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One Ninth of Population Treated for Injuries in 2009
Over 150,000 people, about 12 percent of the population, received medical treatment for injuries and poisonings in 2009, costing approximately 25 million euros.
According to the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, over 1,000 young people per month require treatment for falls alone. In worst cases, resulting medical bills exceed 15,000 euros.
In 2009, 1,278 people died in Estonia as a result of injuries and poisonings. Over a hundred were 15-24 years old, most of them young men. Injuries and poisonings constitute two-thirds of causes of death among that age group.
"Risk behavior is usually traceable to peer support," said Sirje Vaask, Chief Healthcare Specialist of the Health Insurance Fund. "And with alcohol involved, the grip on reality is increasingly lost... Hence driving over the speed limit, diving in unknown places, dangerous climbing, and playing hazardous practical jokes on friends."
Starting from this year, school nurses will give practical first aid courses to students, as part of an attempt to increase youth awareness. To foster a positive attitude towards healthy behavior, the Health Insurance Fund started a campaign this week under the title "A Reckless Deed Can Change Your Life Permanently." The campaign is part of the National Health Strategy 2010-2020.