November

WorkSafeBC’s Research Services department supports the development of high-quality scientific evidence in occupational health and safety. Focusing on emerging issues and applied research, Research Services provides funding for academic scientific study and practical, innovative projects aimed at finding solutions for pressing workplace safety needs.

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In the September issue of the BCMJ, Ms Fahra Rajabali and colleagues wrote that the gross cost for the leading causes of injury (including transport incidents) in 2013 ranged from $547 to $922 million.[1] Dr Richardson’s editorial in the same issue asked for good studies,[2] and Dr Cadesky asked us to use science and stories to appeal to people.[3]

References

“Knock knock.”

“Who’s there?”

“Your doc.”

“Your doc who?”

“Your family doctor.”

“What?! No way!”

The door swings open and there she stands, Mrs S., with a genuine smile on her beautifully wrinkled face. Her smile widens even more when she sees that I have my 3-year-old daughter in tow. She opens her arms for a hug and welcomes us into her home. It is a very tidy and organized space full of knickknacks and pictures of her loved ones.

This year, as another flu season begins, I’m going to try a different approach with my patients to conserve all the energy I expend trying to educate them (see my editorial in the Jan/Feb 2017 issue, “Of rhinos and flu”). 

“Hey Doc, do you think I should get the flu shot?”

“Nope.”

“Why not?”

“Haven’t you heard? That shot gives you the flu!”

“What?”

“Well, it contains parts of the flu virus, which are injected into you.”

“That doesn’t sound good.”

Dr Fred Ceresney was born during the Roaring Twenties, graduated from the University of Toronto, and served in the Canadian armed forces as a medical officer before setting up family practice in Langley.