Injury prevention important
Safety prevention in and out of the home is important to everyone.
Besides safety proofing the house for toddlers, young children and the elderly, there are risks that most people wouldn’t think about.
Let’s face it. Most of us don’t go through life thinking something bad is going to happen to us. Yet “freak” accidents happen all the time. And many of these accidents could have been avoided.
Crystal Pederson is the injury prevention coordinator and a case manager at BIG (Brain Injured Group). She has been employed with the organization for 13 years. Crystal has had a well-rounded stint with BIG. She worked in the group home as a care aide, was a community support outreach worker and for the past year she has been at the main office in her current position.
In Crystal’s injury prevention role, she facilitates group information sessions and is out in the community, set up at a booth in the mall or at a fair with information pamphlets in hand to educate the public. The COVID pandemic has thrown a wrench into information distribution but she has had to be creative in her efforts to continue providing education awareness.
“My work won’t stop,” she said. “COVID has taught me to think outside of the box. There are other ways such as talking on the phone answering questions, facilitating Zoom meetings and having the media help spread the word.”
In recent years, there has been increased knowledge about the hazards of concus
sions in sports and recreational activities. For hockey players, skiers, snowboarders and cyclists, helmets are non-negotiable. Crystal points out it is not enough to wear a helmet.
“Many people don’t realize how to properly wear a helmet. “she said. “If a helmet isn’t worn properly, it won’t be of any benefit. At BIG we sell helmets of all kinds at a reduced price for people on a limited income.”
Walking outdoors in the winter can present a risk. Wearing cleats will prevent falls that can cause concussions, broken
bones, cause long-term damage to necks, backs and hips. Winter weather in Prince George can be hazardous, Being proactive can make a huge difference and prevent injuries that can affect a person for life.
And then, there’s the topic of concussions. Parents are now very aware of having their kids checked out medically for possible concussions. But for adults, many minimize their injuries.
Bottom line - head injuries are a big deal. Crystal and her colleagues at BIG have met numerous people who suffered concussions that turned into brain injury.
They had not sought medical attention and weren’t aware of BIG’s existence. They developed depression, anxiety, migraine headaches, sensitivity to light and noise, vision and hearing problems, extreme fatigue, increased irritability and personality change, inability to organize and multi-task. Sadly and tragically, many folks dropped out of school, were unable to maintain employment, relationships fell apart, poverty set in, some became homeless, others committed suicide because of depression and dismal circumstances.
Information is key whether it’s in the prevention stage or post-injury. A friend of mine recently told me his elderly mother who resides in an assisted care facility has recently taken a few falls, which required trips to the hospital. His mother is scheduled for a geriatric assessment to determine what her needs are and how to keep her safe.
I asked Crystal what she would recommend for my friend’s mother. Crystal asked does she have a walker? Check. Recent eye examination? Check. Adequate lighting in her apartment? Check. Proper footwear, not knitted slippers? Check. Medication on track? Check. Is her apartment free of mats or rugs that don’t stick to the floor? Check. Does her apartment have hand rails? No.
When I told my friend what questions Crystal asked me, he said that hand rails would be installed as recommended by his mother’s geriatric care team.
Being proactive, asking questions and seeking advice from professionals can prevent injuries that can haunt a person for life.
And it’s not just the injured that are affected, so are their families, friends and their community. No one is exempt from life-altering injuries without safety precautions in place.
Think prevention.
Think smart.