Hockey and Spinal Cord Injuries

Hockey is Canada's favourite past time. Many Canadians have memories of playing or watching hockey while growing up. Most Canadians share a passion for the game that unites us all.

Although hockey is Canada's beloved sport, injuries suffered during play can be life altering. One of the largest dangers for hockey players is an unforeseen collision with the boards. Being hit from behind or checked into the boards can have serious consequences. Numerous hockey careers have come to an end due to head or spinal injuries.

Thomas Smith suffered a serious spinal cord injury as a result of colliding with the boards in 2009 which subsequently ended his hockey career. As a result, Thomas made it his goal to ensure others would not suffer the same injury he did.

Thomas created the Look-Up Line – an orange oval painted around the perimeter of the ice that warns players when they are 40 inches from the boards. The reason for the line is to give a visual warning to players where they are on the ice so they can manoeuvre their body to avoid a collision with the boards.

The lines have not been adopted yet in Canada, however in June 2014 the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) announced they would study the Look-Up Line. In the USA both the NCAA and USA Hockey has recognized the Look-Up Line as a crucial step in player safety. It is predicted to be incorporated in over 100 rinks in 15 states for the 2014-2015 season.
 

To protect our players and increase safety one can hope that the lines are adopted soon in Canada for all leagues and levels as well.

Sensitivity and Brain Injuries

For someone on the outside, brain injuries can be extremely difficult to comprehend. A person may appear in perfect health from a physical point of view, however they could be suffering from a brain injury. We all want to assist the person in our life who has been affected by a brain injury, therefore it's important to know there are some things you should not say to the injured person.

To decide what is appropriate to say, consideration must be applied to what the symptoms of the brain injury are. Individuals with brain injuries may be forgetful, irritable, reliant on others, or lack motivation to do certain activities.

With these limitations in mind, the following are phrases you should not say to a person with a brain injury:

• “You don't look hurt to me”
• “You're lucky to be alive”
• “Don't you remember when..”
• “Let me take care of that”
• “Try to be positive”
• “Don't be so negative”

Although you may feel like you are helping your loved one, the comments listed and other similar comments, can trigger sad or useless feelings. It is also shown that individuals with brain injuries suffer from an increased rate of suicide compared to those of the general population.

By keeping in mind the challenges and adversities a person with a brain injury faces, you will be able to support their recovery while showing sensitivity towards their situation.

Nutrition and Spinal Cord Injuries

With a spinal cord injury comes a plethora of health concerns, most of which relate to mobility and day to day activities. However, nutrition is also incredibly important for individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury. Maintaining a well-balanced, nutritional diet is crucial in adjusting to the injured person's activity level. A balanced diet can support a healthy digestive system, immune system, and help maintain a healthy body weight.

Nutritional experts suggest taking supplements to support nutritional goals for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Among the advised supplements are:

• Probiotics
• D-Mannose
• Sugar with cranberry extract
• Vitamin D3
• Fish oils
• Digestive enzymes
• Vegetarian based protein powder
• Magnesium
• Chromium
• Advance B Complex

Nutritional experts usually advise regular nutrition counselling to monitor and ensure that nutritional goals are being reached.

Liability of Business Owners at Office Holiday Gatherings

December is a busy and festive time of the year. During this time, companies often host holiday parties to thank their employees for all of their hard work during the year. Although these events can be a lot of fun for business owners and their employees, there are some key considerations to keep in mind when hosting a holiday office party.

There have been cases where business owners in Ontario have been found liable when their employees have been injured, or have injured another, during or following an office holiday party where alcohol was available. In most cases, the business owner permitted alcohol to be consumed on work premises without proper monitoring of consumption. Ontario courts have ruled that businesses allowing this kind of behaviour will be treated the same as a bar or tavern and therefore, liability can be attributed for over-service.

To host a safe and fun holiday party, companies should have their gathering at another location like a restaurant or hall, if possible. The venue will have a liquor license and trained employees can monitor the responsible consumption of alcohol.

If your company does decide to have your party on work premises, consider hiring a catering company or bartending service. This way the hired staff can monitor and control alcohol consumption.

Lastly, business owners should consider providing transportation home for their employees after the party. Taxi chits are a great way to ensure your employees arrive safely and celebrate responsibly.