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Whether you're hitting the pavement to clear your mind, train for a race, or just enjoy the fresh air, running is one of the best ways to stay fit and feel great. But let’s be real—it can also lead to some bumps, bruises, and other unexpected surprises. To keep you on track and injury-free, here are eight first aid tips every runner should have in their back pocket.

In response to a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, the Mexican Red Cross quickly mobilized hundreds of volunteers and staff. This includes medical personnel such as nurses and doctors, 140 ambulances and 30 urban rescue unit to provide assistance to people impacted by the disaster in Mexico City and in Puebla.

Full disclosure: I play soccer and have seen my fair share of head injuries on the field and I feel fairly confident in what to do, but when it comes to my rambunctious and active toddler, I’m sometimes unsure if I need to be concerned about a bump to the head or when I can chalk it up to just another bruise that isn’t going to slow him down.

So far, an estimated 1.2 million people have been impacted by Hurricane Irma and the powerful storm still poses a serious threat to millions more as it continues to barrel through the Caribbean.

The Red Cross is on the ground, responding to the needs of people who have already been affected, while still ramping up readiness in areas where the category 5 hurricane has yet to make landfall.The Canadian Red Cross already has a presence in the area and is in contact with the International Federation of the Red Cross to support the mobilization of regional teams.

Imagine relying on candlelight to be able to deliver heathcare. In remote parts of Liberia’s Bomi county, this has been the reality for healthcare workers - and is one of the examples that Sayba Tamba, Secretary General of the Liberian Red Cross Society when she said, “the state of health facilities in Bomi demands immediate intervention if we are to save lives.” 

So, you’re out on your own. Living on your own for the first time is exciting – and can also be a little intimidating. While we can’t help with roommates who use up all the paper towels and never replace them, or upstairs neighbours who practice their tap dancing at all hours, we can offer a bit of advice for how to help make your new home safer. 
 

Last week, I accompanied the Canadian Red Cross outreach team as they were visiting First Nation communities affected by the BC Wildfires and was reminded that no community or individual is too far to be reached. 

Local firefighters Lara and Tristan had just moved to the area before their wedding this Saturday. When the fires literally hit them close to home they got to work.