VitalityHouse Health Articles

Sara Jane Brain Foundation’s American PABI Heroes Tour

I am very excited to announce that the Sara Jane Brain Foundation announced details yesterday for the 15-city "American PABI Heroes Tour" set for May 2009. The American PABI Heroes Tour will begin on May 3rd at Tufts University in Boston and end on May 17th at the University of Washington in Seattle. The tour will recognize musical artists around the country who have helped or are interested in helping families of children/young adults with pediatric acquired brain injury.

This will be an incredible way to honor the “PABI heroes” while also raising awareness of PABI and money for families who are dealing with PABI. In each of the 15 cities, one finalist will be selected from the 10-20 semifinalists who will be performing in each city to come to New York City on June 5th (Sarah Jane’s birthday) for the Grand Finale where they will be competing live to be crowned The American PABI Hero.

In each city, there will be a Judging Committee from the world of politics, entertainment, business and academia. The tour will also raise money in each city with all the net proceeds being split between the national pool and the winning artists and their PABI family.

For more information on the American PABI Heroes Tour and for the official entry form, visit the website online here.

MTBI 2009 - An International Conference on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

I am very pleased and honored to announce that I will be presenting a plenary address at MTBI 2009 – An International Conference on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. This will be the first International multidisciplinary conference on Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia August 12th – August 15th, 2009 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

The MTBI Conference Program will be structured around 6 core themes: Sports Concussions, Diagnosis and Treatment, Rehabilitation, Combat Injuries, Motor Vehicle Accidents and Litigation, and I will focus my presentation on MTBI and the law.You can access additional information online here.

Natasha Richardson’s Deadly Brain Injury

The tragic death of actress Natasha Richardson yesterday has raised new concerns over the need for prevention and early detection of mild traumatic brain injuries. While the first few hours after an injury has occurred are the most crucial in determining the severity of an injury, it is imperative to keep a watchful eye for the next 48-72 hours. As in the case of Richardson, no immediate symptoms were found after a fall during a ski lesson. However, it was the head pain which followed a few hours later that alerted her to the injury which later caused her death.

Prevention of brain injuries is also a subject we need to be more consciously aware of. If Richardson had been wearing a helmet while skiing, the likelihood of suffering a brain injury would have decreased dramatically. Wearing a helmet while riding a bike or motorcycle, or playing sports, such as football, soccer and skiing, will greatly increase your chances of preventing a brain injury before it has the chance to occur.

I found an interesting article on CNN.com today which discusses several common misconceptions associated with mild traumatic brain injuries. I also found a Q&A section on Good Morning America's website which answers common questions people are asking in response to Richardson's death.

Stay Focused on Safety

On March 9, 2009, the Asbury Park Press published an editorial, “Stay focused on safety.” This piece focused on four bills pertaining to teen driver safety that passed the General Assembly.  The Asbury Park Press advocates passage of these bills.

Given prevention of brain injury is a core principle of the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey's  mission, they advocate passage of these bills. As such, I respectfully encourage you to send a response to the editorial board of the Asbury Park Press and reinforce the message that these bills need to become law for the sake of preventing brain injury in teenage drivers.

 

Brain Injury Association of New Jersey’s Annual Gala Recap

Last week I attended the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey’s annual gala in Whippany, New Jersey.  It was a wonderful success and congratulations go out to John Tiene, chairman of the board of trustees as well as to Barbara Geiger-Parker, president and CEO.

The gala was chaired by mistress of ceremonies Becky Quick, anchor of CNBC’s signature morning program, “Squawkbox.”  Miss Quick, whose brother Brian is a brain injury survivor, gave a wonderful and heartwarming keynote address discussing the need for prevention on one hand and discussing the Association’s wonderful Trek program, a summer camp for individuals with acquired brain injury. 

This year, the Association honored Corinne “Cookie” Slade, founder and former president of Rehabilitation Specialists along with Paul Anzano, Esq. and Steven Benvenisti, Esq.

Special thanks also go out to Richard Bagger, senior vice president Worldwide Public Affairs and Policy, Pfizer, Inc. and Tony Dickson, president and CEO (Ret.), past recipients of the BIANJ leadership award and this year’s honorary chairman who through their hard work ensured that this year’s gala was once again a wonderful success.

I am honored to serve on the board of trustees of BIANJ and congratulate all involved in making this event such a success.