Steps You Can Take to Promote Head and Brain Safety during the “Trauma Season”
Medical professionals worldwide like to refer to the summer months—June, July and August—as “trauma season.” People of all ages come out to bask in the warm summer weather and many actively participate in a wide range of activities, from biking and swimming to tennis, softball and baseball, and other recreational sports. Studies consistently show that hospital emergency rooms and urgent care facilities have their heaviest traffic when school’s out for the summer.
A concussion or traumatic brain injury can ruin your summer and may leave you with long-term or permanent physical and mental challenges. Here are some simple steps you can take this summer to minimize the risk of head trauma:
- Wear a helmet—Though it won’t guarantee that you won’t suffer a traumatic brain injury, a helmet can make a significant difference when there’s low impact to your head or neck. Furthermore, it can prevent other types of injury, such as skull fractures or penetration wounds. Whether you’re hitting the mountain bike trails, taking your road bike out, getting on some inline skates or hopping on a motorcycle, a good helmet can help protect your noggin.
- Always buckle up when you’re in a car—Whether you’re in the front seat or the back seat, whether you’re travelling two miles or two hundred miles, make certain you’re wearing a seatbelt. The data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration both show that passengers who wear seatbelts suffer fewer injuries and less serious injuries.
- Inspect your yard for potential dangers—The most common cause of TBI is not car accidents—it’s slips and falls. If you have toys, tools or other debris in your yard, they can create a tripping hazard for youngsters or the elderly. Don’t leave ladders leaning against the house—they’re a magnet for small children. Make certain swings and other playground-type equipment is properly assembled and maintained.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.