Using mindfulness to cope in the wake of an injury

Using mindfulness to cope in the wake of an injury

How meditation can help you when the future is uncertain

After an injury, your life can be thrown into flux. What once was your normal everyday life can be turned on its head. In an instant, everything can change—not only physically, financially and socially, but mentally as well.

Dealing with this change can be overwhelming. While there is always a circle of care available to help you along the recovery journey, the physical and mental strain of your situation can still weigh heavily on your mind. In order to cope with the changes caused by your injury, finding things that work for you personally is key. While trying to find what works for you, something you may want to try is meditation.

What is meditation?

Meditation is the practice of putting all of your attention on a single thing—the present moment. It’s a practice of the state of mindfulness, which is awareness of the present. This can be done by focusing on a single thing, like a mantra, an object, or a part of your body.

Different types of meditation and other mindfulness practices can be used for various different purposes, so depending on the results you seek through meditation that will dictate the meditation practice you choose.

Coping with change

In the case of using meditation to cope with change brought on by injury, meditation can help you become more aware of your experience, specifically paying attention to your thoughts and body sensations. This awareness can allow you to experience the changes in your life and then give you space between experiencing them and reacting to them, allowing you to start practicing flowing with changes rather than struggling with them.

Mindfulness practices have shown to have a number of both physical and mental health benefits. Studies have also shown a trend towards positive outcomes specifically for those suffering from traumatic brain injuries.

In the face of a life-changing injury, meditation and mindfulness practice can be a key tool in helping you cope with both the physical and mental impacts of injury, the challenges of the recovery journey, as well as riding with the changes in your life.

There are many resources available to help you along your recovery journey, including lawyers who are there to protect you and your rights.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

March 2, 2018
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For brain injury victim family members

For brain injury victim family members

6 tips to help ease your way through recovery

Brain injuries don’t just affect those who are injured, they can affect entire families. If a family member of yours has experienced a brain injury chances are it might have placed emotional, social or financial challenges in your path. Every family’s experience is unique but all can experience the same types of changes.

It can be helpful to take some guidance from experts who understand your situation. Thankfully the Ontario Brain Injury Association has created a number of recommendations for family members of those experiencing brain injury. Some of these six tips might work for you:

1. Share responsibility

If you are becoming the main caregiver for the injured person the massive life change that your loved one’s injury can bring to your life can bring a lot of stress as well as personal strain. Know that you are not alone. If your injured loved one is capable of helping you in any way, allow them to help around the home.

While it can be challenging living with someone who has sustained a brain injury, there are support networks around you to help, whether that’s friends, family, support groups, programs or organizations.

2. Ask the nurses

Knowledge is power. While caring for someone who is recovering from a brain injury it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about their condition. Your loved one might have medical problems specific to their injury. You’ll want to learn all you can about the problems your loved one will be facing and how to properly manage them. Nurses who are caring for your loved one can be a great resource to ask questions that you may not have been able to get in when talking to specialists or doctors and walk you through specifics so you are more prepared for providing care on your own.

3. Consider getting a neurophysical evaluation

A neurophysical evaluation can give you a better understanding of your loved one’s injury, including how their abilities will be affected by the injury. Knowing this can help you in a number of ways. Because a brain injury can have significant affects on your loved one’s cognition and behaviour, this can cause significant changes in their life going forward. It’s important to understand what your loved one is facing. Secondly, knowing what these challenges are can help you moving forward in being able to care for them and look out for their wellbeing. Knowing what specific challenges they face, and what they are capable of doing, can help you predict issues in upcoming situations as well as know what you can expect of them.

4. Join an organization

There are many organizations and groups available to offer you support and resources, like brain injury associations. The information and community they provide can help you to improve your loved one’s quality of life on the recovery journey ahead.

5. Push for what you need

It’s important to be a strong advocate for your loved one. You have the expertise in what they were like before their injury, as well as the knowledge you gain from daily interaction with them. Ask questions, learn about their rights, and be firm when it comes to having their needs met.

6. Consult a lawyer

Talking to an attorney should be an urgent priority. Make sure to talk to a lawyer experienced in representing brain injury victims, especially before signing any paperwork.

An experienced lawyer is valuable to brain injury victims for a few reasons. They can help guide you through your options after the injury and help you find valuable resources for yourself and your loved one. The help of a personal injury lawyer can remove a lot of the stress that comes when a loved one suffers a brain injury.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

February 23, 2018
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Spinal cord injury recovery and nutrition

Spinal cord injury recovery and nutrition

Here's how what you eat affects your health

No matter who you are, what you eat affects your health. Fueling your body with good food ensures that it can function at it’s very best. We often get used to certain types of foods and the quantity of those foods that make us feel our best. But, after a spinal cord injury our life and our body can change, forcing us to adjust our habits.

These changes and adjustments can affect your diet. Spinal Cord Injury Ontario outlined in their Nutrition after SCI Series how bad diets usually follow spinal cord injuries. They mentioned that changes in economic status, transportation, digestion, food preparation challenges and the nutrient values associated with comfort food contribute to the development of poor diets after spinal injury.

But the period after experiencing a spinal injury is a crucial time to give your body what it needs to heal. Nutrition, the fueling of your body with the nutrients in what you choose to eat, has a major affect on your health. Ensuring that you are eating an appropriate diet after your injury can help your body to avoid, or reduce the effects of secondary health complications.

Some health complications that can follow a spinal cord injury are pressure ulcers, pain and inappropriate bladder management, as well as increased risks of developing other medical concerns like diabetes, elevated cholesterol, weight gain and osteoporosis.

Avoiding any possible secondary health complications, or using your diet in order to minimize them or make them easier to deal with can be beneficial for your overall and long-term health—which can make your recovery journey a little easier. The food you consume has a major impact on many of these secondary health complications.

There are many great resources available to help you educate yourself on the effect a spinal injury has on your health and the dietary changes you can make to help alleviate the negative effects. For example, the Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Nutrition after SCI Series (as mentioned before) breaks down nutritional information by secondary health complication, including weight, pressure sores, cardiovascular disease as well as bowel and bladder issues. Also, the University of Washington’s report on Everyday Nutrition for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury breaks down dietary information after a spinal injury.

Seeking out advice on how your diet should adjust after your injury, including what, when and how much you should be eating, is valuable information that can help you improve your overall health. While there is lots of information available online when it comes to how you should change your diet, getting professional advice can ensure that you are making the right dietary choices in your specific case.

Do your research and speak with your doctor about reaching out to a registered dietitian for guidance. They can ensure that you are on the right track. With the number of changes already in your life that come with a spinal injury changing your diet can be difficult. But even though transforming your diet can be overwhelming, making changes gradually can help you ease into the process and make your diet changes less difficult.

After a spinal injury, your first priority should be your recovery. We can help you focus on your health by taking care of the legal part of your recovery journey.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

January 26, 2018
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Car inspection basics: 21 parts you should be checking daily

Car inspection basics: 21 parts you should be checking daily

With the new year here lots of people are working on their resolutions. A lot of people resolve to be better when it comes to their personal health—whether that’s eating healthier or exercising more, etc. But a new resolution that can be helpful for anyone’s health is to become safer.

Road safety is especially important. The safety measures you take on the road affect the health and safety of yourself, those in your vehicle and the public around you.

Being safe on the road starts with you. Also, as with any change in your life, these new resolutions require new habits. Thankfully, Road Safety at Work created a list of a number of things you can check in, on or around your vehicle every day. Many of them help to make sure that your vehicle is safe to drive before you even leave your driveway.

  1. Engine Oil

Checking your engine oil regularly is important to keep your motor properly lubricated. You should check your oil level daily and top up as necessary, checking your owner’s manual to make sure you’re using the right kind of oil.

  1. Tire Air Pressure

Take a walk around your vehicle. Check the air pressure on your tires looking to see that they’re all properly inflated, undamaged and wearing normally. This can keep your car in good condition and also prevent a dangerous surprise down the road.

  1. License Plate

While walking around your vehicle make sure that both your license plates are on, attached firmly and visible.

  1. Leak Check

Look underneath your vehicle to look for evidence of fluid either dripping from, pooling underneath or accumulating on your vehicle. Being mindful to look as you are driving in, or out, of regular parking spots to look for this fluid as well.

  1. In-car ergonomics

When you enter your car adjust your seat, headrest and steering column, if necessary, to be in an ideal driving position.

  1. Headlights

Check and make sure that your headlights are working properly. Turn on your low beams, high beams and fog lights to make sure they are all in good working order.

  1. Tail Lights

Checking your tail lights before you begin driving is important as well.

  1. Turn Signal

Turn on your left and right turn signals, making sure that the lights are working both in the front and back of your vehicle.

  1. Emergency Signal

Turn on your emergency signal and confirm that it is working properly.

  1. Windshield

In addition to checking your windshield for damage like chips and cracks, making sure your windshield is clean is important as well. Keep a clean cloth handy to clean the inside of your windshield.

  1. Wipers

Check your wiper blade controls to make sure they work. Confirm that your wipers are clearing your windshield and replace them when you see them leaving streaks or gaps.

  1. Heater/Defroster

In the winter and during changes in temperature heaters or defrosters play a key role in keeping your windshield clear and un-fogged. Test them before you take off to make sure the fan works well and that the flow direction is effective.

  1. Horn

Toot your horn to make sure it’s working.

  1. Seatbelt

Seatbelts are very important for your personal safety. Check to see that the seatbelt and its mechanisms are working properly.

  1. Rear vision mirrors

Upon entering your car make sure that that the rear vision mirrors are set for optimal rear vision. When they are angled ideally also make sure that they’re all undamaged and clean.

  1. Parking brake

Test your parking brake to make sure it is still functioning properly.

  1. Brakes

While leaving your garage and before entering traffic gently tap the brakes to confirm that they are working effectively.

  1. Instrument Panel – Gauges / Warning Lights

Looking at your instrument panel confirm that all the gauges indicate everything is in working order for a safe drive and that there are no warning lights on.

  1. Vehicle Documentation

Before leaving in your vehicle make sure you have the proper documents with you. Check for your driver’s license and make sure there is a copy of the vehicle registration on board.

  1. Engine Noises

Noises coming from your vehicle can indicate that something is wrong. While your engine is running listen for any unusual sounds.

  1. Roadside Emergency / First Aid Kit

A roadside emergency and first aid kit are very important for your health and safety on the road. Make sure that you’re prepared and that all the essentials are in both.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

January 12, 2018 ,
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A pedestrian’s safety guide

A pedestrian’s safety guide

5 road safety tips to protect you while walking

The Ontario government has been introducing more laws to protect pedestrians while crossing roads. While this is good news for pedestrian safety, it shouldn’t give a false sense of security to you while walking or running outside. Pedestrian safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s not just up to cyclists and drivers to keep an eye out for you. Making sure that you’re watching out for your own safety is vitally important while you’re out and about.

In order to protect yourself as a pedestrian on Ontario roads here are five tips from the Ministry of Transportation to use while going out on your next walk or run:

1. Don’t jaywalk

Jaywalking is very dangerous. It puts you at risk of becoming injured by an automobile and the drivers on the road at risk of an accident in the process of avoiding you. As a pedestrian, you should always cross at a designated crosswalks or traffic lights where it is indicated for you to cross. Crossing in the middle of a block or between parked cars is dangerous no matter how tempting it might be to save you time or inconvenience. It’s not worth the risk of injury.

2. Communicate with drivers

It doesn’t hurt to make sure drivers are aware of your presence as you’re crossing the street. If a driver is stopped at the road or intersection you are crossing make eye contact with them before stepping out on to the road. That way you can make sure that they have seen you and are aware that you are likely to enter the road in front of them.

3. Make yourself visible

Make it easier for drivers to spot you. Wearing bright, light and/or reflective clothing can make it easier for drivers to see you crossing the street. This is especially important at night or at dusk as it can be much more difficult for drivers to see you.

4. Know what to do

When you’re at a designated crosswalk, traffic light or intersection with stop signs make sure you know what to do. Only cross when traffic has come to a complete stop. If you’re at a traffic light make sure to follow your signals. If they are provided, only walk at the beginning of the green light or walk signal, and if you are still crossing while the light turns yellow or the do not walk signal appears complete your crossing safely. However, if you approach to cross the street when the light is yellow, the do not walk signal appears or the light is red do not cross.

5. Keep an eye out

While crossing it is important to be alert to turning cars. Even while walking or jogging down the sidewalk it’s important to remember this as cars turn into or out of driveways. It can be easy to become distracted while walking and crossing the street. Whether you’re glued to your cellphone, busy finding the perfect song to listen to on an iPod or lost in your own thoughts, it’s important to bring yourself back to attention in order to protect yourself while walking. When approaching a crossing, intersection or sidewalk with driveways, make sure you are aware and your eyes are up in order to protect yourself.

While you can be very cautious as a pedestrian, sometimes tragic accidents do happen.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

December 29, 2017 ,
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For active seniors: a guide to safe walking in the winter

For active seniors: a guide to safe walking in the winter

Winter can be a beautiful season in Canada. But, the cold weather brings with it lots of hazards—especially while getting around. Whether you’re out and about to enjoy the season, or just get from point A to point B, you need to be careful.

Sustaining an injury from slippery conditions on the ground can bring with it serious long-term health problems and a fear of staying active. To prevent a slip and fall this winter here is the Canada Safety Council guide for active Canadian seniors:

1. Make your pathway a safe one

Make sure that surfaces around your home are safe by having them cleared of snow and sprinkled with salt, or sand, if necessary. If you have trouble removing the ice and snow on your own contact a local support agency or other community services for assistance. Report hazards on your walkways to your landlord or your municipal government.

However, while venturing beyond your property you have less control when it comes to the conditions you will face. Carrying a small bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter with you can come in handy when confronted by icy sidewalks while out and about.

2. Be prepared for the weather conditions

Dressing for the weather can make all the difference while you’re out and about in the winter. Proper footwear is key. Wear boots that are insulated, waterproof and light-weight with wide heels, and soles that are thick, treaded and non-slip.

For added grip in icy conditions ice grippers can be helpful but they can easily become dangerous and need to be removed before walking on smooth surfaces like tiles. Be careful if you are considering using them.

To help with balance walking aids like a cane (which an ice pick can be added to) or a walker can help. Also, wearing a hip protector and bright or reflective clothing can help prevent injury while walking outdoors.

3. Know what to do if you’re caught on ice

Walking on ice should be avoided, but if somehow you end up caught on an ice patch on your route walking in a certain way can help make you more stable. First, slow down, keep your body loose and your base wide (feet more than a foot apart). Keep your knees loose but bent to lower your centre of gravity and make your steps with your whole foot, shifting your weight slowly before bringing your feet together again. If shuffling your feet feels better just remember to keep a wide base.

Unfortunately, despite everything we do to prepare for a safe walk we can meet unsafe conditions while outside in the winter. A slip and fall outdoors due to dangerous conditions can change your life.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

December 1, 2017
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6 tips for adjusting to life after a brain injury

6 tips for adjusting to life after a brain injury

Most victims of brain injury and members of their family face a gamut of new and unfamiliar challenges on the road to recovery. Knowing how to navigate life and how to deal with the challenges recovery presents can be unbelievingly challenging. To help victims of brain injury Brainline developed a guide for adjusting to life after brain injury.

1. Redefine success

When your life changes after a brain injury it is likely your definition of success will also need to change. Comparing yourself and your progress to how you performed before your injury can be very limiting. Focusing on what you can do and how you can improve can help you change your definition of success. Explore ways you can be successful and set standards for yourself. No matter what state you are in you can improve yourself, enjoy relationships and live a meaningful life.

2. Ask for help

Asking for help can he a surprisingly difficult task. The fear of seeming like a burden or being turned away often stifles us from trying to get the help we need. But everybody needs help at some point or another. Don’t let a situation become a crisis before asking for help, and make sure to return a favour and thank those who have helped you.

3. Be kind to yourself

Immediately after a brain injury you begin your road to recovery. Taking time to heal and respecting the fact that your body needs time to mend itself mentally, physically and emotionally is very important. Being hard on yourself right now will only make things more difficult on you and those around you. Instead try to be kind and compassionate to yourself taking into consideration where you are in your recovery journey.

4. Set manageable goals

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the hurdles ahead of you in your recovery. To manage this, break down the large goals in your recovery into small reasonable steps—ones you can do day-to-day to accomplish those bigger goals. Focusing on what you can do today and tomorrow can make the prospects of achieving big goals much less daunting. Even beyond recovery, breaking down your life goals in the same way can make them more manageable to achieve.

5. Create a support system

Social interaction is extremely important for recovery. After a brain injury receiving support and understanding is extremely comforting and helps stave off feelings of loneliness. Reconnecting with friends who have become distant after your brain injury, helping those in your circle of friends and family, as always showing care is important to maintain those relationships. If you don’t feel like those around you are able to understand what you are going through perhaps consider joining a support group to meet people who have similar experiences.

6. Practice patience

Patience is an essential skill to have while recovering from a brain injury. You will likely need to be persistent over time to reach recovery, but it can be difficult to keep your cool when faced with a difficult journey to get there. When you feel yourself losing your cool or becoming frustrated find a way to take a step back and relax yourself, whether that’s taking a deep breath or repeating an affirmation. Find what works for you.

Navigating the road to recovery after a brain injury can be difficult. We help brain injury victims during recovery as a part of the Circle of Care.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

November 17, 2017
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5 ways to avoid drowsy driving

5 ways to avoid drowsy driving

It’s shocking how many Ontarians are driving fatigued or drowsy. A study estimates that 27% of crashes resulting in fatality or injury are related to fatigued driving. Also, a public opinion poll found nearly 60% of Ontario drivers admit to driving fatigued sometimes at the very least and 14.5% have admitted to falling asleep or nodding off while driving in the past year.

Here are five key ways to avoid driving while drowsy and stay safe on the road from The Canada Safety Council:

1. Drive only when rested

Getting behind the wheel when you’re fatigued or drowsy puts others at risk. If you are going to be driving in the near future plan ahead for a good night’s rest. If you are fatigued and need to drive somewhere either sleep first, find a way to cancel or postpone the trip to another time when you’ll be alert, or get a rested person to drive instead.

2. Keep your mind alert

While you’re driving do things that help keep you alert. Listening to up-tempo music, talking to company in the vehicle, and chewing gum are all things that might work for you. Make sure to actively watch road signs and traffic and keep your head up and shoulders back while changing position frequently.

3. Find a safe place to stop

If you’re taking a long trip you should be especially be aware of your energy levels and whether you’re feeling fatigued or drowsy. Relying on coffee to keep you awake and not stopping can be dangerous. Every couple hours you should take a break from driving and pull off the road for some exercise and fresh air. If you are sleepy find a safe place to take a nap or spend the night at a hotel.

4. Be careful about what you eat and drink

Make sure to hydrate and eat high-protein snacks over heavy or fatty foods that will make you sleepy. If you are going to be driving you should avoid alcohol and medications that can that can cause fatigue or drowsiness. If you need to take medication talk with your doctor to find out how to lessen it’s effects on driving.

5. Drive defensively

While driving make sure to be prepared to prevent a collision if other drivers around you are drowsy. Driving defensively is important to protect yourself.

Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous.

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

October 27, 2017 , ,
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How to stay safe while trick-or-treating

How to stay safe while trick-or-treating

Halloween can be an exciting time of year for children, but the highlight of Halloween, trick or treating, can come with a lot of safety hazards and dangers. Make sure you read these seven tips from The National Safety Council to help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe while trick-or-treating this Halloween.

1. Supervise young children

A young child should never go trick-or-treating alone. A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children as they do their rounds throughout the neighbourhood for treats.

2. Set guidelines for the evening

If your children are older and are going out without you, it’s a good idea to set some guidelines before they leave for the evening. Plan and go over with your child a route that is safe and they will stick to. Staying in well-lit and familiar areas make for a safer evening. Remind your child to avoid trick-or-treating alone and stay with a buddy or a group. Before they leave decide on a time when they should expected to be home.

3. Pick and choose where to knock

While you’re out with your children, only approach homes that have a porch light on. Make sure to explain this to your children if they are going out without you as well. Not only will the bad lighting pose a safety issue but it also indicates that a knock on the door will not be welcomed. A lack of outdoor lights or decorations means there’s a good chance they aren’t participating in the Halloween fun.

4. Educate about stranger danger

Trick-or-treating on Halloween means your child might be interacting with a lot of strangers. While you probably have told your child on other occasions to never get into a stranger’s car or to never go into a stranger’s home it’s a good time to remind them before the trick-or-treating begins. The fun and excitement of Halloween can be distracting so let them know if they’re offered to go with a stranger, get into a stranger’s car or enter a stranger’s home to get a treat to say no.

5. Be aware

There can be lots of distractions on Halloween so it’s important to stay focused on where you’re going. Being glued to a phone and not paying attention to where you are going can be a problem for both parents and children. Keeping your eyes up, using a flashlight, looking both ways before crossing the street and walking instead of running can go a long way in keeping you and your children safe.

6. Wait to eat the treats

Whether your child is going out on their own or with you, setting a rule to wait to munch on their treats till arriving home is a good idea. Going through your child’s candy loot is essential for safety. Look at each item for tampering with the packaging and any allergens that might affect your child. Homemade treats, unless made by a close family member or friend you can trust, should be thrown out.

7. Pick your costume carefully

Your costume plays a big role in your Halloween safety. All parts of your child’s costume should be fire-resistant and if you or your children will be going out after dark, attaching reflective tape to their costumes and treat bags is a good way for them to stay visible. Also, if you or your child are using makeup as part of a costume ensure it’s nontoxic, test it in a small area before applying lots and remove all of it before going to sleep.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

October 20, 2017
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