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MCC Daily Tribune

Brain Injury Awareness Month

Brain Injury Awareness Month falls in the month of March in the U.S. These injuries comprise fall-related damage to the brain, forceful impact to the head, or penetration by sharp objects. This is an issue that especially affects older people, with a higher proportion of fall-related brain injuries resulting in death among people above 75 years of age. At least 2.8 million people in the U.S. sustain traumatic brain injuries per year. Most people are at a loss of how to be around these injured people, which is part of the reason why Brain Injury Awareness month was created.

HOW TO OBSERVE BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

  1. Read about the topic

    Organizations like BIAA have many online resources for the public, patients, and families on several topics such as brain injury types, prevention, treatment as well as legal options. There are even social media-friendly posters and documents that one can download and share from their site.

  2. Find a local chapter

    There are also state chapters of the BIAA in the U.S. The contact details are available on their site, so you can get in touch with them and find out more about their upcoming events and activities. You will also find statewide resources that you may want to share with someone or on social media platforms.

  3. Learn policy priorities

    There are policy changes that we can advocate for to reduce cases of traumatic brain injuries and support research for better treatment and care in the field. There is even a Congressional Task Force on the matter. This is the perfect time for us to learn how to be part of a larger change that can impact the lives of people.

5 FACTS ABOUT THE BRAIN THAT WILL ASTONISH YOU

  1. The 1990s and the brain

    President George W. Bush designates the 1990s as the decade of the brain.

  2. Most brain injuries are from falls

    Almost half of all brain injuries (48%) are fall-related.

  3. Fall-related deaths have increased

    A study showed that fall-related deaths increased in older people from 2007 to 2016 and another showed an annual increase in 2020.

  4. Men have higher fall rates

    In the same study, it was seen that 73 out of 100,000 men had fall-related deaths as opposed to 54 for women, perhaps owing to differing occupational or domestic chores.

  5. Brain awareness has a ribbon

    Blue is the color of the ribbon designated for brain awareness.

WHY BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT

  1. It is a brainy topic

    There is so much to learn about the brain, including how to protect it and care for it in case of trauma. The topic is vast and has real consequences for millions of Americans. March is an opportunity to raise our own awareness about the issue.

  2. It is relevant to all of us

    Some professions carry the risk of greater brain injury than others. However, this is an issue that could affect any of us in the wrong circumstance. We need to be equipped to protect our heads, prevent injury, and also be able to locate the right resources in case we need to in the event of an injury.

  3. It’s a chance to advocate

    Organizations like the BIAA have many resources to encourage aspiring fundraisers and general advocates to get started. They also have connections with different government departments. This is a topic that has received the government’s attention and is ripe for further progress.

 

Brain Injury Awareness Month - National Today - https://nationaltoday.com/brain-injury-awareness-month/

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
03/17/2023