July 5 marks National Injury Prevention Day in Canada.
Since the 5th falls on a weekend this year, it will be observed on Monday, July 7. Health Canada recognizes this date as an official National Health Promotion Day, dedicated to raising awareness around injury prevention and encouraging safety measures to reduce deaths and disabilities.
A national charity called Parachute – Preventing Injuries. Saving Lives. leads the charge on this important day. Their focus is to highlight preventable injuries, especially among Canadians under the age of 44. Through education, awareness, and safe practices, many injuries can be avoided, making communities safer for everyone.
Quick Facts
- Injury is the #1 cause of death for Canadians aged 1 to 44.
- Injury costs the Canadian economy $29.4 billion each year.
- Every day, 48 Canadians die and 634 are hospitalized due to injuries.
- Preventable injuries kill more children in Canada than any disease, and more youth than all other causes combined.
- 75% of injury-related deaths are from unintentional causes such as falls, car crashes, and poisonings.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, hospitalizations, ER visits, and long-term disabilities.
Simple Ways to Prevent Injuries
Even small actions can make a big difference when it comes to safety. Here are some easy things we can all do:
- Wear a helmet when biking, skateboarding, or using scooters.
- Sit while eating, especially for young children.
- Avoid running with food in your mouth to reduce choking risk.
- Always wear a seatbelt — even on short trips.
- Use the right car seat or booster seat for children based on age, height, and weight. Keep children in the back seat until they’re big enough to ride up front safely.
- Store medications, cleaning products, and chemicals securely and out of children’s reach.
- Talk to children about road safety — how to safely cross streets, use crosswalks, and avoid distractions like phones.
- Actively supervise children and non-swimmers around water. Use lifejackets for boating and swimming when appropriate.
- Install safety gates, window guards, and stair railings to prevent falls in the home.
- Keep walkways and staircases clear to reduce tripping hazards.
- Wear appropriate footwear in wet, icy, or slippery conditions.
- Avoid distractions when driving — put your phone away and stay focused on the road.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and check batteries regularly
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
