March is Brain Injury Awareness Month – A Concussion is a Brain Injury

Brain Injury Awareness Month March 2011
A concussion is a brain injury. Get the facts. http://www.biausa.org/brain-injury-awareness-month.htm

In recognition of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month and the Brain Injury Association’s ongoing commitment to sports and concussions, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) and its nationwide network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates is continuing its nationwide education and advocacy campaign: “A concussion is a brain injury. Get the facts.” This year’s campaign launches in March with radio and print public service announcements, awareness proclamations and special events. A state advocacy effort to introduce legislation to train coaches and protect youth athletes will continue throughout the year along with ongoing nationwide education.

A concussion is a brain injury, period. BIAA believes coaches of every school athletic team and every extracurricular athletic activity should be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of brain injury, including concussions and second impact syndrome. BIAA also believes young athletes who appear to have sustained a concussion should have written authorization by a health care professional before returning to play.

A concussion is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a lack of proper diagnosis and management of concussion may result in a serious long-term consequences, or risk of coma or death. Signs and symptoms may be noticeable immediately, or it may take days or weeks before they are present.

United State each year. Of that number, U.S. emergency departments treat approximately 135,000 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, among children ages 5 to 18.

To learn more about these initiatives or to learn more about awareness and advocacy events taking place in your state during the month of March and throughout the year and how you can get involved, contact your chartered state affiliate today. For more information on media materials contact the Director of Affiliate Services by e-mail or phone at 703-761-0750, ext. 622.

Have a kind and respectful day.

Interview with Maria Tadd – Live Better, Live Longer – High Tech Devices for Fall Prevention and Detection on Feb. 25, 9AM PST, blogtalkradio.com/kindethics

Join me as I interview, Maria Tadd, fall prevention expert and author of “Happiness is Growing Old at Home”

Maria Tadd is a freelance medical writer and author. Her writing covers a broad spectrum including promotional materials for the pharmaceutical industry and the professional medical community, articles on spirituality and holistic health, haiku poems, and her book on elder care, Happiness Is Growing Old at Home, which has been endorsed by Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Larry Dossey and Dr. C. Norman Shealy. She has also written book chapters for Life Extension a manufacturer of nutraceuticals highlighting the use of supplements to prevent and treat diseases. As the co-founder and editor of Innerchange magazine, she conducted interviews and wrote book reviews. A graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture and a life-long student of holistic health, homeopathy, meditation and nutrition, she has a unique understanding of how to merge Eastern and Western perspectives. Maria’s knowledge of medications, herbs and supplements helped keep her mother healthy for decades until her death at age 95.
Since the publication of her book, she has been a guest on Fox 50 TV and various radio shows. She also has given talks and has presented webinars. To learn more about healthy aging please visit her web site, www.agingathome.info.

Have a kind and respectful day.

September 23rd is Fall Prevention Day – But Fall Prevention Should Be Everyday When Working With Seniors

Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries for Americans 65 and older. More than 18,000 older Americans die every year because of a fall, and the rate has risen dramatically over the last 10 years.

“When older adults fall, it often leads to a loss of independence, reduced mobility, and earlier admission to a nursing home,” said Lynn Beattie, Vice President of Injury Prevention with the National Council on Aging, and national director of the Falls Free™ Coalition. “But the good news is, through appropriate risk management – falls are preventable.”

Studies show that a combination of interventions can significantly reduce falls in the older adult population. Experts recommend a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components; consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment; having medications reviewed periodically, getting eyes checked annually; and making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.

At senior centers across the United States, programs like A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi, and Stepping On help older adults gain the strength, improved balance, and confidence to help them live healthier lives and preserve their independence.

For more information:

http://www.ncoa.org/resources.html?resinterest=falls-prevention&x=115&y=11

http://www.stopfalls.org/FPweek/coalitions.shtml

Have a kind and respectful day.