Injury Prevention is an important topic that is not often talked about.  In fact, injury is the number one cause of death for Canadians ages 1 to 44 and cost the Canadian economy $29.4 billion a year. Most injuries are preventable and that means taking steps to think about potential opportunities for injury, and how to protect ourselves and our families as we move about the world, starting in our own homes.

Steps to prevent injury can include things like:

• Making sure to clear paths in our walking spaces around the home.
• Keeping access points free of clutter.
• Solid railings are installed near stairs and steps are in good repair.
• Having a small light in hallways to make it much safer if we get up at night.
• Being active outdoors should include safe ways to exercise, assuring clearly lit paths, and choosing to workout indoors if the weather is questionable

Part of moving in the world safely can mean using mobility aids. These devices and aids are for every age and ability. You might see folks using walking poles around the city and walking trails and these help with balance and traction. In a city like Winnipeg, snow and ice do not mean you have to stay inside for winter. Equip yourself with walking poles with spikes and removable ice cleats in winter. Using helmets and wrist guards when skating, rollerblading, skateboarding, or cycling are also smart ways to protect yourself while being active too. Folks increase their chance for injury if they undertrain or over-train. It is really important that you retain strength as you age too. Seventy-five per cent of injury-related deaths are from unintentional causes, such as falls, car crashes and poisonings. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, hospitalizations, ER visits and disabilities in Canada. Having a fall later on in life can trigger an eventual decline in overall function and health – for example, breaking your hip in a fall, or having to have surgery to manage broken bones. Assessing your environment, maintaining good muscle strength as we age, and managing balance issues with proper gait aids is one of the best ways to avoid injury. It’s important to understand what the diagnosis and management are for a particular injury.

Physiotherapists are able to assist you in assessing your injury, education, giving a home program, reassessment, restrictions, as well as return to sport!

Nursing an injury: you don’t have to suffer alone! It is common for a person to rest an injury and then have the pain return when you return to any activity. Please see a physiotherapist if this is the case!!! One of our main roles is providing education on how to manage injuries, give an appropriate home program that is easy to manage, and how to return to any given activity whether that be high level sport, your regular activity such as lifting, running, pickleball, basketball, baseball, hockey, living your best life, you name it!