Brandy Tanenbaum is an Injury Prevention Coordinator at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Were you a risk-seeking kid or teenager?

Not particularly. Growing up, I played sports like ringette and baseball and rode my bicycle around the neighbourhood until the street lights came on. Nothing too wild or dangerous. I still play hockey and baseball today, and probably take on more challenging activities that include elements of risk as an adult. I’ve been riding a motorcycle for about ten years.

Some people might find that surprising…

I like that it challenges people and makes them think about their own comfort levels. People make assumptions that if you work in a hospital, or specifically in injury prevention, that you are opposed to all aspects of risk. My dad has a motorcycle and my husband and I thought, that’s something we want to try. We did all the training and courses and started with a small bike before upgrading. It’s a wonderful recreational activity and should be a viable mode of transportation. I have met an incredible community of riders through this experience.

What’s your view on taking risks?

Life is full of risks, and that’s just part of the deal. You can get hurt getting out of bed in the morning. But safety is not something that just happens to you. You have to practice it and be actively involved in creating safety for yourself. That’s not necessarily an inherent skill for humans.

Growing up, my grandmother was overly concerned about safety. It was like every time you open the door, the world is out to get you, but that’s a hard philosophy to live by. It likely took away from her enjoyment of other things. That’s been influential for me in my work. I want to create systems and spaces where people can feel safe to enjoy life, and have the skills necessary to manage an unpredictable environment.

Some people ask me, when am I going to stop playing sports or riding a motorcycle because I can get hurt? Well, why do I have to stop? I actively work to reduce the likelihood of injury and balance that with the need to live life fully. I love it, it’s social, it’s movement, so why shouldn’t I enjoy these activities for as long as I can?

As a society, we’re pretty risk adverse.

Over the past few generations, we’ve taken away opportunities for children to develop risk management skills, which means (generally speaking) we have adolescents who don’t have risk management skills, who turn into adults without risk management skills. We have a whole society of people who are afraid to step out their front door.

I work neck deep in the statistics of preventable injuries and am abundantly aware of their impact and burden, but that said, we can’t be driven by numbers all the time. People think, “well I heard someone was hurt doing something”, so no one should ever do that. But we rarely ask, what were the conditions around that injury? Were they speeding or under the influence for example? Those are all things we can manage differently. Being too risk adverse is problematic because there is a big, beautiful world to explore. We have one life and our purpose here is to flourish, especially as we get older. In those years of retirement, you want people to enjoy the activities they love.

Have you had many injuries?

A few. I was in a car crash as a child, I fell off bikes, I broke a toe and finger once. I tore my rotator cuff playing baseball, so I now have a chronic injury to manage. Did those things change my perspective? They probably played a role in me wanting to create spaces where people can enjoy the benefits of being active in a way that minimizes the risk of injury.

I’m imagining you having a lot of safety equipment at home.

I put a lot of research into the helmet I use for riding my motorcycle! I recently got a new one and it had to have the highest safety ratings and had to be white because studies have shown that white helmets reduce the risk of collision by 24%. It’s funny because my husband picks his helmets based on colour or designs he likes. We have jackets, pants, gloves and boots that are specific for motorcycle riding. Then there is my hockey and baseball equipment. We also have a tourniquet, first aid kit, and fire escape ladder at home, as well as safety equipment for the activities our kids are involved in.

What do you tell your kids when they walk out the door every morning?

I’d love to tell them to be careful, but I’m mindful of the messages I was given as a kid. Telling someone to be careful in the absence of specific skills for safety is just not effective, and I don’t want them thinking the world is a horrible place. Instead, I tell them to have fun, enjoy, and call me if you need anything! We’ve done work in our family to encourage a balanced safety mindset. I want my children to feel prepared to manage their safety in the ever-changing world around them.

Any bold things on your bucket list?

I’m one of those people who doesn’t have a bucket list and prefers to be open to the universe. If an opportunity comes up to try something new or adventurous, I want my reaction to positive and not driven by fear.

Last year I wanted to be intentional and created a year of saying “yes” to things that came my way. It was a shift away from a more cautious approach through the pandemic and taught me to lean into things that make my Spidey senses tingle without being fearful. Maybe a little part of it is proving that Injury Prevention people can be fun and we’re not just out to ruin everybody’s party!

Associated links:

• Sunnybrook Centre for Injury Prevention

The post How to live like the experts: Brandy Tanenbaum on staying safe while living life to the fullest 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.

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If I asked you to close your eyes and imagine a car crash, it might play out like a movie scene in your mind: a car skidding down the road on dark, stormy night or rain pelting the windshield of an out-of-control car surrounded by darkness.

But research suggests it’s actually the bright, sunny days that put us at greater risk of a life-threatening car crash.

The research study, conducted by Sunnybrook physician and epidemiologist Dr. Donald Redelmeier, looked at every patient hospitalized at Sunnybrook after a car crash for the past 20 years. The researchers then cross-checked the weather at the time and place of the crash (along with a week before and after for reference).

Of the total 6,962 patients that were studied, the majority of life-threatening traffic crashes happened in the daytime, and the risk increased with bright sunlight. The increased risk was about 16 per cent, was the same for drivers of all demographics, and wasn’t easily explained by glare at dawn or dusk. The same increased risk wasn’t found on days of cloudy or overcast weather. Watch the video above to find out more.

The study findings didn’t surprise Sharon Ramagnano, manager of trauma services at Sunnybrook.

“I think during the sunny summer days drivers may assume the road conditions are good and may drive faster,” she said. “There are also typically more people out on bright sunny days — more pedestrians, more cyclists, more motorcycles and more cars — and so drivers may be more distracted.”

Sharon said drivers should keep good sunglasses in the car and use the vehicle’s sun visor to help minimize glare.

“Don’t ruin a beautiful day with an ugly traffic crash,” Dr. Redelmeier said. “In particular, recognize that your judgment may be mistaken in bright sunlight and tempt you toward excess speeding. Check your speedometer and respect the police who enforce speed limits even when conditions are seemingly perfect.”

Sharon says the start of “trauma season” – the summer months, which see an increase in the number of people visiting hospital emergency rooms due to traumatic injuries ­– is a good time for a few reminders about driving safety, even though the tips aren’t anything groundbreaking.

“Stay alert and keep your eyes on the road,” she said. “Do not drink and drive. Put your phone out of sight. Use your mirrors and keep a safe distance from the cars in front and behind you.”

She said these few simple things can help keep our roads safer.

“When you get in your car, adjust your seat to the proper distance. Check and adjust your mirrors to allow for the greatest possible view. Make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped up. Put on your seatbelt and make sure your passengers do too.”

Take an extra second to check twice before turning or moving ahead, she added.

“Watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Obey the road signs at all times,” Sharon said. “Ensure you pay attention to the other cars around you that may not be paying attention to you.

“Slow down and take your time. It sounds so obvious. But it’s always good to just take a moment and remind ourselves of these things.”

Have a great, safe — and hopefully sunny — summer.

The post Refresh your driving safety in time for the summer sun appeared first on Your Health Matters.

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Keep older adults safe from burns

Is there an older adult living with you? They are at higher risk for burn injuries. Keep them safe with these tips:

Wear short sleeves or tight-fitting clothes when cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire. Don’t cook or be close to flames when feeling ill.

Don’t smoke or have open flames near medical oxygen. Keep all candles, lighters, cigarettes etc. away from medical oxygen.

Test the water before bathing or showering. Older adults’ skin becomes thinner with aging, making them at higher risk for burn injuries. Install anti-scald devices in the bathroom.

Make accommodations for disabilities. Install smoke alarms and alert devices (strobe lights or bed/pillow shakers) for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Ensure anyone with a disability is included in your fire escape planning.

Remember, older adults are at a higher risk for burn injuries for many reasons, including slower reaction times and reduced mobility, balance, vision and hearing.

Learn more at ameriburn.org or health.sunnybrook.ca

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Combine these higher risk factors for seniors with dangerous winter conditions, and you can see why it’s so important for elderly pedestrians to take some precautions. Sarah Gallsworthy, Program Coordinator at Sunnybrook’s RBC First Office for Injury Prevention, has eight simple tips to keep pedestrians, particularly elderly ones, safe this winter:

1) Stay off your phone while walking– distracted walking is dangerous!

2) Be visible to drivers day and night by wearing bright, reflective items. Add a reflective sticker or patch to your jacket and bag

3) Wear proper and well-maintained footwear to reduce your risk of falling on slippery surfaces

4) Plan your outings– try to schedule outings during daylight hours and good weather conditions. Give yourself more time when traveling during the winter, so you don’t have to dart through traffic to catch the bus!

5) Be as light as possible– avoid carrying things that could make you lose your balance while walking

6) Don’t jaywalk– only cross at intersections with traffic signals, marked crosswalks or stop signs

7) Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb- slippery road conditions means it may take drivers longer than usual to stop. Wait until vehicles have come to a complete stop before starting to cross the street

8) Keep your head up! Avoid looking at something other than the direction you’re traveling in

Do you have an elderly family member or friend who could benefit from these tips? Please pass them along, and help keep pedestrians safe this winter.

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Eat your vegetables! They’ll make you strong. Those carrots will help your eyesight. And oh ya, make sure you wash everything properly or you could suffer serious gastrointestinal symptoms, kidney failure or even death. OK? Now eat up. (You’ve just experienced my inner thought process after learning about the virulent new strain of e-coli originating in Europe).

Meal preparation will never be the same, and maybe that’s a good thing. While I’m the first to admit to eating an apple from the grocery store after just shining it up on my pant leg, or to pouring pre-washed salad straight onto my dinner plate, this e-coli outbreak is a tragic reminder of how serious, and even deadly, the consequences of improper food preparation can be. And it’s not a foreign problem. Here in Canada, there are about 13 million cases of food-borne illness every year. That number could be slashed by 85% with safe food handling practices alone.

I set out to learn how to protect myself from any invisible bacteria, and enlisted the advice of two registered dietitians at Sunnybrook. Here’s a little true and false synopsis of what I uncovered:

True or false: It’s enough to wash your produce under cold running water.

True! For foods like apples and tomatoes, run them under the water until it runs clear. For produce with a hard rind, like a cantaloupe, invest in a produce brush to get into all the nooks and crannies before you cut it up. And remember, if you soak it, you’ll still need to wash it under running water to remove any harmful bacteria. For lettuce, make sure to separate the leaves and wash each one separately.

True or false: You need to wash your produce with soap.

False! Enough cold running water will do the trick.

True or false: All produce is safe for everyone if prepared properly. 

False! The dietitians told me that The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recommends children, infants, the elderly and immuno-compromised don’t consume mung bean sprouts and alfalfa sprouts because they have a high contamination rate of e-coli and salmonella.

True or false: If the package says pre-washed, you don’t need to wash it at home.

True! (Hurray, at least I was doing something right!)

There are some other great tips you can see in my video, including why the eyeball test should never be used to judge food safety (yes, I’m guilty of that, too). But when you know better, you do better, so here’s to turning over a fresh new (safe) leaf.

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