National Concussion Awareness Day is September 20th



National Concussion Awareness Day was founded in 2016 by Brooke Mills, who suffered a concussion as a freshman in high school. National Concussion Awareness Day aims to create an opportunity for public discussion of the issue. We can positively impact lives by raising awareness of the importance of recognizing and treating a concussion appropriately and supporting the injured.  

A concussion is an injury to the brain that can change the way a person acts, thinks, and feels. Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions can occur when a sudden impact from a fall, bump, hit, or jolt causes the brain to bounce around or twist inside the skull. Falls are the number one cause of concussions. Concussions can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. Concussions can occur with or without loss of consciousness.  

Concussions and symptoms differ from person to person  You can experience physical symptoms (e.g., dizziness, confusion, headaches, vision issues, and nausea), cognitive symptoms (e.g., difficulty learning new information and slowed reaction times), emotional symptoms (e.g., easily irritated, more impulsive, and personality change), and/or sleep symptoms (e.g., interrupted sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and sleeping more). Symptoms may develop immediately or over time. 


At the start of the 2016-2017 school year, the North Carolina Return to Learn After Concussion policy (SHLT-001) became effective. This policy provides guidelines for ALL students to safely return to school after a concussion.  

Concussion Awareness Now has provided many resources to help spread the word and start the concussion conversation.  






Resources:

Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Injury Association of North Carolina
Concussion Awareness Now
International Concussion Society



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Image
This month, we want to take time to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide, those who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge all of those who have been impacted.  Why is this work important? According to the CDC, in 2021, there were 48,183 deaths by suicide in the United States, which is equivalent to 1 death every 11 minutes. 1.7 million adults attempted suicide. In 2021, the suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. In North Carolina, suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 10-18. There was a 94% increase in youth suicide from 2011-2020.  Suicide can be prevented by recognizing signs, learning how to help, and taking steps to help those in need. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Student Services Department has a district protocol to respond to and manage suicide risk.   Firearms are the most common method used, at more than 50%,
Read more

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 11-17, 2024

Image
  Although Random Acts of Kindness week will be celebrated next week, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has provided a calendar for the 2023-2024 school year; that's 365 ideas of ways to spread kindness. They also provide a variety of resources for spreading kindness at school, at home, and at work, including a 2024 calendar for adults to spread kindness at work throughout the year.  Additionally, the Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices department has compiled a Random Acts of Kindness resource folder that includes lesson plans, kindness activities, announcements, book lists, and more.  Join the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in their effort to make kindness the norm, not just next week, but all year long! 
Read more

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Image
  According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and only half of them receive treatment. NAMI is dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. They have more than 700 NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates who work to raise awareness and provide support and education to those in need. You can visit their website to find your local NAMI.  NAMI also actively participates in Mental Health Awareness Month to eradicate stigma, extend support, foster public education, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Join their Take the Moment campaign to promote open dialogues, and cultivate empathy and understanding. They have provided a toolkit with more information on the campaign including how to spread awareness, social media content, graphics to share, and facts.   NAMI provides a Teen & Young Adult He
Read more