Injury Prevention

Falls and aging

For older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits in Canada.  

Falling is not a normal part of aging. Older adults, caregivers, family, and friends all have a role to play in fall prevention.

Ways older adults can take care of themselves to reduce fall risk:

• Stay active with regular exercise to build strength and balance. Walking or swimming are great options.
• Have your vision and hearing checked every year, or sooner if you notice changes.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications. Some medicines may affect your balance.
• Limit alcohol, since it can impact balance and coordination.
• If you have numbness in your feet, speak with your doctor.
• Drink enough water to prevent dizziness and dehydration. If you have health conditions that require limiting fluids, check with your doctor before increasing intake.

Preventing falls at home

Many falls that lead to hospital stays happen at home. Here are some simple changes to make your home safer:

• Remove throw rugs, clutter, and raised doorway edges. Repair loose flooring.
• Keep walking paths clear by moving furniture and electrical cords.
• If you use a cane, walker, or crutches, make sure the tips are rubberized or kept clean to avoid slipping.
• Keep your home well-lit. Use nightlights in hallways and washrooms.
• Install sturdy handrails on all stairways.
• Store frequently used items on lower shelves to avoid reaching or climbing.
• Wear low-heeled, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid wearing just socks on smooth floors.
• In winter, keep steps and walkways clear of snow and ice. Use salt or sand, or ask someone you trust for help.

Links and resources:

• Parachute – Falls in Seniors

A concussion is a type of brain injury. It happens when the head, face, neck, or body is hit hard enough to make the brain move quickly inside the skull. Concussions can affect how a person feels physically, emotionally, and mentally. They can also affect sleep. Because of this, everyday activities may feel more difficult.

Concussion facts

• Concussion symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, and irritability.
• Symptoms may appear right away, or days later, especially in children and older adults.
• Only a medical doctor or nurse practitioner can diagnose a concussion.
• Most people with concussions do not lose consciousness.
• Concussions cannot be seen on an x-ray or MRI scan.
• Recovery looks different for everyone. It can take days, weeks, months, or even years, depending on the injury, age, and history of past concussions.
• Helmets and other equipment can protect against serious injuries (like skull fractures), but they do not prevent concussions.
• Baseline testing is not required for the care of young athletes with suspected or diagnosed concussions.

Recovery from a concussion

• Symptoms usually last 1 to 4 weeks, but sometimes longer.
• If you’ve had a concussion before, recovery may take more time.
• Always talk to your doctor or nurse practitioner about making a gradual plan to return to normal activities like school, sports, or work.

Additional resources:

• Concussions – Parachute
• Rowan’s Law: Concussion safety
• Concussion Guide for Adults 65+ – Parachute

Keeping your family safe is important. Some common safety topics include:

Carseat safety 

• Choosing a child car seat or booster seat 
• Installing a child car seat or booster seat 
• Car seat safety information 

Safe sleeping

• Safe use of cribs, bunk beds and sleepwear 
• Safe sleep for your baby: A booklet from the Public Health Agency of Canada about keeping your baby safe. Learn about SIDS, smoking, swaddling and safe sleep spaces, such as room-sharing, cribs, and travelling with your baby. 
• Sleep well, sleep safe: A booklet for parents of infants from 0-12 months and for all who care for infants. Read about helpful sleep tips, infant sleep patterns, the importance of sleep for babies and parents, and answers to common parent questions.  

Safety at home

• Falls in children 
• Keeping your young child safe around the home 
• Food safety at home 
• Screen time
• Keeping Kids Safe (PDF)
• Ontario Poison Centre

Safety at play

• Water safety 
• Bike helmets 
• Sport-related concussions 
• Playground safety   

Outdoor safety

• Sun safety 
• Insect repellents and protecting your child from insect bites 
• Winter safety 

In Ontario, bicycles are considered vehicles. This means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Both drivers and cyclists need to follow the rules of the road and work together to keep everyone safe.

Safety tips for cyclists

• If you are under 18, you must wear a helmet by law. Make sure it fits properly; flat on your head, snug, and not slipping.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing so drivers can see you.
• If riding at night or in low light, use a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
• Yield to pedestrians, just like cars do.
• Walk your bike across crosswalks.
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Don’t wear earphones or use your phone while riding.
• Use your bell, hand signals, or your voice to let others know when you are passing or approaching.
• Never ride while impaired.

Safety tips for drivers

• Leave at least one metre of space when passing a cyclist. Passing too closely can cause riders to lose control.
• Cyclists may ride in any part of the lane if needed for safety.
• Don’t cut off cyclists when turning right.
• Check for cyclists before making left turns.
• Always look behind you before opening your car door.

Links and resources:

• Bicycle safety – ontario.ca

• Cycling Parachute

• Cycling in Ontario

Pedestrian injuries are a major cause of injury-related deaths in Ontario. Both drivers and pedestrians share the responsibility to keep our roads safe.

Safety tips for pedestrians

• Be visible and predictable. Make sure drivers can see you.
• Never step into the path of oncoming traffic.
• Cross only at traffic signals, crosswalks, or stop signs.
• Always look in all directions before crossing.
• Walk, don’t run, across intersections.
• Only cross when you have enough time to make it safely.
• Try to make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb. Seeing the car doesn’t always mean the driver sees you.
• Wait for vehicles to come to a full stop before crossing in front of them.
• Stay alert and avoid using phones or devices near traffic. Keep your eyes on your surroundings.

Links and resources

• Parachute – Road Safety
• Pedestrian safety

• Parachute
  • A national, charitable organization that is a Canadian leader in injury prevention. Topic areas include helmets, concussions, water safety, playground safety, etc. (All Ages)