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Falls are the No. 1 reason for injury-related death, hospitalization and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada. Falls among older adults cost $5.6 billion in 2018 – nearly 20 per cent of the total cost of injury in Canada.
According to Parachute Canada, the following are the most effective steps you can take to prevent a fall, as assessed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Finding Balance, a program for older adults and caregivers created by the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta.
- Exercise: challenge your balance and build strength.
- Get enough sleep.
- Take your time: don’t rush when walking or getting up.
- Balance your body through good nutrition and hydration.
- Get your sight and hearing checked regularly.
- Manage your medications and review them regularly with your pharmacist or doctor as some may make you prone to dizziness and falling.
- Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
- Consider using a cane or other mobility device if needed.
- Maintain proper use of eyeglasses and hearing aids.
Safe Communities Day 2024: Injury Prevention in Wellington County
Grade 5 students joined Safe Communities Wellington County for Safe Communities Day 2024 discovering how to protect themselves and become safety ambassadors for their school and their community
Wellington County is dedicated to promoting safety and well-being throughout our community. Safe Communities Day is an annual event that brings together local safety organizations to raise awareness about injury prevention and provide valuable resources to grade 5 students throughout Wellington County.
Key Injury Prevention Topics
This year, we focussed on several critical injury prevention areas:
- Helmet and Bike Safety: Cycling is a popular activity in Wellington County. Learn about the importance of wearing helmets and proper bike maintenance.
- Mental Wellness: Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being. Discover strategies for managing stress, coping with challenges, and seeking support when needed.
- Dam Safety: Understand the risks associated with dams and how to stay safe around water bodies.
- Water Safety: Learn about water safety tips, including swimming, boating, and fishing.
- Falls Prevention: Falls are a common cause of injuries, especially among older adults and children. Discover practical steps to reduce your risk of falls.
- Other Injury Prevention Categories: We also cover a range of other injury prevention topics, such as Emergency Preparedness and Cyber Safety.
Thank you to Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board for participating in Safe Communities Day. Over 750 from across Wellington County and Guelph were online during this 2 day event. We are looking forward to having another amazing Safe Communities Day next year!
Prevention Strategies
There are steps we can all take to promote mental well-being
Building resilience: Learning healthy coping skills to manage stress and difficult emotions. This could include mindfulness practices, exercise, creative expression, or relaxation techniques.
- Strong social connections: Having supportive relationships with friends, family, and mentors can be a powerful buffer against emotional distress.
- Early intervention: Seeking help for mental health challenges is crucial.
- Open communication: Creating a safe space to talk openly about mental health and self-harm is essential.
Resources Available
If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm, or know someone who is, please know help is available:
- Crisis support: Reach out to a crisis hotline for immediate support. Here are some resources:
- Crisis Support Wellington: 1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (Text CONNECT to 686868)
- 988 – Suicide Crisis Hotline
- Mental health resources:
Remember, you are not alone. By working together, we can create a safe and supportive environment where everyone in Wellington County feels empowered to seek help when needed.
We are committed to providing ongoing resources and information on mental health and injury prevention.
During the months of June, July, and August, Safe Communities Wellington County concentrated on key safety themes and initiatives to promote public awareness and injury prevention.
Key Activities:
National Injury Prevention Day:
- Event: A dedicated booth was set up at the Drayton Fire Hall on July 5, 2024.
- Purpose: To raise awareness about injury prevention strategies and provide community members with essential safety information.
Social Media and Radio Campaigns:
- Water Safety: Emphasized the importance of safety in open bodies of water around the Grand River watershed. This campaign aimed to educate the public on preventing water-related accidents.
- Aggressive Driving: Addressed the issue of aggressive driving, particularly on the Highway 6 corridor. Efforts included promoting safer driving habits and awareness of the dangers of aggressive driving.
- Sharing the Road: Focused on the safe interaction between motorists, farm equipment, and cyclists. Campaigns highlighted the need for mutual respect and caution on the roads.
- Opioid Awareness Day: Concluded the summer with a focus on opioid awareness at the end of August. This initiative aimed to inform the public about opioid risks and resources available for assistance.
The activities carried out over these three months were designed to enhance community safety and raise awareness on critical issues. Safe Communities Wellington County remains committed to fostering a safer environment through continued education and outreach.
Parachute Safe Kids Week is an annual awareness campaign designed to bring attention to predictable and preventable injuries in children. Safe Communities Wellington County & Parachute celebrates Safe Kids Week June 3 to June 9, 2024, this year with the theme of consumer product safety.
Children live in a world that is built for adults. As a result, they can be exposed to hazards that cause serious injury and even death. Parents expect the products they have in their home to be safe – so we’ll tell you what’s #SafeForYourKids.
The term “consumer products” encompass a large number of products in Canada, so Safe Kids Week 2024 will focus on the basics of consumer product safety: for example, did you know that not all products available for purchase in Canada have been tested for safety?
Safe Kids Week 2024 will look at some products made specifically for children – for example, cribs and toys. We’ll also provide safety tips on other products in the home that adults or siblings use – such as button batteries and window blinds – that can be hazardous to little children.
Stay tuned for what Safe Communities Wellington County has in store for Safe Kids Week 2024!
DYK?
- Water-absorbing beads can expand up to 1,500 times their original size when exposed to water. Children may swallow water beads or insert one in their mouth, nose or ears?
- Any toy with a label indicating use for children over the age of three should be taken as a safety warning?
- If chewed or swallowed, button-type batteries can cause internal chemical burns or poisoning?
- A piece of latex balloon can easily block a child’s airways and stop a child from breathing?
Learn how to focus on promoting young people’s strengths!
Safe Communities Wellington County has been partnering with Lions Clubs of Canada and Lions Quest Canada to bring an amazing workshop to Wellington County. Already, we have brought together organizations and over 100 people across Wellington County to learn the 40 Problem Solving Skills Young People Need to Succeed.
This workshop will help you promote self reliance, independence, and ultimately, success in life for the young people in your life.
Workshop Highlights & Agenda:
- Understand the “Ripple Effect” and identify where you can do your part
- Commit to making a difference
- Learn how your simple, everyday actions can have an impact
- Shift from focusing on young people’s problems to promoting their strengths
Our next workshop will take place in Centre Wellington on May 25, 2024, followed by a workshop on June 15, 2024 in Puslinch.
This is a Community Development Opportunity Facilitated by:
Lions Quest Canada – www.lionsquest.ca
Join Safe Communities Wellington County at the 2nd annual Lights and Sirens event at the Centre Wellington Sportsplex on Sunday, April 21. Come out for the public skate starting at 11:30 am and then cheer on your favourite team at 12:30; Wellington County OPP vs Centre Wellignton Fire Rescue. Wear green for police or red for fire.
Admission by donation to Centre Wellington Food Bank or Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington.
Poison Prevention Week is an annual campaign to raise public awareness of poisoning injuries in Canada, encouraging community involvement as part of the solution.
In 2024, Safe Communities Wellington County is joining Parachute Canada to promote a pan-Canadian theme for Poison Prevention Week – Poison Prevention: Empowering Canada for a safer tomorrow. We are using the hashtag #EmpowerPoisonPrevention to promote the theme on social media.
Each year, more than 4,000 Canadians lose their lives due to poisoning and annual unintentional poisoning deaths have now surpassed transport-related deaths in Canada With many potential poisons – such as medications, household cleaners and cannabis products – in and around the home, it’s important to know how to safely store these items and what to do in the event of a poisoning.
Recognize and identify potential poisons
There are many items in and around the home that can cause poisoning.
- Medications are the leading cause of poisoning in Canada. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause poisoning if taken by mistake or used incorrectly. In 2021, medications that relieve pain, known as analgesics, were the No. 1 substance Canada’s poison centres received calls about.
- Household cleaners can be brightly coloured and appealing to children. As well, when mixed, household cleaners can produce dangerous chemicals.
- Ingesting cannabis is the most common cause of cannabis poisoning in children. Cannabis edibles can have a stronger effect on the body than other forms of cannabis. Cannabis edibles often resemble common snacks (e.g., brownies, gummy candies). A young child may be unable to tell the difference. Children can have significant effects from cannabis edibles such as drowsiness, coma, agitation and difficulty breathing.
- Colourful, transparent laundry detergent pods may look like candies or toys to children. Laundry detergent pods can harm a child if ingested, or if the liquid gets into their eyes. Older adults with dementia can also be at risk of unintentionally consuming laundry detergent pods.
- Fragrant and brightly coloured personal care products like perfume, mouthwash and hand sanitizer can be appealing to children. These products often contain a high percentage of alcohol which can be harmful to children if ingested. Store these products high and locked away from children’s reach.
- Some indoor plants can be toxic if ingested. Leave the name tag on each plant in the home.
- Do not assume that a plant is safe to eat because birds or wildlife eat it. Teach children to never put berries, seeds, flowers, nuts or leaves in their mouth without checking with an adult first.
- Never eat wild mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can look just like mushrooms that are safe to eat. Check outdoor areas frequently for mushrooms before children go outdoors to play and remove all mushrooms growing outdoors near your home.
Wellington County Safe Communities Falls Action Group is working to raise awareness on steps you can take to reduce your risk of a fall. When watching television, avoiding a fall seems easy, with the advice of “just don’t fall”. Regardless of how educated you are about falls prevention, how good your balance is or how strong your muscles are, you can still experience a fall. When a senior, who is in good physical condition, falls, the impact of that fall is often reduced, and they are able to remain independent. Falls are the #1 cause of injuries to seniors. The fear of falling is real and can make seniors less confident and result in a reduction in their physical activity levels. As a result, their gait and balance deteriorate. This puts them at an increased risk of falling; which is exactly what they were trying to avoid in the first place. It is important to keep moving and to exercise.
Being self sufficient and staying in your home for longer is also a goal older adults have, so ensuring their homes and common spaces outside their homes need to be safe.
- Making sure that walks are shovelled and salted (Ask for help if you need to)
- Make sure your boots are appropriate for the weather.
- Use sock aids and other assistive devices within your home to help with every day mobility
- Remove unnecessary clutter and rugs
- Install handrails, toilet seat lifts, etc., and speak with your physician about cost savings when purchasing items.
Ernie Read. A 90-year-old resident of Mount Forest, participates in the Boosting Balance Program offered by the Mount Forest Family Health Team. He has been attending the weekly group since 2018 and feels that it has had a positive impact on his mobility and balance. Ernie had a fall three months ago, luckily, he was able to get up independently and was not injured. He attributes this positive outcome to exercising regularly – he attends Boosting Balance weekly and also enjoys walking outside with his walking poles. Ernie would also like to encourage those who are exercising alone to always wear a whistle as it is an inexpensive way to attract attention if help is needed.
Seniors in Wellington County are lucky to have access to the VON SMART exercise program. This exercise program is FREE. Kelly Gee, VON SMART Exercise Coordinator, and member of the Safe Communities Wellington County Falls Action Group, says “Exercise is the universal prescription to pretty much everything! Frailty is not inevitable, in fact, it is reversible. It is never too late to start exercising.”
Sue Hodgson, a participant of the VON SMART exercise program shares her fall story. While out with a friend at a restaurant, a hot beverage was overturned. In an effort to get out of the way, Sue quickly moved away from the table forgetting the step to their booth, and fell. This fall could have resulted in a life changing injury, but Sue who has been attending the SMART exercise program 2-3 times per week was able to walk away with her independence intact. Sue’s fitness level contributed to her resilience to injury and she was right back exercising the very next day. Exercise increases bone density, reducing the risk of a fracture.
Join us on February 23, 2024 at The Centre Wellington Sportsplex for the Victoria Park Seniors Centre’s Active Living Show. Be sure to stop by the booth to grab some goodies and learn how you can stay safe at home and in your community!
This series promotes education and awareness about Opioids and Mental Health.
Kitchen Table Talk – Opioids 101
During this Kitchen Table Talk, attendees have the opportunity to learn about opioid and naloxone truths from frontline workers and people with lived experience. This Table Talk is in cooperation with Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy.
Naloxone Training & kits will be provided.
If you are interested in bringing this Kitchen Table Talk Series to your community within Wellington County, please contact info@safewellington.ca.
Kitchen Table Talk – Mental Health
Partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association and The Suicide Awareness Council of Guelph Wellington, Safe Communities Wellington County’s Intentional Self Harm Group has created a Kitchen Table Talk on Mental Health. Real People – Their Stories – Creating Conversation Around Mental Health and Well Being through Guided Discussions. Our Spring Kitchen Table Talk focused on Death by Suicide and Sucide Attempt Survivors and the impact & journey’s people have taken afterward.
A Spring Kitchen Table Talk is being planned for the Spring in Wellington North.
Safe Communities Wellington County is hard at work in the first place. It is important to keep moving and to exercise.
Ernie Read. A 90-year-old resident of Mount Forest, participates in the Boosting Balance Program offered by the Mount Forest Family Health Team. He has been attending the weekly group since 2018 and feels that it has had a positive impact on his mobility and balance. Ernie had a fall three months ago, luckily, he was able to get up independently and was not injured. He attributes this positive outcome to exercising regularly – he attends Boosting Balance weekly and also enjoys walking outside with his walking poles. Ernie would also like to encourage those who are exercising alone to always wear a whistle as it is an inexpensive way to attract attention if help is needed.
Seniors in Wellington County are lucky to have access to the VON SMART exercise program. This exercise program is FREE. Kelly Gee, VON SMART Exercise Coordinator, and member of the Safe Communities Wellington County Falls Action Group, says “Exercise is the universal prescription to pretty much everything! Frailty is not inevitable, in fact, it is reversible. It is never too late to start exercising.”
Sue Hodgson, a participant of the VON SMART exercise program shares her fall story. While out with a friend at a restaurant, a hot beverage was overturned. In an effort to get out of the way, Sue quickly moved away from the table forgetting the step to their booth, and fell. This fall could have resulted in a life changing injury, but Sue who has been attending the SMART exercise program 2-3 times per week was able to walk away with her independence intact. Sue’s fitness level contributed to her resilience to injury and she was right back exercising the very next day. Exercise increases bone density, reducing the risk of a fracture.
What is Wellington County Doing?
Through a partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), CMHA clinicians are working alongside Police Officers to assist in real-time with, calls involving those in crisis. The Program is called IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team). 2017 saw a record number of requests for service. In total, 586 calls were received with 431 individuals being served through the program. Clinicians attended a total of 289 live calls with police with 207 individuals not requiring a trip to an Emergency Department. Individuals were instead connected with services and supports that could better serve their needs. This is an extraordinary 73% diversion rate which permits the reinvestment of health, paramedic, and police services to address other important tasks.
GOOD NEWS FROM IMPACT
A camp serving people with disabilities called to say a camper was having behaviours that could pose risk or harm to other campers, staff and themselves. This camper also had significant medical issues that could be complicated by emergency service intervention. The officer responding asked IMPACT to assist in coordinating a response. IMPACT called the campers parents, who advised that the individual could not be returned home and the individual did not have a home address to return to due to his very complex needs. IMPACT learned that the camper had recently been in a hospital unit for medical needs. The hospital was called and IMPACT was advised that the camper could indeed return to their facility. Police and IMPACT together coordinated with EMS to transport the individual to the hospital already familiar with them. IMPACT attended the camp and the camper was calmly taken by ambulance back to the hospital where their needs could be met and risk could be managed. Police stood-by in case of violence, and all was accomplished in a very safe, supportive way, with the individual agreeing to each step of the plan.