National Injury Prevention Day brings awareness to preventable injuries

LETHBRIDGE – Most injuries are predictable and preventable. About 75 per cent of injury-related deaths in Canada are from unintentional causes such as falls, motor vehicle accidents and poisonings.

Alberta Health Services supports Parachute’s National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD), which aims to help Canadians learn how to prevent injuries through education and advocacy.

To mark this initiative, municipalities across Canada will show support by lighting up major landmarks in the distinctive ‘Parachute Green’ used by the national charity dedicated to injury prevention. In addition, the Government of Alberta has proclaimed July 5 as National Injury Prevention Day in the province.

South Zone Landmarks:

• Lethbridge City Hall
• Medicine Hat Library
• Saamis Tepee, Medicine Hat

In 2019, Alberta recorded 34,881 injury-related hospital admissions and 515,962 emergency department visits. In 2017, preventable injuries cost Albertans $7.1 billion in total economic costs.

Along with the added strain on the healthcare system across the province, the human cost of preventable injury brings pain, suffering and reduced health and well-being to individuals and their families.

Everyone has a role to play in injury prevention, and there are ways to keep yourself and loved ones safe.

Falls:

Falls can happen anywhere – at home, school, or work, in recreation and leisure, in sports, in the community, and even on vacation.

• For young children, falls can occur in common settings such as the home and playground and during recreational activities.
• Proper supervision, removal of hazards, safe play practices, and proper clothing and equipment are all recommended for children to help prevent falls in the home and on the playground.
• Learn how to keep your child safe by visiting Preventing Falls.
• While the risk of falling does increase as people age, falls are not considered a normal part of aging. Staying active is important to reduce your risk of falling. Visit Finding Balance to learn more.

Driving:

Travel safely when driving around Alberta this summer:

• Wear your seat belt. If you travel with children, be a great role model. Make sure they’re riding in the correct car seat or booster seat for their age and size. Visit Car Seat Guidelines in Alberta for more information.
• Reduce distractions and focus only on driving. Do not use handheld devices of any kind when you are behind the wheel. Visit Traffic Safety for Motorists, Pedestrians, and Cyclists.
• Summer means more cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. Make sure you look out for them and be patient as they cross the road.
• Manage your speed – follow speed limits and be patient when you come to a 30 km/hour or 40 km/hour zone.

Poisonings:

Many household items can be poisonous to young children, who are at higher risk of poisoning due to their natural curiosity and small size. Some tips to prevent poisonings include:

Common products in your home, such as perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning products, garden products and batteries can be dangerous. Carefully assess your home to identify any potential poisoning risks. A child could be permanently injured in seconds if exposed to some common household products.

Use childproof latches on your cupboards. Be careful of what you store in your bedside table and other cupboards that are lower than your shoulder height.

Keep products in their original labelled containers. Never store poisonous products in food containers.

If you have a possible poisoning emergency, call 911 or Poison and Drug Information Services (PADIS) at 1-800-332-1414 immediately.   
Visit Preventing Poison in Young Children and Healthy Homes and Preventing Injuries for more information.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.