Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month in the U.S.

Traumatic brain injury usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body.

Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two brain injuries are exactly alike. Unfortunately, for some, brain injury is the start of a lifelong disease process.

We all can make our own contribution in reducing the number of brain injures by following these simple but potentially life-savings steps:

• Buckle up every car ride
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Wear a helmet, or appropriate headgear whenever it is needed
• Prevent older adult falls: talk to your doctor to evaluate your risk for falling, review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy
• Have your eyes checked at least once a year, and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed
• Make living and play areas safer for children: install window guards, use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, make sure your child’s playground has soft material