{"id":1948,"date":"2020-04-22T18:09:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-22T18:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.codetrauma.com\/?p=1948"},"modified":"2021-02-19T14:43:00","modified_gmt":"2021-02-19T14:43:00","slug":"staying-injury-free-and-safe-while-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.codetrauma.com\/en\/staying-injury-free-and-safe-while-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 : Staying Injury-Free and Safe While at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

In my previous article<\/a>, I spoke of the importance of staying home and off the roads as much as possible in order to minimize road injuries during the Covid-19 pandemic.\u00a0 But staying home and in the surrounds does not eliminate the risk of injuries.\u00a0 As the old wives tale states: \u201caccidents happen close to home.\u201d\u00a0 Only in trauma, we choose not to use the word \u201caccident\u201d as it has an undertone that the event is not preventable. Therefore we use more precise words such as fall, collision, crash, ect.\u00a0 Research estimates that over 90% of injuries are preventable. \u00a0So here are several tips that can help keep you safe.<\/p>\n

Taking care of yourself<\/h2>\n

Mental Health<\/h3>\n

While social distancing and isolation is helpful in slowing the spread of Covid-19, it is not constructive for morale.\u00a0 Getting together with friends and family can uplift your spirits.\u00a0 With several restrictions in place as a result of the pandemic, many people who were already struggling with depression, may now be in an even worse place.\u00a0 Hearing all the news and seeing the effects of the virus on peoples’ lives has an impact on us all.\u00a0 Many people who have never experienced anxiety or depression may now face these consuming thoughts.\u00a0 These can lead to a feeling of despair.<\/p>\n

It is important not to lose contact with friends and family.\u00a0 You need to socialize with friend and family as much as possible via phone, social media and video.\u00a0 Make sure you stay active.\u00a0 Set aside time to exercise 3-5 times per week for at least 30 minutes per session.\u00a0 It doesn’t have to be intense.\u00a0 Just get moving.\u00a0 I personally choose to listen to guided meditation videos.\u00a0 You can specify the topics for: relaxation, breathing or anxiety.\u00a0 Find a video that you like and stick to it.\u00a0 Yoga can be a useful activity as it combines breathing, stretching, strengthening, and meditation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Domestic violence<\/h3>\n

Being confined to the same house as a significant other during this time may lead to frustration, irritation and even anger.\u00a0 Those already in domestic violence situations may see a rise in violent behaviour.\u00a0 For others, this time may bring out feelings that can usually be managed through other activities.\u00a0 With many outlets no longer available, we may become the target of violence.\u00a0 So be aware of the red flags.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Staying fit and having fun<\/h2>\n

Being confined to your home is not an easy task.\u00a0 Cabin fever soon sets along with the urge to find things to do outdoors.<\/p>\n

Wheeled sports and activities<\/h3>\n

If you pull out the bicycles, skateboard, skates, scooters, hover boards, wear the appropriate protective gear, a helmet and be cautious. Your wheels can catch a patch of sand or a pothole. Our trauma<\/a> data shows that cars are only involved in about 30% of bike injuries.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Water Safety<\/h3>\n

The majority of deaths by drowning occur in natural bodies of water such as a lakes and rivers. However, with many of these being restricted due to the pandemic, we need to be more vigilant around pools.\u00a0 Mixing alcohol and swim time is not a great idea.\u00a0 Searching for something fun to do by jumping from the rooftop is not a great idea.\u00a0 Many people are paralyzed yearly as a result of water related injuries.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Walking<\/h3>\n

As you go out for walks around the block, make sure you are visible and wear bright colors.\u00a0 When there are no sidewalks, walk in the opposite direction than the flow of traffic so that you can see the cars coming and have time to move out of the way.\u00a0 Sometimes sun glare can prevent the driver from seeing you.\u00a0 In the evening, be sure to wear something reflective<\/a> or a piece of clothing with something reflective on it.\u00a0 It allows the cars to see you well in advance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

Around home – safety measures to discuss with your family<\/h2>\n

Reno injuries<\/h3>\n

Being confined to your home may have inspired you or your family to do some home renovation projects. \u00a0Be sure to wear safety goggles, gloves and proper footwear while working.\u00a0 Keep the area you are working in clean and free from debris.\u00a0 If you have power tools make sure the wires are secure and out of the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Ladder safety<\/h3>\n

With the warmer weather fast approaching, spring cleaning is on many families\u2019 agenda. Think twice before pulling out those ladders to get to the top of windows or gutters.\u00a0 Try putting off all unnecessary tasks.\u00a0 If you insist on getting things done, consider hiring a professional once they are allowed back to work.<\/p>\n

But if you must use a ladder, here is what you need to know.\u00a0 Be sure your ladder is secure and steady. \u00a0Make sure that nothing is in the area around the ladder in case of a fall. \u00a0Stay within the width of the ladder and avoid reaching out to the side, as it risks tipping over.\u00a0 If it is a straight frame ladder<\/a>, be sure that for every 4 units of the ladder from the base to the top secure point, you put the base of the ladder out 1 unit. In other words, if your ladder is 16 feet and the top of the ladder is leaning on the house, make sure that the base of the ladder is at least 4 feet away from the wall. \u00a0Never stand on the top step.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Yard work<\/h3>\n

When you or your family work in the yard with tools, make sure to put them away immediately after you are done.\u00a0 Forgotten tools make cause you to trip and injure yourself.\u00a0 Beware of electrical lines, and keep all equipment at least 10 feet away from them. \u00a0If your trees need a trimming, hire professionals when they are out of reach.\u00a0 Never attempt to cut trees that are close to power lines; this should be reserved for hydro workers.\u00a0 If you are using electrical tools, be sure to secure the electrical cord out of harm\u2019s way and beware of puddles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Other articles<\/h2>\n

If you would like any other safety tips, feel free to write us at codetrauma@muhc.mcgill.ca<\/a><\/p>\n

For information regarding injury prevention, keep checking for more of our articles.\u00a0 Please share on social media so you can help us make a difference.<\/p>\n

Suggested article:<\/p>\n

Covid-19: Injuriers and Safety. Why Staying home and off the roads are so important\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Why we call the car crashes, not accidents<\/a><\/p>\n

Shine bright at night<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tara Grenier, M.Sc., CAT(C)
\nInjury Prevention Professional
\nMontreal General Hospital-McGill University Health Centre
\nTrauma Program<\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In my previous article, I spoke of the importance of staying home and off the roads as much as possible in order to minimize road injuries during the Covid-19 pandemic.\u00a0 But staying home and in the surrounds does not eliminate the risk of injuries.\u00a0 As the old wives tale states: \u201caccidents happen close to home.\u201d\u00a0 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1959,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41,1],"tags":[16,24,22,18,23,27,25,26],"class_list":["post-1948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resources","category-uncategorized","tag-covid-19","tag-depression-and-suicide","tag-home-safety","tag-injury-prevention","tag-ladder-safety","tag-tara-grenier","tag-water-safety","tag-yard-safety"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCOVID-19 : Staying Injury-Free and Safe While at Home - Code Trauma<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.codetrauma.com\/en\/staying-injury-free-and-safe-while-at-home\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"COVID-19 : Staying Injury-Free and Safe While at Home - 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