PETRO MONTHLY
FEBRUARY 2018
HIGHSCHOOL SPORTS ANDCONCUSSIONS CTE A wareness and R eactive L egislation
Odd February Holidays 1. National Freedom Day 2. Groundhog Day 3. Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day 4. Super Bowl Sunday 5. National Weatherman’s Day 6. National Chopsticks Day 7. Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day 8. Kite Flying Day 9. National Pizza Day 10. Umbrella Day FROM THE DESK OF Mark Petro
11. National Inventors Day 12. National Lost Penny Day 13. Get a Different Name Day 14. Valentine’s Day 15. Singles Awareness Day 16. Do a Grouch a Favor Day 17. Random Acts of Kindness Day 18. National Drink Wine Day 19. President’s Day 20. Love Your Pet Day 21. Card Reading Day 22. National Margarita Day 23. Tennis Day 24. National Tortilla Chip Day 25. Pistol Patent Day 26. Tell a Fairy Tale Day 27. No-Brainer Day 28. Public Sleeping Day
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive, degenerative disease caused by repetitive head trauma. Studies show that CTE leads to dementia, memory loss, suicidal thoughts, and personality and mood changes. Bennet Omalu, a forensic neuropathologist and the chief medical examiner for San Joaquin County in California, first identified CTE in 2002 during an autopsy of former Pittsburgh Steelers center MikeWebster. Before then, CTE had only been seen in boxers. When the film“Concussion”opened in 2015, more people were exposed to the story of the discovery of CTE in football players and to the dangers associated with the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, some possible signs of CTE include difficulty thinking, impulsive behavior, depression, emotional instability, substance abuse, irritability, aggression, and motor impairment. While CTE has been recognized by the NFL as a risk of playing professional football, until recently, few high school players, parents, and coaches gave CTE and concussion protocol a second thought. In July of 2017, a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association presented a startling statistic: CTE was discovered in 3 out of 14 high school players and 48 out of 53 college players whose brains had been donated to the Boston University School of Medicine. Additionally, CTE was found in 110 out of 111 former NFL players. The study also showed high rates of CTE among semiprofessional and Canadian Football League players. Although the findings are incredibly alarming, there was one flaw in the study. All of the athletes’ brains were donated to the brain bank set up by the VA Boston Health Care System, Boston University School of Medicine, and the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
–Mark Petro
Continued on page 2 ...
205-900-3361 • 1
Cover story, continued ... The bank only accepted brains from individuals who were exposed to repetitive head trauma. Since they were donated under these conditions, the brains were not a random sample and cannot be used to represent the brains of all football players. Althoughmedical professionals cannot make general assumptions based on this study alone, it still provides one concrete conclusion: Players who were exposed to repetitive head trauma showed high rates of CTE. CHANGING LEGISLATION A lot has changed in the past 10 years when it comes to sports-related concussions. As evidence of the devastating effects of traumatic brain injuries grows, many people have demanded preventative steps. Some of the most tangible results of the public’s concern are the laws passed in all 50 states that try to address head injuries among young athletes. The youth sport laws that have been passed mostly require coaches, trainers, athletes,
15, that number went down to 11 percent, and then down to 7 percent in 2015–16. The sport most often associated with concussions and CTE is football, but it is not the only sport that carries the risk of traumatic brain injury. When football is taken out of the equation, girls’soccer players report the next highest rate of concussions, followed by boys’ wrestling. But despite the rise of state laws in recent years, enforcement and widespread data collection continue to be sparse, and these laws do not prevent concussions in the first place.
and parents to be educated about the effects of concussions. Most laws also require athletes to be removed from play after a concussion and prevent them from returning until they have been cleared by medical staff. The idea behind these laws is not only to create awareness about the dangers of concussions, but also to prevent recurring head injuries. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health explored how effective those laws have been in reducing recurring concussions. It found that the laws had led to a noticeable, nationwide decline in repeated concussions among teenagers. The laws were passed between 2009 and 2014. Researchers found that, immediately after the laws went into effect, the number of concussions increased. They attributed this phenomenon to improved reporting of concussions. About two and a half years after each law was passed, the numbers of repeated concussions began to decline. In 2013–14, recurrent concussions accounted for 14 percent of the total number. In 2014–
Regardless of the existing evidence, opinions differ on concussion and CTE risks. Some athletes view CTE as an inherent risk of contact sports, just like you risk breaking an ankle or a wrist. Other athletes have chosen to forgo athletics altogether in order to avoid the potential development of CTE. Only time will tell what further evidence will yield and whether states will enact new legislation. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your child to decide if you are okay with assuming the risks of playing a contact sport. Forced Sharing Is Not Caring Teach Children Generosity Through Autonomy
So, what should be taught? Markham says children need to be given the tools to handle sharing situations.“We do want our child to notice when another child would like a turn, and to ensure that child gets a turn,”she said.“And when someone else has something that our child wants, we hope that she’ll be able to control her impulses and use her words to work out an arrangement so that she can use the object in the future.” When we teach kids that they can use an object for as long as they’d like and that they can give it to the other child when they are finished, we are teaching them the following thoughts. • I can ask for what I want. Sometimes I get a turn soon and sometimes I have to wait. • It’s okay to cry, but it doesn’t mean I get my way. • I don’t get everything I want. • I don’t have to whine and convince my parent that I need a turn, because I know I will get it. • When I give my toy to my sibling, I feel good inside. I’m a generous person. According to Markham, this helps your child learn patience and empathy, which may leave them better equipped to handle bigger situations in the future. Forced sharing may seem positive in nature, but the harmful competition it creates may rob children of the chance to be truly generous and communicate their feelings and desires.
One of the most common principles of early childhood education is teaching children to play well with others, and oftentimes, this includes teaching them to share. While this aspect of education seems like a no- brainer to some, others have started to question the importance of sharing. In fact, this movement is taking the internet and nation by storm, one blog and social media post at a time, and it’s gaining traction with parents and preschools alike. According to Laura Markham, clinical psychologist at Columbia University and author of“Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings,”“Forcing children to share doesn’t teach the lessons we want them to learn.”During preschool, kids are learning to meet their own needs, and rather than teaching kids to speak up for themselves, forced sharing teaches them the following thoughts. • If I cry loud enough, I get what I want. • Parents are in charge of who gets what and when, and it’s arbitrary, depending only on their whim and how dramatically I beg for my turn. • I am in constant competition to get what I need. • If I make my parent miserable, I’ll get what I want. Forced sharing undermines children’s ability to lose themselves in play while also plaguing their relationships with other children with constant competition. In the end, neither child gets to experience true generosity from their peer.
2 • www.petrolawfirm.com
WHICH FURRY OR SPECKLED FRIEND IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD?
Teach Your Kids Responsibility With Pets
GUINEA PIGS
Pets are more than furry friends to cuddle with during a Netflix marathon or spunky critters to watch dash around woodchips and newspaper shavings. These creatures, nomatter how small, can benefit the entire family. Just taking care of a pet is rewarding in and of itself, and all that responsibility can do wonders for your children. But, nomatter what type, age, or temperament of pet you choose, you will need to devote time, money, patience, and commitment to that relationship. Although no pet is commitment-free, some are better than others for children who need to ease into their new role as a pet owner. BRINE SHRIMP These tiny crustaceans, better known as sea monkeys, are foolproof starter pets for kids who just aren’t ready for the full commitment other pets require. Usually available in kits, children need only add water, and soon, they’ll watch their tiny sea monkeys emerge, become active, and grow. Maintenance for these creatures involves once-a-week feeding and occasionally adding water. A whole colony of these shrimp can thrive for a year or more withminimal care. LEOPARD GECKOS The appeal of cold-blooded creatures may be less obvious than that of fluffy, cuddly mammals, but reptiles make cool pets. When shopping for one, consider looking at small lizards like leopard geckos. These docile reptiles are lowmaintenance compared to larger lizards, snakes, and turtles. Though they are delicate in infancy, they grow into resilient and hardy adults.
Often overlooked for their smaller cousins, these gentle rodents make great pets for kids. Guinea pigs rarely bite, and they
interact with humans by squeaking and playing hide-and-seek. These rodents prefer to live in groups, so consider adopting two female Guinea pigs. In addition, long-haired Guinea pigs require daily grooming, which is great practice for those children yearning for a dog. OLDER DOGS AND CATS Though the overwhelming cuteness of puppies and kittens is quite tempting, they don’t make good starter pets. These furry friends require a lot of patience and training if you want them to grow into well-adjusted pets. Instead, adopt an adult dog or cat from an animal shelter. Older animals tend to be more tolerant of children, and trained and socialized animals are easier for kids to take care of. But, even the gentlest dogs and cats require a lot of work, so they are better suited for older children. Caring for a pet can be an incredibly rewarding learning experience. Pets provide companionship, entertainment, and educational opportunities for kids who are ready tomeet the challenge. Taking on the responsibility for an animal can teach your child to feel empathy for others, and that everlasting bond can provide immeasurable fulfillment for everyone in your family.
Take a Break!
DETOX SALAD Sweet and Zesty
Hoping to shave off those extra holiday pounds or keep upwith your NewYear’s resolution? Look no further than this easy winter detox salad!
Ingredients
For the Salad
3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage 1 cup matchstick carrots 1 large carrot, roughly chopped 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds ⅓ cup sliced green onions 1 diced avocado 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon white miso 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Dressing
Directions
taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.
1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender
or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to
Recipe courtesy of LoveAndLemons.com
205-900-3361 • 3
(205) 900-3361 www.petrolawfirm.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Petro Law Firm 2323 2nd Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203
INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Mark PAGE 1 Is Your Child At Risk for Traumatic Brain Injury? PAGE 1 Sharing Isn’t Caring When It’s Forced PAGE 2 Looking for Your Next Family Pet? PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Whip UpThis Winter Salad in a Flash PAGE 3 The Brain on 2 Languages PAGE 4 If you speak a second language, you have the unique ability to set your child up for a lifetime of advantages. Not only does a second language benefit your child in adulthood, but learning another language also strengthens multiple parts of their developing brain, according to Michigan State University. You may not want to overload your kids with two lexicons, but this is really not the case. Children quickly adapt to dual languages. The brain is a muscle, and like any other muscle in our body, the more it’s exercised, the stronger it becomes. With all the research floating around about how beneficial it is to teach your child a second language, you might wonder why youngsters pick up languages so easily. According to NBC News, the answer lies in their flexible minds. Children’s brains develop in response to external stimulants. Did you know that babies are born with the ability to distinguish the sounds of all languages?
HOW YOUNG MINDS ABSORB A 2 ND LANGUAGE
And the Benefits of Learning Early
language, here are a few ways to incorporate new words. 1. Take time to talk with your child in a second language during playtime. Research shows babies need personal interaction to learn, so switching on the TV in another language won’t suffice. 2. Increase vocabulary by giving options in a second language. Try questions like “Do you want juice or milk?”or “Do you want to play on the swings or by the tree?” bilingual daycare to increase your child’s exposure to a second language. If you don’t know a second language but want to give your child a head start, you can begin by learning new words together. How fun would it be if you become bilingual as a family? 3. Find a language exchange group or
As they get older, even before their first birthday, they lose that ability. Kids are able to take in sounds, intonation, and language structure more easily than adults who have to painstakingly memorize verb structures and grammar. Children under 8 are especially primed to pick up a new language thanks to flexible ear and speech muscles. As they take in new words, it increases their ability to focus on one thing or change their responses, a skill called cognitive flexibility. The more you can expose your little one to different sounds in their first year, the more they’ll pick up those sounds as their brain creates new neural circuits. If you speak a second language and have a child at home, now is a great time to share it with them. Your child is especially ready to pick up new sounds and words, with the added benefit of learning their heritage. If you’re ready to teach your child a second
4 • www.petrolawfirm.com
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs