VitalityHouse Health Articles

Disaster Care for Those with Special Needs

In preparation for 2008 Hurricane season as well as any potential emergency event, the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem, in partnership with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, have created New Jersey's Special Needs Registry for Disasters, a free, voluntary and confidential program designed to assist people with special needs who may find it difficult to get to safety in the event of an emergency.

For those of you who live in the counties offering this service, you may register for it. To learn more about Register Ready and how to register, click here.    

If you have any questions, contact Tom Grady, Director of Advocacy & Public Affairs for the Brain Injury Association at 732-745-0200 or at tgrady@bianj.org.

Another BRC Expert Barred From Testifying

Readers of this blog are familiar with my efforts to bar defense biomechanical engineers and accident reconstruction “experts” from providing invalid biomechanical testimony that people cannot be injured in low-impact collisions.  Recently, I served as amicus counsel for ATLA-NJ before the New Jersey Supreme Court.

I am happy to report that recently in Corpus Christi, Texas, a Texas attorney was successful in having a biodynamic research corporation expert barred from testifying.  Plaintiff’s expert was Michael Freeman, Ph.D.  I have been advised that this is at least the thirteenth time that a plaintiff’s attorney has been successful in barring a BRC engineer based on the testimony of Dr. Freeman.

Baseline Cognitive Testing For High School Athletics

In February 2006, the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey announced the availability of grant funds for New Jersey high schools to implement computerized preseason baseline and concussion management for athletes.

Initially, 35 high schools in New Jersey implemented ImPACT which stands for Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, a computerized testing developed by Micky Collins, Ph.D. in Pittsburgh, PA.

Presently, almost 100 New Jersey high schools have signed on to the project. The actual cost to the high school is less than $1,000.

The strength of this test and the program was recently highlighted and demonstrated as major league baseball has announced that it will begin to obtain baseline test scores from major league athletes.

For those parents, coaches and school board members interested in having ImPACT in your high school, please call the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey at 732-745-0200.

All You Can Eat

I had dinner out at one of those Chinese all you can eat buffet restaurants last night.

Great food and I sampled lots of different dishes (in small quantities, of course!)

But, I couldn't help noticing that the place had more than it's fair share of overweight people (mainly women it has to be said) who didn't seem to have the small quantities approach but seemed to be intent on getting their money's worth.

The plates were tiny which should be an advantage to those of us trying to eat moderately but I was amazed at how much food some people managed to pile on them - like it was a personal challenge or something.

If you have weight to lose and you know temptation will get the better of you then this is probably the last type of restaurant you should choose - other than the one you know will serve you food for a small army whether you ask for a small portion or not.

Brain Injury Association of New Jersey - Event Update

On Wednesday June 18, 2008 I attended the Board of Trustees meeting of the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey. It is an extremely exciting time at BIA-NJ. Most recently, we have moved into our new offices located at 825 Georges Road, North Brunswick, New Jersey 08902 (telephone number 732-745-0200). Next Wednesday, BIA-NJ will be holding its open house to introduce the community to our new offices.

I am also excited about the wonderful turnout that we had at this years’ gala at the Crystal Palace in Livingston, New Jersey. Plans are already underway for next years’ gala which will be held on March 10 or 11. Because of the size of the attendance, we will be looking for a larger venue to host this outstanding event.

I was also excited to learn of BIA-NJ’s implementation of our new web-based program called U Got Brains. This interactive website is designed specifically for children, adolescence and high school students.

Finally, I encourage everyone to mark their calendars for the upcoming Walk For Thought/Cycle For Safety scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2008 at both Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, New Jersey and Saddle River County Park in Paramus, New Jersey. We are still looking for sponsors and anyone interested should contact BIA-NJ headquarters at the telephone number above.

This has certainly been a milestone year and I congratulate Barbara Geiger-Parker, our President and her staff as well as John Tiene, Chairperson.