Car accidents are stressful and scary, but knowing what to do after a crash can make the situation easier to handle. Here are some steps you should take if you get in a car accident:

1. Stop your vehicle and check for injuries. You should never leave the scene of an accident, even if it’s minor. You could face criminal charges for hit-and-run if you do. Instead, stop your vehicle as soon as possible and check if anyone is injured. If someone is hurt, call 911 and request an ambulance. Don’t move the injured person unless they are in danger.

2. Move your vehicle to a safe place If your vehicle is still drivable and there are no serious injuries, you should move it off the road to avoid blocking traffic or causing another collision. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers and use cones or flares if you have them.

3. Call the police or a collision reporting centre. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to call the police or a collision reporting centre. You should call the police if:

• Someone is injured or killed
• The damage exceeds $2,000
• The other driver is uninsured, impaired, or uncooperative
• The accident involves a pedestrian, cyclist, or animal

You should call a collision reporting centre (instead of the police) if:

• No one is injured and the damage is less than $2,000
• The vehicles are drivable and there are no criminal offences involved
• You have exchanged information with the other driver

You can find the nearest collision reporting centre in Brampton by visiting: www.peelpolice.ca/en/report-it/collision-reporting-centres.aspx

4. Exchange information with the other driver and witnesses. You should exchange the following information with the other driver:

• Name, address, phone number, and email
• Driver’s license number and province/state
• License plate number and vehicle make, model, and year
• Insurance company and policy number

You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Don’t admit fault or apologize to anyone, as this could affect your insurance claim.

5. Take photos and notes of the scene. You should document the scene of the accident as much as possible. Take photos of both vehicles, any damage, skid marks, road signs, traffic lights, weather conditions, and injuries. Write down the date, time, location, and direction of travel of both vehicles. Draw a diagram of how the accident happened and note any relevant details.

6. Call your insurance company. You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will ask you for details about the accident and guide you through the claims process. Be honest and cooperative with them, but don’t accept any settlement offers without consulting a lawyer first.

7. Seek Medical Attention and speak to a Car Accident Attorney. Even if you don’t feel any pain right after the accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some car accident injuries may not show up until later such as Whiplash Injury, Brain Trauma, Concussion, Bone Fracture or Internal Bleeding. Call us immediately if you are experiencing any of the following car accident symptoms:
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• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Chest Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Knee Pain
• Unexplained Pain (we will help diagnose with an assessment of injuries)

 
Keep all your medical records and receipts for any expenses related to your car accident injury. This includes any car accident Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Massage and Psychologist bills and also any medications.

You may also want to consult a car accident lawyer if you have any questions about your rights or responsibilities after an accident. An accident lawyer can help you negotiate with your insurance company or file a lawsuit against the other driver if necessary. Our network works closely with medical and legal professionals and we can help get you the help you need.

Car accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming, but following these steps can help you protect yourself and your interests. Remember to stay calm, be safe, and seek help when needed.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is identified by a pain that commonly radiates from the lower spine through the buttocks and alongside the back of one leg.
 
What causes sciatica and how does it feel?

Sciatica is typically caused by bony irregularities, spinal stenosis or a herniated disc in the spine. However, various injuries can also cause the sciatic nerve to be compressed or pinched. The pain results from the pinched or compressed sciatic root nerve and can produce a pain ranging from moderate to severe.
 
How can sciatica pain be described?

Moderate symptoms of sciatica can be described as tingling and numbness; whereas severe pain has been described as a burning and stabbing sensation.  Additional symptoms may include weakness in the effected area and difficulty sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
 
What to do when you are feeling symptoms of sciatica?

The diagnosis of sciatica should be determined by your health professional. Diagnosis usually consists of a medical history and physical examination which can be performed by a chiropractor or physiotherapist. In some instances, x-rays and other tests may be used to determine the underlying cause of pain.
 
How can sciatica be treated?

Sciatica can be treated by with the following medical interventions:

• Chiropractic
• Physiotherapy
• Massage Therapy
• Oral or Epidural Corticosteroids (rare cases)
• Surgery (for severe cases - cauda equina syndrome)

*Oral analgesics (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, etc.), heat / cold therapy and exercises can be used at home to temporarily relieve symptoms of pain. Always consult a medical professional before any form of treatment. 

Walking is an easy way to vastly improve your health. Walking requires no fancy equipment and most of us can do it everyday; yet, we often overlook the health benefits that come along with this simple exercise.

For instance, walking just 30 minutes everyday can reduce body fat, strengthen bones and muscles and improve endurance and cardiovascular health.

​We are often bombarded on social media with images of intense and impractical exercises that are not well suited for the average person and this can lead to body image issues along with other insecurities. However, high intensity workouts are not the only way to become physically fit.

In fact, a 2007 study of inactive women indicated that low intensity exercises (approximately 75 minutes per week) significantly improved physical fitness outcomes, when compared to the non-exercising group.

In other words, ignore the crazy diets and impractical exercises you see on social media and just get your butt walking!

Here are some benefits of walking for at least 30 minutes per day:

• Reduced risk of heart and cardiovascular disease
• Strengthens muscles and joints
• Increases endurance
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Promotes a healthy heart and better blood circulation
• Improves mood and brain health
• Improves digestion and immune system function
• Improves management of hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol and diabetes

​​DRS Physio & Wellness is a well-established leader in the rehabilitation field. Our expert practitioners have over 15 years of experience and strive to provide the highest level of care so you can reach maximum recovery from injuries and other health-related problems.  Please visit us for more information.

The inner body is like a warzone when effected by germs. Although our immune systems are great at fighting off germs, sometimes germs can successfully invade our bodies and make us sick. Is there a way to boost and strengthen our immune system? Check out the top 5 ways to boost you immune system.

​How to boost your immune system


1. Avoid Tobacco Products

Cigarette smoking causes numerous diseases and increases the risk of pneumonia and bronchitis. The smoke from tobacco suppresses the immune system and delays the immune system’s defensive response to infection. Essentially, the more you smoke the longer colds and flus will linger.


2. Lower Alcohol Intake

Alcohol disrupts immune pathways which can impair the body’s ability to defend and recover from infection. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption increases susceptibility to pneumonia and various other respiratory infections.


3. Healthy Diet

Nutrient rich foods such as, vegetables and fruits, provide your body with the fuel needed to keep your immune system functioning at its best. There are also certain foods such as garlic and honey which have antimicrobial agents that can actually act as an immune booster. If you are unable to get the proper nutrients from food, you should consider including vitamins, supplements and probiotics in your diet.


4. Sleep Well

Lack of sleep and too much sleep can be detrimental to your health. Rather, the focus should be on getting quality sleep. During sleep the immune system releases proteins called cytokines. Certain kinds of cytokines need to increase in order to fight infection. Therefore, lack of sleep or low-quality sleep, can decrease production of cytokines that are required to combat infection.


5. Stress Management

An excess of stress can lead to the increased production of a hormone call cortisol. Prolonged elevation of cortisol levels can lead to the suppression of the immune system. When the immune system is suppressed, immune response is delayed which can lead to infection. 

​DRS Physio & Wellness is a well-established leader in the rehabilitation field. Our expert practitioners have over 15 years of experience and strive to provide the highest level of care so you can reach maximum recovery from injuries and other health-related problems.  Please visit us for more information.