They are all topics covered by Sunnybrook’s Youth Safety Lab, an innovative one-day program for high-school students that explores and enhances awareness of personal and community safety.

As home to Canada’s first and largest trauma centre, Sunnybrook is deeply committed not only to treating critically ill and injured patients, but also to building capacity to help people avoid traumatic injury in the first place.

The Youth Safety Lab is one of several programs and resources offered by the Centre for Injury Prevention, which is part of our Tory Trauma Program. Each year, the program welcomes more than 1,000 high-school students from dozens of schools across Toronto to learn strategies and techniques to reduce serious and fatal injuries.

Injury Prevention Educator Shaelyn Fitzpatrick leads students on a tour as part of the Youth Safety Lab

Students attending the program spend the morning exploring ways to reduce the likelihood and severity of injury through the P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol & Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) Program. Following a pizza lunch, they then spend the afternoon becoming certified in STOP THE BLEED®​, a course designed to teach competence and confidence in applying life-saving skills to critical bleeding incidents.

The program combines hands-on exercises and workshops with presentations given by a range of speakers, including physiotherapists, occupational and respiratory therapists, nurses, doctors, paramedics, and people with lived experience.

Shaelyn Fitzpatrick, Injury Prevention Educator, says the program is constantly evolving to meet teens where they are in order to provide a truly engaging learning experience. As one example, the program now includes an activity focused on mental health and ways to cope with stress. Students are divided into ‘stressor’ and ‘coping strategy’ teams to ‘go to battle’.

“The point of the exercise is to acknowledge that we will always experience stressors in our lives,” Fitzpatrick says, “but there are ways to cope and resources available in schools and elsewhere to help.”

Students take part in a demonstration about life after traumatic injury

New content on cannabis has also been incorporated into the program. Although cannabis is illegal for anyone under the age of 19 in Ontario, Fitzpatrick says it’s important for young people to understand what chemicals are contained in cannabis, and the effects they can have.

“We take a harm-reduction approach,” Fitzpatrick explains. “This means we say, if you are choosing to use cannabis or alcohol, here is what you need to know to make safe and informed decisions.”

Students are taught about THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a chemical in cannabis that causes mental and physical effects known as a “high”, and CBD (cannabidiol), a different chemical in cannabis which does not produce a high. They are also shown how to interpret the information printed on cannabis product labels, which are regulated in Canada.

“We want them to know what the product is so that they can mitigate a serious outcome,” Fitzpatrick explains.

This reflects another important evolution to the program in recent years, which has been its tone.

“Our approach has shifted away from educating youth with graphic, vivid content,” says Fitzpatrick. “Our current focus is on ensuring our content is evidence-based, providing youth with the skills and resources they need to manage risk and make safe, informed decisions through both a harm-reduction and trauma-informed approach.”

The program has also evolved to offer more practical takeaways for students, including a new injury prevention student leadership guide. The guide aims to encourage participants to continue spreading education and awareness about safety and injury prevention in their school community.

Students visit the Trauma Bay in the Emergency Department

Sean Chen, an 18-year-old student, says attending the Youth Safety Lab and reading the student leadership guide gave him a different perspective on injury prevention and ways to be a changemaker in his community.

“It was very eye-opening,” Chen says.

After noticing over the years that some of his peers knew how to cycle but were hesitant to do so on busy urban streets, Chen wanted to find a way to boost their safety skills and confidence. He credits the student leadership guide with providing a roadmap about how to turn that grain of an idea into action.

“I wanted to help make cycling safer and more comfortable for people because at the end of the day this is their community, and biking is an excellent way to get around,” he explains.

Chen organized a two-day event at his high school called “Cycle Your City”, which focused on bike maintenance skills, safe cycling practices such as hand signals and how to navigate streetcar tracks, and building road confidence. The event culminated in a group bike ride and picnic on the Toronto Island accompanied by community police officers.

 “I hope this sets a precedent and provides a framework for other students who might want to run injury-prevention initiatives like this again in the future,” Chen says.

Student Sean Chen displays certificate recognizing his leadership in the field of injury prevention

 Fitzpatrick agrees, saying the initiative is just the sort of thing the guide aims to spark.

“The event Sean organized demonstrates how our work at Sunnybrook extends beyond the hospital, helping to shape and empower future leaders in improving community safety,” she says.

She says it’s also an example of why working with teens to learn injury prevention skills is such a rewarding experience.

“Teens are heavily influenced by their peers and it can be hard to get through to them,” Fitzpatrick says. “But when they attend the program and then continue to share the information they’ve learned afterwards in their school communities, it’s very rewarding to see we are having an impact.”

The post How Sunnybrook’s Youth Safety Lab is evolving to meet teens where they are appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Below are several tips from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OFAC), on everything from hanging lights safely to making sure you know how to put out a grease fire.

Happy — and safe — holidays!

Holiday lights

We all love the look and feel of twinkly lights. Here are a few tips so you can enjoy them safely.

Make sure to check the cords on light sets closely and discard any that are frayed or damaged.

If you’re using an extension cord, don’t plug any more than three standard-sized light sets into one extension cord.

It’s important to turn off all lights at night or when you leave the house.

Candles

Candles can add atmosphere and cozy light to dim rooms during early evenings. But when not used safely, they can pose a significant fire hazard.

The most important rule when lighting candles is to never leave them unattended — blow them out before you leave a room or go to bed at night.

Keep candles away from children, pets and anything that could be flammable: curtains, upholstery or holiday decorations.

Christmas trees

Whether you’re using a real or artificial tree, keep the following fire safety tips in mind:

If you’re using a real tree, place it away from heaters, fireplaces or candles.

Water your tree once a week — real trees dry out quickly indoors and that increases the fire risk.

Artificial trees should be “fire-resistant,” which won’t prevent them from catching on fire, but they won’t burn as quickly and will be easier to extinguish.

Cooking safety

There’s a lot of cooking and baking over the holidays, and in the busyness of the season, it’s easy to get distracted when cooking. But staying focused in the kitchen will help keep you and your loved ones safe.

If you’re frying, broiling or grilling, stay in the kitchen. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove. For simmering, roasting, boiling or baking, stay in the home while cooking, check on the food regularly and use a cooking timer.

Grease and fat fires are a leading cause of house fires in Canada, according to the OFAC. If a pot or pan catches fire, here’s what to do:

• Smother any flames by covering the pot with a lid. Don’t remove the lid until it has cooled completely.
• Turn off the heat immediately
• Use baking soda (not flour; it can be explosive) on shallow grease fires
• Don’t turn on the overhead exhaust fan; it can spread the fire
• Never throw water on a grease fire

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

The holidays are a great opportunity to check that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. There should working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test your smoke alarms regularly (every six months).

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, invisible gas that can become deadly very quickly. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas in your home.

There is more information available on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on the OFAC website.

The post Tips to fireproof your holidays appeared first on Your Health Matters.

A STOP THE BLEED® participant “packs” a bullet wound with a t-shirt (Durham College).

Thomas Bezruki holds up a package of combat-grade medical gauze and a red t-shirt.

“You would be amazed at how much material it takes to pack a large, deep wound. If you don’t have gauze on hand, even a t-shirt will work,” he tells the group gathered around him, a mix of first responders from the Oshawa area, students and staff from Durham College, and the general public.

A member of the group steps forward to practice packing a deep laceration on a realistic-looking fake limb, complete with simulated blood pouring out of it. She uses almost the entire package of gauze to “pack” the wound and applies direct pressure with her hands before the bleeding finally stops.

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“Anyone who does this training can help save a life.”

– Corey Freedman, Manager, Trauma Services at Sunnybrook

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The demonstration is part of STOP THE BLEED®, a training course developed by the American College of Surgeons that provides civilian bystanders with the skills and tools to stop uncontrolled bleeding in an emergency situation. Instruction is delivered using a combination of presentations and hands-on practice.

Sunnybrook’s Centre for Injury Prevention brought the program to Canada for the first time in 2017, and has since trained thousands of people.

“We show people how to stop life-threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies, natural disasters and mass casualty incidents. Anyone who does this training can help save a life,” says Corey Freedman, Manager of Trauma Services at Sunnybrook and a certified STOP THE BLEED® facilitator.

The facilitators who helped certify over 200 people at Canada’s largest-ever STOP THE BLEED® training event on May 13, 2022.

On May 13, 2022, Sunnybrook partnered with Durham College to hold the largest STOP THE BLEED® training event ever held in Canada, helping 217 people become certified.

The event was held a week before the Victoria Day long weekend, which is often referred to as the unofficial start of trauma season. Trauma hospitals like Sunnybrook traditionally see a significant increase in traumatic injuries over the summer months, making this a key time to offer the training to large groups. Watch of video of the event on Instagram.

Course facilitators included several staff members from Sunnybrook and Bezruki, the Manager of Emergency Management at Durham College and a former Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) medic in the Canadian military.

Thomas Bezruki demonstrates the proper use of a tourniquet to stop uncontrolled bleeding (Durham College).

Bezruki says Durham College has installed over 30 STOP THE BLEED® kits, which include essential items like tourniquets, gloves and gauze, across its Oshawa and Whitby campuses. He hopes other institutions follow suit by offering the training course and installing the kits, and he encourages individuals to sign up for STOP THE BLEED® training.

“Everyone should know how to stop bleeding after an injury. The more people who know how to control bleeding in someone who is injured, the greater the chances are that person will survive,” he says.

Sunnybrook offers public and private STOP THE BLEED® training opportunities. Learn more and register for an upcoming course at sunnybrook.ca/stopthebleed.

The post Stopping the bleed to save a life appeared first on Your Health Matters.

When the Jennifer Tory Trauma Recovery Clinic opened at Sunnybrook in April 2021, physiotherapist Carly Orava was one of the first people to join the newly-created team.

“I was excited about the creation of this clinic because we’re able to follow and care for trauma patients for up to a year after they are discharged from the hospital. This model gives us a deeper level of insight into our patients’ recovery process that we didn’t necessarily have before,” she says.

Carly says the patients they see are dealing with a variety of issues after an injury, including physical disability, pain, mental health problems and the effects of brain injuries. The new clinic operates in a dedicated space where patients receive care from a range of health professions including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, physiatry, psychology, clinical psychiatry and pain services.

Before the clinic opened, a trauma patient who had been discharged but still required follow-up with multiple care providers would have needed to visit several different areas of the hospital. Patients who live further away from the hospital may have also had trouble accessing care in their home communities.

“Now, we can identify and address gaps in care pathways to make sure no one is falling through the cracks,” says Carly, who has worked with trauma patients at Sunnybrook since 2013, first as a student in the inpatient trauma unit and then at St. John’s Rehab.

The clinic, which is the first of its kind in Canada, has booked close to 1,900 appointments over the past year. Carly says that while there are ebbs and flows, no two days are the same.

“Some days I may only have a few patients scheduled, but then one of the occupational therapists identifies a patient who may benefit from physiotherapy during one of their appointments, so I will drop in to do an assessment. Or, I could be called to the inpatient trauma unit to evaluate a patient and help put together their discharge plan. You definitely have to start your day with an open mind,” she says.

As the team celebrates the successes of the clinic’s first year, they’re already looking ahead to the future.

“We’re still growing and figuring out how best to meet the needs of all our patients,” says Carly.

However, one thing she knows for sure is that the collaborative environment of the clinic has made for a seamless experience for patients.

“Our patients are happy knowing that somebody still cares about their recovery, even when the acute care phase of their journey is complete, and we are happy to be able to provide that to them,” she says.

The post Physiotherapist reflects on first year of Jennifer Tory Trauma Recovery Clinic appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Dr. Donald Redelmeier, a staff physician in general internal medicine at Sunnybrook, conducted a study on the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on pedestrian fatalities. The findings showed that pedestrian deaths dropped significantly during April 2020, but perhaps more interesting was that the drop was short-lived.

“In April 2020, Toronto had zero pedestrian fatalities where about three would have been expected, [but] my biggest surprise was that the savings disappeared fast,” says Dr. Redelmeier. “In May, June and after, we observed continued reductions in mobility and yet no improvements in roadway safety.”

The results from the research in Toronto were similar to data in New York City during the same lockdown period. Specifically, pedestrian deaths dropped for 3 months, then rebounded immediately to typical rates afterward. All this occurred despite an ongoing 40% reduction in pedestrian activity and 15% reduction in prevailing traffic.

Dr. Redelmeier says it’s possible pedestrians were more cautious overall in the early days of the pandemic, leading to initial savings of pedestrian deaths. That caution may not have been sustained. Because pedestrian deaths account for one-quarter of deaths on Ontario’s roadways, increased vigilance for drivers and pedestrians could help save more lives.

Brandy Tanenbaum, Sunnybrook’s injury prevention program coordinator, and Dr. Redelmeier share some tips so drivers and pedestrians can stay safe, especially during the winter months.

Safe driving makes for safer roadways

Drivers can help keep the streets safer by ensuring their cars are in good working condition (e.g. brakes) and that, during the colder months, they are using winter tires.

“They’ll grip the road better than all-season tires, particularly when it’s colder than seven degrees,” says Brandy.

Drivers also need to stay within the speed limit, signal turns and lane changes, and exercise caution when entering or turning at intersections, even more so in the winter when ice can make it difficult to stop.

And, as always, no driving while under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

For pedestrians, it’s important not to rely on drivers to keep them safe.

“The only person who can keep them safe is themselves,” she says. “Always use an abundance of caution, cross the street at regulated intersections, make eye contact with drivers so you know they can see you.” She adds a reminder to be aware of slippery road conditions that could make it harder for drivers to stop at intersections.

Pay attention to your surroundings

Distracted driving can be deadly, which is why there are laws in place to prevent drivers from using cellphones while driving. But Brandy says it’s important drivers are mindful of any possible distraction.

“If you’ve got somebody in the car with you or you’re changing the radio station or you’re trying to reach down and grab something,” she says. And winter driving conditions —snow, sleet, ice—make it even more important for drivers to be focused on the road.

Brandy says pedestrians should also be aware that “texting and walking” can lead to injuries if they’re distracted from what’s happening around them.

“You want to be aware of your environment,” she says, which could include black ice, potholes or packed snow.

Be ready for night driving (and walking)

We all know it gets dark around 5 p.m. during the winter, which can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Drivers should be more cautious at night, watching carefully for people out walking, and pedestrians can help make by making themselves more visible at night, say Dr. Redelmeier and Brandy.

“Don’t be a pedestrian ninja,” says Dr. Redelmeier. “Instead, try to dress a bit brightly when you’re walking, particularly at night.”

Brandy says it can also be helpful for dog owners to use a lighted collar or reflective leash when walking their dogs to help drivers see them when they’re crossing the street.

“Anything to make ourselves more visible to oncoming traffic,” she says.

The post Keeping safe on the winter roads: Expert tips and advice appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Water safety

When around water, Brandy says it’s always important to be aware of the weather and changing conditions and not to engage in activities that are beyond your skill level.

“[Ask yourself if you] have the necessary skills to be successful around water,” she says, adding swimming lessons are “critically important.”

For people who might be unfamiliar with the water conditions in Ontario, it’s important to know the risks before swimming or boating.

“Aside from swimming pools, we have so many lakes and rivers and people may not be aware of the risks associated with being in and around the water,” Brandy says.

She also emphasized the importance of wearing appropriately sized life jackets and using personal flotation devices correctly.

“Always use a life jacket when canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding,” Brandy says. “Even if you’re close to shore, it’s still good practice.”

And if you’re jumping off docks or diving boards, Brandy says it’s important to know the depth of the water before you jump or you risk spinal cord or traumatic brain injury.

“No diving in headfirst, no pushing [people] into pools or pushing people off docks.”

Motorcycle safety

Brandy, who has had her motorcycle license for more than a decade, says most people don’t understand the vulnerability of driving a motorcycle.

“You’re riding on a motorcycle with no seatbelt … no airbags; there’s nothing to keep me safe on the motorcycle other than myself,” she says.

She recommends that motorcyclists take safety courses to develop their skills, and to be cautious about alcohol or substance use as well as tiredness before driving.

Brandy also says motorcyclists should be wearing “all the gear all the time.”

“It’s particularly important to have a safety certified helmet, to wear proper body protection: proper boots, proper pants, proper jacket and gloves.”

As for other drivers, Brandy says they can contribute to road safety by being aware of motorcyclists and sharing the road with them.

“If you see a motorcycle, give it space,” she says. “Don’t quickly change into a lane and cut someone off.”

Be mindful of substance use

Brandy says when it comes to alcohol or cannabis use, what’s important to remember is that substances will affect everyone differently. So, be cautious and know your limits.

There are low-risk drinking guidelines and lower-risk cannabis use guidelines available online that Brandy says can help people understand how to manage and monitor their substance use.

“There are safer ways to consume alcohol and cannabis,” she says. “It’s part of the education approach to learn those guidelines and to apply them in each of our lives to minimize negative outcomes, including injury.”

More information about injury prevention & safety in Canada

 

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The post Tips for staying safe while enjoying your summer appeared first on Your Health Matters.

It can feel great to get outside after many months of being stuck inside, whether that means lighting a bonfire, BBQing dinner or lighting off some fireworks to celebrate Victoria Day.

The May long weekend also marks the beginning of ‘trauma season’, and our Ross Tilley Burn Centre (RTBC) has already started to see a spike in admissions of patients who have been burned in bonfires or scalded while cooking. However, there are a few simple things you can do to stay safe and injury-free.

Dr. Marc Jeschke, medical director of the RTBC at Sunnybrook, says that common sense can prevent many of the injuries they see each summer.

“In the summer, you’re more relaxed, maybe some alcohol is involved. This is when burn injuries can happen,” says Dr. Jeschke. Here are some of the most common causes of burn injuries RTBC staff see, and how to prevent them:

BBQs and fire pits

When barbecuing, Dr. Jeschke says, stick to the rules: use fireproof gear, don’t put gasoline or igniter fluid on the grill and don’t wear loose, flowing clothing while cooking.

“With loose clothing, you turn around quickly or get too close, and the fire ignites the clothes. You then have a major injury for no reason whatsoever,” says Dr. Jeschke.

He recommends waiting until after you’ve finished cooking to consume alcohol. The same principle applies to tabletop fireplaces, which have been growing in popularity as a backyard patio feature.

“These can be dangerous because they’re at the exact same height as small children and pets. Keep loose clothing away from these too, and don’t throw any accelerants on them,” he says.

Ethanol-fueled fire pots

Ethanol-fueled fire pots are often more decorative in nature, set on tabletops or in small bowls or pots, but don’t let that fool you: they are dangerous because they use highly flammable fuels, like butane and ethanol. In fact, Health Canada issued a consumer warning in 2019 and asked manufacturers to stop selling these products.

“Explosions can happen when you try to re-light the fire, because there can still be fumes or low flames that can ignite during the refuelling process,” says Anne Hayward, a social worker at the RTBC.

If you have an ethanol-fueled fire pot at home, Dr. Jeschke recommends getting rid of it.

“We’ve seen way too many people injured while refueling ethanol fire pots. It can happen to anyone. They are dangerous, and they can be deadly,” he says.

The post Tips for preventing burn injuries this summer appeared first on Your Health Matters.

“Even though people are staying close to home, physical distancing can lead to an increase in high-risk behaviours, which in turn cause the types of injuries we often end up treating here,” says Dr. Marc Jeschke, medical director of the Ross Tilley Burn Centre at Sunnybrook.

The good news is that often, a little common sense can go a long way. Below are some tips from our Ross Tilley Burn Centre (RTBC) team:

Be careful when burning brush and debris

It’s understandable that many people want to make use of their time at home to get a head start with spring maintenance around their properties. Those who live on larger properties outside of the city, however, should think twice before burning large piles of brush and debris.

“Do not pour gasoline or another igniter fluid onto a fire that’s already burning, like a bonfire. The fire can come right back up into the container you’re holding, which will then explode,” he says. The person holding the container may also react by throwing it, inadvertently spraying other people nearby with burning fuel.

There is also the risk of a sudden shift in the direction of the wind, or the potential for unknown substances to be added to barrel fires. Have a safety plan in place, which includes having a container of water nearby or a garden hose on standby before starting the fire, and make sure someone else who knows what you’re doing (and where).

“With fires, you should always remember safety, and know where the closest water supply is,” says Dr. Jeschke.

Try not to use alcohol as a coping mechanism

Tolerating isolation is difficult for many people, particularly as the pandemic drags on, but Dr. Jeschke warns against drinking more alcohol as a coping mechanism.

“People are staying at home and drinking and smoking more, putting themselves at risk,” says Dr. Jeschke.

He says many of the injuries they see in the RTBC are the result of poor judgment. Simple activities like smoking and cooking can become deadly if a person falls asleep. Dropping a lit cigarette onto the carpet or leaving a stove unattended can ignite a fire very quickly.

If you do decide to consume alcohol, enjoy responsibly.

Take care of your mental health

The past year has brought huge changes to our daily routines, significantly impacting the mental health of many people. Anne Hayward, RTBC’s social worker, says it’s important to remember that physical distancing does not equal emotional or psychological distancing.

“For many people, physical distancing increases feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression, especially in at-risk populations. This, in turn, can lead to an increase in substance misuse and self-harm,” says Hayward.

“It’s more important now than ever to keep engaged, which can include staying in contact with people by phone, text, e-mail and using virtual technology.”

Hayward also recommends limiting the amount of time spent reading, watching and listening to the news, and only using reliable sources when you do.

“There’s a balance between being informed, but not overwhelmed,” she says.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, one strategy Hayward recommends is Expressions of Gratitude.

“By asking yourself what you are grateful for, it shifts the focus away from some of the negativity and worry and helps you to focus on something positive. This could include something simple like an act of kindness, spending time with people you love, or realizing what’s important,” she says.

Take care when cooking

With stay-at-home orders in place once again, more people are preparing and cooking meals at home. Keep some simple safety tips in mind, such as not wearing loose, flowing clothing while cooking.

“With loose clothing, you turn around quickly or get too close, and the fire ignites the clothes. You then have a major injury for no reason whatsoever,” says Dr. Jeschke.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working, stay in the kitchen at all times when you’re cooking, move anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop, and keep kids away from areas where hot foods or liquids are being prepared, like stoves and microwaves.

If you do suffer a burn:

If it’s a significant burn, call 911. While waiting for help to arrive, don’t put butter, vinegar, oil or lemons on the burn.

“The best initial treatment for all burns is cool running water. Don’t soak the injured area, just let the water run over it,” says Dr. Jeschke.

Help is available

Hayward says there are many reasons for people to feel anxious or overwhelmed right now.

“People may be struggling with financial, housing, food and job insecurity concerns, new or pre-existing mental health issues. They may also have immune-compromised or senior loved ones who are at risk, or loved ones who are living in other cities, provinces or countries that they can’t get to right now,” she says.

Others may be self-isolating in abusive or volatile living situations, which can lead to scalding, contact or chemical injuries, she adds.

Help is available through a variety of organizations, including 211 Ontario, Kids Help Phone and Connex Ontario, among others. A complete listing of crisis support hotlines is available at ontario.ca/coronavirus. If you are experiencing an emergency crisis situation, please contact 911 immediately or present to your nearest emergency department. 

If you’re a former RTBC patient and feel as though you need support during this challenging time, Dr. Jeschke encourages you to get in touch with the burn centre.

“Please reach out. You are not alone, and we will assess how we can best help you,” he says.

Note: this article was originally published in April 2020 and has since been updated.

The post Staying safe during COVID-19 lockdown: tips from our burn centre appeared first on Your Health Matters.

1) Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Fires spread incredibly quickly, as this video shows. You only have only a minute or two to get of a burning building, so it’s essential to be alerted to a fire as quickly as possible.

“Having a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in your home can mean the difference between life and death,” says Dr. Jeschke.

Test your equipment regularly, and replace the batteries when necessary. Don’t forget that smoke detectors have an expiry date listed on the back – they need to be replaced every ten years.

2) Take care when cooking

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, more people are preparing and cooking meals at home. Keep some simple safety tips in mind, such as not wearing loose, flowing clothing while cooking.

“With loose clothing, you turn around quickly or get too close, and the fire ignites the clothes. You then have a major injury for no reason whatsoever,” says Dr. Jeschke.

Stay in the kitchen at all times when you’re cooking, move anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop and keep kids away from areas where hot foods or liquids are being prepared, like stoves and microwaves.

3) Don’t use dangerous equipment, like blowtorches, inside

Cold weather in the winter can cause frozen pipes, furnace breakdowns and other issues around the house. Dr. Jeschke’s advice? Call in the experts.

“You should not be doing things like taking a blowtorch to a frozen pipe. You don’t know for sure whether there’s water in that pipe, or if it’s actually a fuel line that could heat up and explode,” he says.

Running generators inside is also a big no-no. You can’t see, taste or smell carbon monoxide, which is why you should be checking your carbon monoxide detector to make sure it’s working. The same goes for smoking or having an open flame around propane-powered appliances.

4) Layer up – frostbite is a burn, too

If you know you’ll be outside for an extended period of time, dress for the weather. The feeling of pins and needles, lack of feeling in a certain area, or skin that is hard and pale may mean you’ve developed frostbite.

“Frostbite is no joke. The effect it has on the skin is similar to a burn, so people with severe frostbite are treated here in the burn centre. If your skin turns black and then blisters, you’re in trouble. Get medical attention immediately,” says Dr. Jeschke.

Take extra care when fuelling up your car in the winter, and wear gloves when doing so. “Getting gasoline on your hands when it’s very cold out will cause your skin to freeze within seconds,” he says.

More tips to protect yourself from frostbite »

5) Use common sense

Dr. Jeschke says many of the injuries they see in the burn centre are the result of poor judgment. Simple activities like smoking and cooking can become deadly if a person falls asleep. Dropping a lit cigarette onto the carpet or leaving a stove unattended can ignite a fire very quickly.

“Maybe someone’s decision-making ability was impaired by drugs or alcohol, or they didn’t stop to think about the potentially dangerous consequences of a situation,” he says. “Don’t be that person.”

Note: this article was originally posted in January 2018 and updated in February 2021.

The post Five ways to stay safe from fires and burns appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Although motorcycle riding can be a dangerous mode of transportation there are many health benefits often overlooked. For instance, riding a motorcycle strengthens key leg muscles, improves core and neck strength, increases calorie burning, and boosts mood. Reducing the risk and severity of injury is key so that you can enjoy these benefits for years to come.

There are many community and provincial interventions related to motorcycle safety including things like education courses, improved road conditions, and distracted driving legislation. One area that drivers are able to control entirely is riding gear. While only a helmet is required by law for riders and passengers in Ontario, there is much more to consider when riding safely.

ATGATT is the acronym for “All The Gear, All The Time”, which means a full set of motorcycle safety gear should be worn at all times. It’s the foundation for safe riding experiences no matter the road or weather conditions. ATGATT refers to the following equipment, each of which has a great deal of variety to meet rider experience, fashion and comfort:

• Helmet – full face protection is best, must be certified.
• Jacket – leather, textile, Kevlar; with padding for spine and elbows.
• Gloves – designed to protect from weather, while allowing for grip. Should come above the wrist bones for protection.
• Boots – comfortable fit, leather or textile, covers above the ankle for protection.
• Pants – leather, denim and textile, help to protect against road rash and burns

There is a lot to think about when riding a motorcycle, but your equipment shouldn’t be one of them. Buy from a reputable dealer and buy the best equipment you can afford. There are beautiful riding routes in Ontario, and a decent season for enjoying the outdoors. Please take a moment to review ATGATT, get geared up, and make your way to the open roads ahead.

The post Motorcycle safety: get in gear appeared first on Your Health Matters.