Image From www.parachute.ca

By Chris Brown

Landmarks going green for National Injury Prevention Day

Jul 5, 2023 | 11:09 AM

The Saamis Tepee will be lit green today as the City of Medicine Hat marks National Injury Prevention Day.

The day is aimed at helping Canadians learn how to prevent injuries through education and advocacy. The Medicine Hat landmark is one of a number that will be lit in the distinctive “Parachute Green” used by Parachute, a national charity dedicated to injury prevention.

Alberta Health Services says the City of Medicine Hat and the City of Brooks are proclaiming July 5 as National Injury Prevention Day. Lethbridge City Hall and Brooks City Hall are some other landmarks that will be “Parachute Green” today.

According to AHS, roughly three of every four injury-related deaths in Canada are from unintentional causes such as falls, motor vehicle accidents and poisonings. In 2019, Alberta recorded 34,881 injury-related hospital admissions and 515,962 emergency department visits.

There are ways to keep yourself and loved ones safe, says AHS.

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

• Proper supervision, removal of hazards, safe play practices, and proper clothing and equipment are recommended for children to prevent falls in the home and on the playground. More info: albertahealthservices.ca/injprev/Page15787.aspx
• 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: https://findingbalancealberta.ca/.

Driving: Travel safely when driving this summer.

• Wear your seatbelt. 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
• 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 (MyHealth.Alberta.ca).
• 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 in 30 km/h or 40 km/hour zones.

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. 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.
• 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 (MyHealth.Alberta.ca) and Healthy Homes and Preventing Injuries (Healthy Parents Healthy Children) for more information.