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injuryconnection Summer 2011

The Risk of Honey Honey occasionally contains the bacterium that causes infant botulism and therefore, children under one year of age should never be given honey as a sweetener in baby foods, on their soother or in any other form. The risk of the bacteria in honey is present for both pasteurized and non-pasteurized honey. It is safe to give honey to a child who is healthy and over one year of age. Children over one year of age have the helpful bacteria in their intestine that will act as a defense against harmful bacteria that causes infant botulism.

Honey is great when used as a natural sweetener in baking, teas or homemade dips. For children under one year of age however, honey can be very dangerous and can cause a rare disease called infant botulism. Infant botulism is caused by bacteria that an infant swallows. The bacterium grows and produces a poison, resulting in food poisoning. It only takes a small amount of the bacteria to cause infant botulism in healthy children less than one year of age.

Symptoms of infant botulism include constipation, general weakness, a weak cry, a poor sucking reflex, irritability, lack of facial expression, and loss of head control. In some cases, infant botulism can result in paralysis and the child may have trouble breathing. If your infant shows any of these symptoms contact your doctor or local health care professional. Infants who have infant botulism will need to be monitored in a hospital for a few days and up to a few weeks. No antibiotics are required and most babies make a full recovery. For more information on infant botulism, visit Health Canada at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hlvs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/botu-eng.php.

A L L - T E R R A I N V E H I C L ES . . . D I D YO U K N OW ? All-terrain vehicle and off-highway vehicle incidents were the second leading cause of summer sport and recreation-related injuries in Canada from 2004 - 2005. Canadian Institute for Health Information, National Trauma Registry Analysis in Brief: ATV Injury Hospitalizations in Canada, 2004-2005, (Toronto: CIHI, 2007).

Children between the ages of 5 and 19 accounted for 36% of all ATV-related hospitalizations. Canadian Institute for Health Information. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Injuries Resulting in Hospitalization on the Rise. 2003

Health Canada - It’s Your Health (2009)

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the use of ATVs by children ... why children are at risk of injury on all-terrain vehicles All-Terrain Vehicles

Recommendations for Riding an ATV

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are three or four wheeled motorized vehicles with large, low-pressure tires designed for riding on offroad areas. All-terrain vehicles are used throughout Saskatchewan for transportation in rural areas, recreation, and for occupational activities on work sites, farms, or in rural and remote areas. Unfortunately, ATVs have become the cause of many devastating injuries and deaths to the residents of Saskatchewan. These injuries are not isolated incidents and span across all geographic locations and age groups, including seniors and toddlers.

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Why Are Children at Risk of Injury on All-Terrain Vehicles? Because of the design of all-terrain vehicles, as well as their speed and size, operation requires considerable strength, balance and coordination. Judgment of situations and quick reaction time to safely control and ride over uneven terrain and in country areas is also necessary. Children do not possess the physical coordination or cognitive ability required to operate an all-terrain vehicle. It is not a question of individual children’s maturity or size, but an issue of their developing bodies and minds.

What about ‘Age-Appropriate’ Youth ATVs? A voluntary standard for manufacturers in Canada recommends children ride ‘age-appropriate’ all-terrain vehicles. It is recommended that children less than 12 years of age ride an ATV with an engine size no greater than 70cc and children less than 16 years of age ride an ATV with an engine size no greater than 90cc. Despite these recommendations, the weight and speed of these all-terrain vehicles still puts children at an unnecessary and increased risk of injury. An all-terrain vehicle with an engine size of 70cc can weigh up to 110 kg (240 lbs.) and may be as fast as 24-48 km/hr (15-30 mph). The size of these all-terrain vehicles and the speed attainable requires physical strength that children have not yet developed and the ability to make quick and good judgments.

The bottom line is that an ATV is NOT a toy.

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Always wear an approved helmet. Approved helmets are certified by DOT or Snell for use on an ATV. Take an approved all-terrain vehicle training course. Riding an all-terrain vehicle requires specific skills, different than those required for other motor vehicles. Participation in an approved training course is recommended for riders of all ages. Wear safety gear including eye protection and protective clothing, such as gloves, boots and long pants. Never ride an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Over half of individuals who were tested after suffering a fatal ATV-related injury, tested positively for alcohol consumption. Never carry passengers or be a passenger on an all-terrain vehicle intended for one rider.

ATV Training in Saskatchewan For more information on approved training courses in Saskatchewan, contact: Saskatchewan Safety Council Regina: 306-757-3197 Fax: 306-569-1907 or David Burnett, Chief Instructor Saskatoon: 306-384-8079 Email: [email protected]

Passengers and ATVs All-terrain vehicle seats are very large and wide; however, just because two people can fit on an ATV seat does not mean that the ATV is meant to carry a passenger. The driver of an all-terrain vehicle needs to be able to make whole body movements, forward, back and side-to-side, in order to maneuver and control the vehicle. The large seat is designed to allow for this movement. Carrying passengers on an all-terrain vehicle that was not intended to carry a passenger changes the way the vehicle handles and is a very dangerous practice.

Hand Washing for Kids

Hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can protect yourself and prevent the spread of illnesses such as the common cold and flu. Young children are at an increased risk of becoming sick with an infectious disease. Children’s hands will touch many things that may have germs, including toys and family pets. Children need to be taught proper hand washing habits to help protect themselves from the spread of diseases. Teach children to use a tissue, or to cough and sneeze into their elbow. Teach your children the steps below to properly wash their hands. Ensure you follow the same steps every time you wash your hands, too! • •

Wet hands with warm water. Lather hands with soap by rubbing your hands

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together. Make sure all surfaces including the back of hands, between fingers and under nails have soap! Hands should be rubbed with soap for at least 15 seconds. Have children sing a song while they wash their hands so that they know how long to wash for. Songs such as ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ and ‘Row Your Boat’ are great songs to sing while washing hands! Rinse hands under warm running water while rubbing hands together.

Always have children wash their hands before they eat. Always use a regular soap to wash hands. Anti-bacterial soaps are not recommended because they kill the good bacteria on hands and can add to the problem of antibiotic resistance. For more information on hand washing, visit Health Canada at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/handsmains-eng.php. Health Canada – It’s Your Health (2009)

I S YO U R FA M I LY P R E PA R E D F O R A D I SA ST E R

EMERGENCY? In the event of a disaster emergency in your community, you and your family should be prepared to take care of yourselves for at least 72 hours. Disaster situations in Saskatchewan range from winter blizzards to summer thunderstorms and tornadoes. All of these situations can result in power loss and blackouts as well as structural damages. Other disasters include large chemical spills, transportation accidents, and disease outbreaks. In the event of an emergency situation or disaster, emergency personnel will be following an emergency response plan; however, it may take up to 72 hours for them to reach your home and during this time you may not be able to leave your home or you may need to immediately evacuate. These situations can leave you without access to running water, electricity, stores and banks. To ensure you and your family’s health and safety during a disaster situation, there are some simple precautionary measures you can take. 1) Know Your Risk In Saskatchewan we are not at a high risk for hurricanes and earthquakes, but floods, tornadoes and blizzards are possible situations we may encounter. Knowing the risks you may encounter where you live will help you to prepare. To learn the risks that exist of where you live, please visit the Government of Canada website at http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/knw/ris/index-eng.aspx .

2) Make a Plan Put an emergency plan in writing for your family and practice the plan. An emergency plan should include things such as emergency exits from each room in your house, emergency contact information, and an identifiable area for family to meet if you have to leave your home. For a full description of an emergency plan and how to prepare one, please visit the Government of Canada website at http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/knw/plan/ plan-eng.aspx. This website contains a tool that will allow you to make your emergency plan online or print a copy to make a plan with your family tonight. 3) Prepare a Kit Put together an emergency kit with enough supplies for your family for 72 hours. Supplies needed in a kit include water, non-perishable food, pet food and water, flashlights and a radio with extra batteries, some cash and change, a first aid kit and prescription medications. The emergency kit should be kept in an accessible place, such as the front door closet or porch. The kit should be kept in an easy to carry container such as book bag, duffel bag or suitcase. For more information on what to include in your emergency kit, please visit the Government of Canada website at http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/knw/kt/kteng.aspx.

WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES! W I N F R E E M O V I E PA S S E S B Y P R O V I D I N G F E E D B A C K . . . Visit any theatre in the province of Saskatchewan to view our Media Campaign that is running from April 1, 2011 until March 31, 2012. If you see any of our ads appearing during the pre-show,, send your feedback to ‘Saskatchewan Prevention Institute’ on Facebook. Tell us which theatre you saw the ad in, what the ad was about, and what you thought about the ad. Make sure to leave your name and contact information as your name will be entered into a monthly draw for TWO FREE MOVIE PASSES! Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

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Be a positve role model for your child E AT H E A LT H Y A N D S TAY A C T I V E Every day we are faced with choices to make. We want the best for our family and we want them to make the best possible choices. Children’s greatest role model is their parent, so if you want your children to make the right choices, you have to make the right choices!

Tips to Healthy Activity for your Child

A healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating habits and being active are important to the overall health and wellbeing of children and adults. A healthy lifestyle has many positive physical and mental benefits including: • promoting growth and development in children • reducing disease risk • increasing energy levels • increasing physical strength • improving self-esteem • increasing social opportunities • lowering stress

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Tips to Healthy Food Choices for your Child •

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Make mealtime, family time. Turn off the TV, answer phone calls after the meal and talk with family at mealtime. Eat vegetables, fruits and whole grains as snacks so your children see that these foods are a good choice. Take your children grocery shopping. Explain where fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat products come from to help them understand the food they eat and healthy food choices. Reward your children with love, hugs, and kisses; not food! Make the choice not to offer sweets as a reward to your child. Offering sweets and desserts as a reward will lead your children to believe these foods are better.

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Limit ‘screen time’ for children to 2 hours per day. Have your children develop a schedule that they will follow, outlining how much screen time per day they will have including their favourite TV show or video game. Physical activity is fun! Play, walk and run with your children. Involve the whole family when planning physical activities. Encourage walking, cycling, skateboarding or rollerblading to school instead of driving them. Set an example for your children by being active and remember to always wear a helmet when using wheels, such as a bicycle, scooter or roller-blades.

For more information and ideas on mealtime choices and physical activity please visit the following websites: Centre for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (2011) http://www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/TenTips/ DGTipsheet11KidFriendlyVeggiesAndFruits.pdf http://www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/TenTips/ DGTipsheet12BeAHealthyRoleModel.pdf Ministry of Education – Government of Canada http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx? DN=6de8ae7a-dcba-44f7-a440-f007102d9e3e http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx? DN=cde8e7bc-ac52-42c0-b39b-baa6104305de Public Health Agency of Canada – Physical Activity (2011) http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/ pa-ap/05paap-eng.php

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Fun foods for family

Try the following recipes at home with your family to encourage fun and healthy eating. Encourage your children to come up with their own fun recipes by arranging food into shapes or designs. Children may try foods they avoided in the past if they help to prepare them.

Bugs on a Log Take celery, cucumber or carrot pieces to create a ‘log’. Spread peanut butter or cream cheese on the ‘log’. Stick dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries or cherries on the ‘log’ to create ‘Bugs on a Log’!

Personalized Pizza Let children create their own pizza. Create a pizza making station in your kitchen. Use slices of whole grain bread, bagels or pita bread for the crust. Set out tomato sauce, low-fat cheese and a variety of vegetables for pizza toppings. Pop pizzas into the oven to warm.

Dips Children love to dip their food! Use the dips below as a healthy dipping option. Vegetable Dip Make a dip from yogurt and seasonings such as garlic powder and herbs. Serve the dip with raw vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and snap peas. Fruit Dip Make a dip from yogurt and flavours such as vanilla extract and cinnamon or maple syrup. Serve the dip with raw fruit such as apples and banana. *Never use honey as a sweetener for children less than one year of age. Honey can cause a serious disease known as infant botulism and should never be given to a child less than one year of age.

Choking Hazards It is important for children to try new foods and experience new textures and tastes; however, special care must be taken when feeding children less than three years of age hard or ‘plug-shaped’ foods. Any item that fits through the middle of a toilet paper roll is a choking hazard for young children. Food that you can cut, grate or mash for children less than three years of age: • grapes • carrots • cucumbers • hot dogs • cheese For children less than three years of age, avoid: • hard candy • nuts • popcorn with kernels • chewing gum References Centre for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (2011) http://www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/TenTips/ DGTipsheet11KidFriendlyVeggiesAndFruits.pdf http://www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/TenTips/ DGTipsheet12BeAHealthyRoleModel.pdf Ministry of Education – Government of Canada http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=6de8ae7adcba-44f7-a440-f007102d9e3e http://www.education.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=cde8e7bcac52-42c0-b39b-baa6104305de Public Health Agency of Canada – Physical Activity (2011) http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pa-ap/05paap-eng.php

THE SASKATCHEWAN PREVENTION INSTITUTE

DID YOU KNOW? The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is a provincial-wide organization that aims to reduce the occurrence of disabling conditions in children. This newsletter is put out by the child injury prevention program at the Institute; however, there are many other topic and program areas available! Program areas at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute include: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs This program aims to prevent disabilities that result from exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) The CAPC program is designed to help local community groups address the priority health and development needs of children (aged 0 - 6 years) and their families who are living in conditions of risk.

Early Childhood Mental Health This area focuses on the child’s ability to experience, control, and express their emotions, form secure relationships, and explore their environment.

Maternal and Infant Health This program seeks to ensure the healthiest outcomes for a woman and her baby before, during, and after pregnancy. This program provides evidence informed resources and strategies for the prevention and reduction of infant illness, disability, and death. Parenting Education This area strives to raise awareness, increase knowledge, and promote attitudes and best practices that assist parents to raise healthy, safe, and happy children.

Childhood Health Concerns This area focuses on improving young children’s health prior to the time that they enter school. Topics include oral health and obesity.

Sexual and Reproductive Health The goal of this program is to provide education and resources to help enable individuals to make healthy choices and informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Child Injury Prevention Program This program strives to reduce the occurrence of unintentional injuries to children and youth, birth to 19 years of age.

For more information on any of the topic and program areas at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, please visit http://www.preventioninstitute.sk.ca.

Upcoming Events and Dates August 24 – 26, 2011 The 8th Annual Brain Injury Association of Canada Conference University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI For more information please visit http://biacaclc.ca/en/category/biac-annual-conferences/ September 8 – 9, 2011 Brain Trust 2011 Provincial Conference Temple Gardens Mineral Spa, Moose Jaw, SK For registration inquiries and general information please contact Kelly Froehlich, the Provincial ABI Education & Prevention Coordinator at [email protected] September 21 – 23, 2011 2011 Prevention Matters Conference: Supporting Children’s Well-Being Radisson Hotel, Saskatoon, SK To register please visit the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute’s website at http://www.preventioninstitute.sk.ca

October 3 – 9, 2011 National Family Week: “Turning Your Family’s Values into Action” For more information please visit http://www.frp.ca/ index.cfm?fuseaction=page.viewpage&pageid =596&parentID=474 November 16 – 18, 2011 Canadian Injury Prevention & Safety Promotion Conference: “Be Visible” Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver, BC To register please visit the conference website at http://www.injurypreventionconference.ca February 28 – March 1, 2011 2012 Best Start Resource Centre Annual Conference Toronto, ON For more information please visit http://www.beststart.org/

1319 Colony Street Saskatoon, SK S7N 2Z1 Bus. 306.655.2512 Fax. 306.655.2511 www.preventioninstitute.sk.ca

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