By Kaela Sales,

Health Promoter

On July 5, Canada acknowledges Parachute’s National Injury Prevention Day, which is aimed at raising awareness about the devastating effects of predictable and preventable injuries and helping all Canadians live long lives to the fullest.

In a demonstration of support, many Canadian landmarks will be lit up ‘Parachute green’ on National Injury Prevention Day.

When it comes to injuries, don’t use the ‘A’ word… Accident.

Most injuries are predictable and preventable. In Grey-Bruce, the two major causes of unintentional-injury-related Emergency Department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths are due to falls and motor vehicle collisions (Unintentional Injuries Grey Bruce, 2019).

We have made many improvements in the area of injury prevention, but there is still more work to do.  

Here are a few ways to help reduce your risk of experiencing a fall at home:

• Free your home from hazards by ensuring all steps and stairways are stable and undamaged, tripping hazards are removed, and all areas of your home are well-lit.
• Take your medications as prescribed, use the Medscheck program, report any side effects and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to your healthcare provider.

• Medscheck is a free program for patients to have their medications reviewed by their pharmacist.
• Some examples of OTC medications: cannabis, alcohol, antihistamines, stool softeners or laxatives, motion sickness and nausea medications.

• Have good balance and strength.

• Include strength and balance activities on most days of the week; tai chi and yoga are great activities to challenge your balance.
• Try to do 30 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity at least five times a week.  
• Do activities you enjoy! Walk, dance, bike, golf, skate, swim, or garden!  

• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.

In 2021, collisions led to: 1,768 Canadians killed on our roads; 8,185 people seriously injured on our roads; and 324 pedestrians and cyclists killed. Speeding was a factor in 25% of all fatal collisions (Transport Canada), and 20% of fatal crashes involved distraction. 

At GBPH, we have a vision of zero fatalities or serious injuries on our roadways. We all have a part to play, here are some ways to reduce the risk of injury on our roadways:

• Pedestrians: be seen – wear bright colours during the day, and reflective at night.
• Cyclists: wear your helmet, use your signals to let other road users know where you are going.
• Drivers: Drive sober, wear your seatbelt, follow speed limits, keep your eyes off your phone & on the road, and be aware of other road users.

• Passengers: keep your legs off the dash, wear your seatbelt, take control of the radio and heat/cooling controls, & make sure your driver is sober before getting in a vehicle with them.