Preventing Brain Injury http://6abc.com/health/kids-health-matters-teen-driving-safety-tips/700439/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/whats-wrong-with-the-teen-brain/

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What is a Brain Injury? An acquired brain injury (ABI) includes all types of traumatic brain injuries and also brain injuries caused after birth by cerebral vascular accidents (commonly known as stroke), and loss of oxygen to the brain (hypoxic brain injury). A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external force after birth. Common causes of a traumatic brain injury include gunshot wounds, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, or falling and striking your head. ***Injuries to the brain that are present at birth or progressive in nature, such as Alzheimers disease or Parkinson's are not considered a traumatic or acquired brain injury.*** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJWcOYftedk

Most Common Causes of Brain Injury in Adolescents Motor Vehicle Related Sports and Recreational Activities Violence/Abuse

Motor Vehicle Related Accidents are the Most Common Cause of Brain Injury/Death in Teens …but why?

Inexperienced Driving Not following or understanding street signs, not knowing to correct driving patterns based on road conditions, speeding, not wearing a seat belt, etc. new drivers start off with very little knowledge or understanding of the complexities of driving an automobile. Like any other skill it takes time to master Adolescents aged 16 – 19 are 3 times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers aged 20 or older. For each mile driven, the fatal crash rate is twice as high for 16 – 17 year olds as compared to 18 – 19 year olds. In 2016, 48% of teens (16 – 19) who died in a motor vehicle accident were not wearing a seatbelt.

Impaired/Distracted Driving Too many people in the car, radio, cell phone use, not having both hands on the wheel in general, etc. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may severely effect decision making skills, eyesight, reaction times, and memory. In 2016, 16% of drivers ages 15 – 20 involved in fatal accidents had a BAC of 0.08 or higher.

Ten Tips for Safe Driving Always wear your seat belt! Never use your cell phone while driving! Keep distractions inside the vehicle to a minimum! Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road! Follow traffic signs and lights accordingly! No Speeding! Have an idea of where you’re going before you leave! Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol! Don’t be the distraction as a passenger! Be more cautious when driving in bad weather and/or at night! Middle back seat – the last place you want to be!

Sports/Recreational Head Injuries (Concussions) are the 2nd Most Common Cause of Brain Injury in Teens A concussion is a mild form of brain injury and is the most common head injury that occurs while playing a sport. Signs/Symptoms: Thinking/Remembering – difficulty thinking clearly, feeling slowed down, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering new information. Physical – headache, fuzzy/blurry vision, nausea or vomiting (unexpectedly), dizziness, sensitivity to noise or light, balance problems, feeling, having no energy. Emotional/Mood – irritability, sadness, more emotional, nervousness or anxiety. Sleep – sleeping more than usual, sleeping less than usual, trouble falling asleep.

***Concussions do not always appear with the exact symptoms as listed on the previous slide. If you have been hit in the head or fall on your head/neck during a sport or recreational activity see a doctor!*** If you are diagnosed with a concussion you must REST! Concussions are the number one cause of brain injury with sports-related injuries! You must speak with a doctor before returning to your normal physical AND mental activities after a concussion!

Preventing Sports-Related Injuries Use head gear/helmets that have been approved by trusted testing facilities. Approved helmets will be marked with a sticker! Make sure gear/helmets fit appropriately! Never dive in shallow water or murky water! Never slide or dive head first! http://www.bhsi.org/donation.htm

Preventing Injury Due To Violence 10 Steps to Avoid Violence/Injury Recognize situations or events that are likely to escalate into violence. Stop whatever you are doing and count to 10 backward. This will help you think about your feelings before they get out of control. If you can't control your anger, get away. Take a time out. Think about the options and consequences of your actions. For example, hitting someone could result in suspension from school or injury. If necessary, get help from a third party to solve differences. Cool off. Make sure you are calm and then talk to the person. Listen carefully to the other person's opinion. Be assertive, not aggressive. Stand up for your ideals. Begin every sentence with "I" For example: "I feel this way..." or "I don't like it when..." Be willing to admit and be responsible for something you may have done wrong. Respond with your mind/words – not your fists, threats, or weapons. © 2001, American Medical Association

References http://www.biapa.org/site/c.iuLZJbMMKrH/b.1841217/k.39EF/Tips_for_preventing_brain_injury.htm http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/Fact_Sheet_ConcussTBI-a.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pdf/BlueBook_factsheet-a.pdf http://www.brainline.org/content/2011/04/head-injury-prevention-tips.html http://www.aans.org/patient%20information/~/media/Files/Patient%20Information/Patient%20Safety%20Tips/head_injury_prevention.ashx http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/factsheets_reports.html https://ncadd.org/for-youth/prevention-tips