Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, has issued the following statement in recognition of National Injury Prevention Day:

“Today, on National Injury Prevention Day, we should all take a moment to think about the importance of prioritizing safety in our daily lives and routines. Injuries can happen on any day, at any time and to anyone. Whether from a car crash or a fall, injuries can profoundly affect your health, well-being and ability to work.

“Across the province, injury is the leading cause of death for ages one to 44 years and the fourth-leading cause for all ages. Even minor injuries can have lasting effects on health and daily activities. There are about 50,000 injury-related hospitalizations in B.C. annually, with more than half of these related to falls.

“Many injuries result from a lack of awareness, but simple actions can help decrease the likelihood of injury for ourselves and those around us. For example, guardians should ensure that children are not at risk of falling out of windows or off balconies. Older adults should be aware of the dangers of fall-related injuries, and people of all ages should be cautious about the risk of poisonings, drive at safe speeds, avoid texting while driving and wear a seatbelt.

“Our government is dedicated to reducing both the frequency and severity of injuries. Our injury-prevention work is guided by BC’s Guiding Framework for Public Health and our current efforts are focused on preventing injuries related to falls among seniors, car accidents, youth suicide and self-harm, and sports and recreation.

“Today, I encourage everyone in B.C. to explore the resources below for increased awareness of injury prevention. Recognizing safety risks and implementing changes can help prevent injuries at home, work and in our communities. Together, we can work toward creating a safer future for everyone.”

Learn More:

To learn more about HealthLink BC, visit: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/disease-and-disease-prevention/disease-and-injury-prevention

To learn more about fall prevention for older adults, visit: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthy-eating-physical-activity/age-and-stage/older-adults/preventing-falls