June is Brain Injury Awareness Month.
Those of us who work with persons with head injuries on a daily
basis are aware of the prevalence of brain injuries in today's
fast paced world. Members of the general population are often
shocked to hear the staggering statistics.
Contact sports including football, hockey and boxing have long
been known to put their participants at risk of a brain injury.
Education has contributed to an increase in children wearing
helmets when cycling and skateboarding. Not until fairly recently
have helmets been recommended for tobogganing and skiing, and are
now required for cycling, skateboarding/scooters. This only makes
sense. Over 500,000 Canadians sustain a traumatic brain injury
(TBI) each year. Brain injury is the leading killer and disabler of
Canadians under the age of 40. Cyclists wearing helmets reduce the
risk of suffering a brain injury by 88%.
