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Your Compass MONTHLY
FEBRUARY 2018
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS AND CONCUSSIONS CTE Awareness and Reactive Legislation
FROM THE DESK OF Ty Wilson
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 Mike Webster. 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. 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. Although medical 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.
Snow in Georgia?
I have to say my children were so happy to see and play in snow this January. It is remarkable that we were able to see it in my own backyard. You see, my children both wanted me to drive up north to show them snow. So, I am happy to say that I can cross that off of my list of things to do for 2018. Have you noticed the days are getting longer? As the year rolls on, I welcome the warming weather and longer days. month of the year. The weather is becoming beautiful and for the first time in a very long time. I know what I’m getting my wife for Valentine’s Day. We are going to keep this short this month in honor of the shortest month. We just started 2018 and already we are cruising into the second and shortest
Stay safe.
-Ty Wilson
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Cover story continued ... C hanging L egislation
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. 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. Howmuch of a risk are you willing to take?
adding water. A whole colony of these shrimp can thrive for a year or more with minimal care. L eopard G eckos 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. G uinea P igs 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. concussions. Most laws also require athletes to be removed fromplay 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 lawwas passed, the numbers of repeated concussions began to decline. In 2013–14, recurrent concussions accounted for 14 percent of the total number. In 2014–15, that number went down to 11 percent, and then down to 7 percent in 2015–16.
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, and parents to be educated about the effects of
Teach Your Kids Responsibility With Pets Which Furry or Speckled Friend Is Best for Your Child?
O lder D ogs and C ats 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 to meet 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.
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, no matter 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, no matter 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. B rine S hrimp 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
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How Young Minds Absorb a 2nd Language
And the Benefits of Learning Early
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? 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 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?” 3. Find a language exchange group or 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?
DETOX SALAD Sweet and Zesty
Hoping to shave off those extra holiday pounds or keep up with your New Year’s resolution? Look no further than this easy winter detox salad!
INGREDIENTS FOR THE SALAD
1 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds 1/3 cup sliced green onions 1 diced avocado
3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage 1 cupmatchstick carrots 1 large carrot, roughly chopped 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
FOR THE DRESSING
1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon white miso 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Tomake the salad, add all
Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.
ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. Tomake the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth.
Recipe courtesy of TheWoksOfLife.com
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Inside This Issue From the Desk of Ty PAGE 1 Is Your Child At Risk for Traumatic Brain Injury? PAGE 1 Looking for Your Next Family Pet? PAGE 2 The Brain on 2 Languages PAGE 3 Revive That Leftover Turkey! PAGE 3 Have Some Inspiration! PAGE 3 Are You Committing a Facebook Faux Pas? PAGE 4 It’s time to break the bad news to your grandkids: Social media isn’t just for them. A study from the Pew Research Center found that 47 percent of baby boomers are using social media. Facebook in particular proves to be an excellent resource for adults moving through the later stages of life. This social media platform helps keep you in touch with friends, family members who live far away, and workplace acquaintances who you don’t see during retirement. Social media can help you gather the people you want to keep in contact with in one centralized location. Here are a few things to remember for keeping your digital friendships enjoyable. S ocial M edia I sn ’ t a D iary No one wants to see a feed clogged with posts from the same person. Your friends might like reading about exciting vacations or days with the grandkids, but they don’t need updates about your wait in line at the grocery store. Sharing TMI (too much information) will put you on the fast track to losing friends.
BE SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY AND STAY CONNECTED
I t ’ s O kay to H it U nfriend
Likewise, if you find yourself sick of Judy’s moment-by- moment updates of her dog’s kidney stone, feel free to cut ties. That might entail unfollowing (you remain friends, but no longer see their posts in your feed), unfriending, or blocking a person entirely. There’s no reason to keep in touch with someone whose very profile picture makes you angry.
up similar articles — if those claims are true. This will help you determine if it’s breaking news or a big hoax. Just 10 years ago, snail mail and expensive long-distance calls were the only way to keep in touch with the people we couldn’t see every day. Thanks to social media, we can stay connected to our loved ones around the world. Now that’s something that deserves a like.
C heck a S ource B efore S haring Just because something is online, that doesn’t make it true. It’s just as easy for someone to post a lie about a celebrity or politician as it is for Judy to post about her dog. If you read a news story that gets a rise out of you, double check the facts before you hit share. Googling the article’s claims and main points will bring
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