heal is an online resource aimed at providing families across Alberta easily accessible, reliable information about common minor illness and injuries in children. The content provided in the HEAL program comes directly from the Pediatric Emergency Medicine experts at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and Stollery Children’s Hospital.

While children with coughs, fever, ear pain, vomiting, diarrhea, minor head injuries or nosebleeds can feel very uncomfortable, they are most often safely and best cared for in their own home; the majority of these illnesses and injuries do not require a visit to the Emergency Department.

Here you will find general information about the causes, symptoms and home management options for common minor illnesses and injuries, and when to seek medical care: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/heal/heal.aspx

As children grow older, where they fall changes.

• Infants and young toddlers typically fall around the home – from furniture, beds, change tables, highchairs or down the stairs.

• Older toddlers tend to fall while walking, running or crawling around the house.

• Children between 5 and 9 years of age most often fall at playgrounds.

Home should be a safe place for children to learn and grow. However, most fall-related injuries to children under five happen in the home. Children are vulnerable in this environment because heights, space and structures are built for adult use and comfort, often creating hazards for children. Children also have a natural curiosity about their environment and love to explore.

Safety Tips

❧ Take time to get down on the ground and look around to see the world through your child’s eyes to identify hazards around your home.

❧ Buckle your child in their highchair or stroller every time.

❧ Always set car seats and other carriers down on the floor, never on top of furniture.

❧ Always keep one hand on your child when they are on a high surface, such as a changing table or other furniture.

❧ Never use a baby walker with wheels – use stationary activity centres instead.

❧ Use stair gates in your home – Always use hardware mount gates at the top of stairs. Pressure mount gates can be used at the bottom of stairs.

❧ Place all furniture away from windows and door handles.

❧ Use window and door stops or guards.

❧ Keep stairs and high-traffic areas in your home free from clutter and tripping hazards.

❧ Wipe up any liquid spills right away to prevent slipping.

❧ Community and backyard playgrounds are common areas where children fall as they climb and explore playground equipment together.

Our bodies naturally change with age and these changes affect the way we feel, move, and behave. A fall can have a devastating and lasting impact on a person, resulting in injury, chronic pain and a reduced quality of life. Even without an injury, a fall can cause an older adult to lose confidence and reduce their activities. The good news is that there are actions you can take to prevent falls.

Key strategies to prevent falls

These are the most effective steps you can take to prevent a fall, as assessed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Finding Balance, a program for older adults and caregivers created by the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta.

• Exercise: challenge your balance and build strength.

• Get enough sleep.

• Take your time: don’t rush when walking or getting up.

• Balance your body through good nutrition and hydration.

• Get your sight and hearing checked regularly.

• Manage your medications and review them regularly with your pharmacist or doctor as some may make you prone to dizziness and falling.

• Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.

• Consider using a cane or other mobility device if needed.

• Maintain proper use of eyeglasses and hearing aids.

In your home

• Make sure you have proper lighting in hallways, stairs and walkways, as well as in the bedroom and bathroom.

• Keep stairs free of clutter and exterior stairs and walkways free of clutter, ice or snow.

• Install handrails along stairs and safety grab bars in the bathroom.

• Check your home for slipping and tripping hazards and use non-slip mats or rugs.

• Ensure regularly used items are within reach.

For babies & toddlers

– For young children who are still napping, stretch their normal first nap time (according to the new clock – if they usually nap at 10 a.m., try to make it as close to the new 10 a.m. as possible). Even if your child is awake longer than usual and they want to nap earlier, do what you can to keep them awake and occupied.

– Do the same thing for subsequent naps and bedtime -it will likely mean dealing with some cranky moments, but it will be worth the effort. By getting your child to nap at their regular time(s), you will help them achieve their regular bedtime without becoming too overtired By going to bed at the usual time, your child is less likely to wake early.

For preschoolers & children

– If your child is no longer napping, they may have a longer day ahead of them, be sure to spend the day keeping to your child’s routines, activities and meals at the usual times (according to the new clock).

– The night before the time change put your child to sleep at night a little later. For example, based on a 7:30 p.m. bedtime, bedtime would be moved later by 15 to 30 minutes to 7:45 or 8:00 p.m.

– On the night of the time change and for the next couple of nights, adjust bedtime earlier, working towards regular bedtime. For example, if your child’s usual bedtime is 7:30 p.m., start with a 7:00 p.m. bedtime (which will feel like 8:00 p.m. to the child) and gradually increase to 7:30 p.m. over next few nights.

– To help you and your child sleep later, as sunrise is about one hour earlier after the time change, ensure that your child’s room is very dark, otherwise you may find your child continuing to wake early in response to morning light.

With patience and consistency this fall time change will soon be a distant memory.

Pleasant dreams!