Page 22 – North Central News, March 2011
HEALTHY LIVING TO YOUR HEALTH
A tough new look at concussions By Gianni Vishteh, M.D., FACS
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The medical community in recent years has focused on traumatic head injuries and their long-term consequences in athletes, especially professional football players. Child athletes also can suffer from concussions—minor traumatic brain injuries caused by bumps or blows to the head. Multiple concussions can have cumulative and harmful effects on developing brains. Child athletes suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from the game immediately. “Getting your bell rung” can have potentially serious long-term neurological effects. You may notice some or all of these signs and symptoms of a concussion, either immediately or days later: appearing dazed; confusion; forgetfulness; clumsiness; answering questions slowly; inability to recall events before or after the hit/fall; and losing consciousness, even briefly. Other more delayed symptoms may include grogginess, memory problems, confusion, just not “feeling right,” headaches or pressure in the head, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision or sensitivity to light and noise. Family members may also report behavior or personality changes. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has classified concussions based on symptom duration and severity and set new standards for amateur sports leagues’ treatment of brain injuries. AAN made these recommendations in October: 1. Any athlete suspected to have suffered a concussion should be removed from participation until seen by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussions. 2. No athlete should be allowed to participate in sports if he or she is still experiencing symptoms from a concussion. 3. Following a concussion, a neurologist or physician with proper training should be consulted prior to clear-
ing the athlete for return to participation. 4. A certified athletic trainer should be present at all sporting events, including practices, where athletes are at risk for concussion. 5. Emphasis should be placed on education to maximize the understanding of concussions by all athletes, parents and coaches. For an athlete suffering a severe concussion—loss of consciousness of more than 1 minute—maintain the airway and immobilize the neck at the scene. Transport the athlete to the nearest hospital or Level I Trauma Center for a comprehensive evaluation. Based on the injury’s severity, a specialized professional should make the decision to clear a youth to return to the sport. Gianni Vishteh, M.D., FACS, is a board-certified neurosurgeon/spine surgeon. He is chairman of the Section of Neurosurgery and the medical director of Neurosurgical and Spinal Trauma at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital. The information in “To Your Health” is provided by John C. Lincoln Health Network as general information only. For medical advice, please consult your physician.
Health Briefs Free healthy living classes available Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine Center, 3201 N. 3rd St., offers a series of free Healthy Living classes every-other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Upcoming classes include “Allergy Relief ” on March 9, where you can learn how allergens affect the body and how to limit your exposure; and “Food & Nutrition 101” on March 23, touching on everything from balancing protein, carbohydrates and fats, to healthy portions and “super-foods” for optimal health. Space is limited; call 602-265-1774 to register for class. For more information, visit www.aimcenteraz.com.
Kinesphere offers two new workshops Kinesphere Pilates continues its special offerings this spring with two special workshops. Beginning March 5, Pilates master teacher and certified Gyrotonic instructor Lisa Perry will lead Core Intelligence. Short lectures will help you to become more familiar
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North Central News, March 2011 – Page 23 HEALTHY LIVING
with the muscles that comprise the core while simple exercises will assist you in strengthening this vital part of the body. Beginning April 9, certified Pilates instructor Lisa Thorngren, MFA, leads a Stretch and Release Workshop. Using small props and simple stretches, the workshop will focus on ways to release tension and improve flexibility throughout the body. Time will be spent on the specific areas of the body that frequently accumulate tension, helping you to feel more relaxed and move with greater freedom. Workshops are held on Saturdays and Wednesdays in 4-week series. Class cost is $50 pre-paid and size is limited to 10 participants. Kinesphere is located at 711 E. Missouri Ave., Suite 180. For more information, visit www.kinesphere-studio.com or call 602-532-3111.
Get outdoors for a good cause Enjoy Arizona’s temperate spring weather while helping out a great cause. Two events are planned this month that will help keep you in shape and provide necessary funds for research into debilitating medical issues.
5K Arizona VisionWalk Presented by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, this 5K walk is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at Encanto Park, 2605 N. 15th Ave. The Walk supports sight-saving research for retinal diseases including retinitis pig-
mentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome. People are invited to attend the free, family-friendly event, which will include activities for children, a bounce house, face painting, refreshments, a creative T-shirt contest, and much more. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. The Walk is free, however, a minimum donation of $100 is suggested. Visit www.VisionWalk.org or call 310207-2089.
GCU 5K/10K The GCU 5K/10K is a one- and two-loop course around Grand Canyon University, 3300 W. Camelback Road, along with a 1-mile Cancer survivor’s walk. It takes place on Saturday, March 12. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., and the races set off beginning at 7:30 a.m. Registration fee is $35 in advance/$40 day of for the 10K and $25 in advance/$30 day of for the 5K. The Survivor’s 1 Mile Walk is free for cancer survivors; registration required to receive a T-shirt. Family members and friends can participate and receive a T-shirt for $10. Your registration fee includes an official race T-shirt, goody bag, health expo entry, refreshments at the finish and prize money for the top finishers. Race proceeds will go to the Children’s Cancer Network, an Arizona charity supporting families who have children dealing with cancer. To register or for more information, visit http://www.gcuraceseries.com/getregistered.php.
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