March 10, 2008 - Today, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, working together with community partners, presented the Safety in Style Fashion Showcase at Intercity Shopping Centre demonstrating the newest designs in safety apparel.

The intent of the fashion show was to highlight that recreational safety wear has come a long way in terms of maximum performance, style and comfort.  Innovations in technology and design now allow the wearer to maintain their “cool factor” and be safe at the same time.

By region, children and teens living in northern Ontario have the highest rates in the province for injuries requiring hospitalization.  Recreational sports injury is the second leading cause for these hospitalizations.  In terms of deaths, about three-quarters of all deaths among Canadian youth 15-19 years of age are injury-related. 

“The teen years are an important period in the development of personal identity”,  says Marita Campbell, a Public Health Nurse working in Injury Prevention at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. “Beliefs, values and attitudes play a key role in shaping choices and behaviour.  Many of our young people knowingly make unsafe choices rather than risk possible ridicule from their peers.  We’re going to show them that they can be safe and cool at the same time.”  Representatives from local youth groups modeled the latest in safety and fashion during this fun and interactive event.

The Safety in Style Fashion Showcase was presented by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and was supported by Canadian Red Cross, the Thunder Bay Community Traffic Awareness Committee (CTAC), Risk Watch Coalition, Snowmobile ATV Vessel Education (SAVE) Committee, as well as Intercity Shopping Centre and local businesses. 

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