Injury prevention: the time has come

Abstract

Although cancer, heart disease and stroke occupy much of society's attention to health matters, injuries account for more potential years of life lost before age 65 than all these diseases combined. The time has come to set the record straight and to give injury its rightful place on the health policy agenda. Contrary to popular belief, most injuries are no accident. More than 90% of injuries are both predictable and preventable. Injury prevention, a multidisciplinary effort, is coming of age in Canada. Education alone is not enough. New technology, innovative approaches to safety education and the mobilization of community resources can help to change behaviour and legislation to decrease the risk of injury. Physicians have an important role to play in this process.