have devastating consequences. The leading cause of spinal cord injury varies depending on a person’s age. But regardless of age, being aware and taking the appropriate precautions can help reduce your risk and your family’s risk of injury.

Walton Rehabilitation Health System’s Spinal Cord Injury Services present the following spinal cord injury prevention checklist for all ages.

For Those Under 29

While sports and recreational activities make up only 18 percent of all spinal cord injuries, the majority of these injuries happen in those 29 and younger. To help reduce your risk:

Always wear an appropriate helmet and other safety gear during sports and recreation activities. This includes any wheeled activities, horseback riding, football, baseball or softball.

Always check water levels and underwater obstructions before diving, even if you’re diving in a familiar place. Don’t dive in water less than 12 feet deep or in above-ground pools.

Avoid sliding head-first when stealing a base, or using your helmet to hit, block or tackle a player during football.

Don’t wear headphones when biking; be aware of the traffic around you.

Use trampolines only when someone with adequately trained supervision is present

Somersaults should not be attempted without safety harnesses, only one person should use the trampoline at a time, and all supports and landing surfaces should have protective padding.

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