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Concussions and TBI’s No Joking Matter

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Concussions and TBI’s No Joking Matter

By Nancy Honig

When it comes to brain injuries, not a single injury or person is the same. The month of March is dedicated to improving awareness of brain injuries. I have personally known several people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that had results from mild to those who passed away from their injury. My brother suffered a TBI in his late twenties that had a lasting impact on the remainder of his life, this is part of the reason education about both TBI’s and concussions is very important to me.

There are a number of ways to hurt your head, from hitting it as you get into the car to falling off a bike. There were 9.5 million emergency room visits and over 61,000 TBI related deaths in 2019 with over 30% adults over the age of 65.

Traumatic brain injury is different than a stroke or other types of internal injury to the brain because it is attributed to an external cause, such as a bump, jolt or blow to the head, or penetrating injury — also to the head. So, what is the difference between a concussion and a TBI? A concussion is a TBI, but a TBI is not necessarily a concussion. A concussion occurs when your brain moves and hits the inside of your skull, causing bruising. The amount of damage determines concussion severity.

Symptoms can begin right away or come on gradually. One acronym used to recognize a concussion is HEADS;

H – headaches

E – ears ringing

A – amnesia, altered consciousness

D – double vision and/or dizziness

S – slurred speech

Moderate and severe TBIs are more serious injuries that concussions and can be caused by a severe blow to the head or penetrating injury. These are often caused by falls, car and bike accidents, sports injuries, and violence (including shaken baby syndrome). For older adults especially, traumatic brain injuries can have serious consequence including how someone thinks or functions. They can also impact a person’s emotional well-being. Because many older adults take blood thinner medications this can also greatly affect a brain injury.

The signs and symptoms are very similar to a concussion. They typically fall into 4 areas: Physical: Bothered by light or noise; Dizziness or balance problems; Feeling tired, no energy; Nausea or vomiting (early on);Vision problems.

Thinking and Remembering: Attention or concentration problems; Feeling slowed down; Foggy or groggy; Problems with short- or long-term memory; Trouble thinking clearly.

Social or Emotional: Anxiety or nervousness; Unusual or easy irritability; Feeling more emotional; Sadness.

Sleep: Sleeping less than usual; Sleeping more than usual; Trouble falling asleep.

Symptoms may be difficult to sort out as they are like other health problems. After a mild TBI or concussion a person may not recognize or admit that they are having problems or understand how the symptoms they are experiencing affect their daily activities. Problems may be overlooked by the person with the mild TBI or concussion, family members, or healthcare providers

I have personally observed these types of TBI related problems both with family and friends. Be aware of symptoms, take caution to avoid these whenever possible by wearing proper head gear, finding ways to help with fall prevention, and not putting yourself in dangerous situations that can cause injury.

Facts and tip sheets with more information from K-State Research and Extension is available at www.TBIoptions.ksu.edu and www.aging.ksu.edu. The site includes videos with survivors who share their stories about rebuilding their lives and relationships, and opportunities for reflective thinking and personal growth.

Women are a Family’s Health Promoter

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

 

Women are a Family’s Health Promoter

By Alma Varela; Published by SW Region Community Health Corner, A Monthly Newsletter by K-State Research and Extension, the Immunize Kansas Coalition and local partners supporting women’s wellness

Women are leaders of health for their families and communities. For example, mothers are often the first to recognize when their children are not feeling well and know the best ways to prevent family illnesses. Also, the majority of women have jobs. For those fortunate enough, those jobs have essential benefits like health insurance, family and sick leave, and wellness programs. Women sometimes don’t prioritize their own well-being and delay check-ups that can prevent chronic conditions. That’s why K-State Research and Extension and partners provide the SW Region Community Health Corner newsletter. Each monthly newsletter will contain information about women’s health, immunization, and how to improve health literacy. Health Literacy means building skills like reading medicine labels and consent forms, understanding instructions given by health providers, and understanding blood pressure readings, coping with stress and seeking health for all. Women use health literacy skills to communicate health needs and make health decisions to ensure her well-being and that of her family.

Vaccination How do vaccinations work, and why are they important?

Did you know that vaccines have been around for over 200 years? In 1796 the first vaccine was made to stop a disease called Smallpox. Since then, scientists have worked hard to create new vaccines to keep us healthy and safe.

Vaccines work by tricking our body into thinking we have been exposed to a germ. To do this, scientists take a dead, weakened, or harmless part of a germ and introduce it into our bodies. Our body reacts to the harmless germ by alerting our immune system to an intruder. Then, our immune system sends fighter cells to attack the intruder. During the attack, our body learns to recognize the germ so the next time it enters our body, we do not get sick. This process is called Acquired Immunity. When you get vaccinated, you not only help yourself, you protect everyone around you, Especially those who have weakened immune systems. This protection is called Heard Immunity. It occurs when the germ can’t get to a vulnerable person because so many people around that person are vaccinated.

Vaccination works much like an umbrella that offers protection from getting wet in a rainstorm. Though you might get a bit of sprinkle here or there, an umbrella keeps you from getting drenched. A vaccination works similarly for protection against viruses. Thanks to Justin Goodno, Barber County Agriculture and Natural Resources, for sharing this analogy.

Find a vaccine near you:

Text your ZIP code at 438829

Call 1-800-232-0233

Planning and budgeting for a summer vacation

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

Planning and budgeting for a summer vacation

By Kristin Penner

As things start opening up around the state/country many families are starting to think about vacations.  But, for some finances may be holding them back.  Here are a few tips on where to start in planning and saving for a vacation.

First, think about who will be going?  Will it be just yourself, family, or a group of people.  What are the common interest of the group?  And how will you be getting there, car, train, plane, etc.

Next, think about what you will be able to budget for this vacation.  Avoiding putting yourself in debt is important for your financial health.  Start by making a written plan.  Set a budget amount that you are comfortable with and stick with it.  Also don’t forget to budget in spending money when you get there.  This is what can easily break any budget.

Now start shopping around for discounts.  Being flexible sometimes allows you to get great deals on things you want to do.  Not going over a holiday weekend or at a peak time will allow your money to go further.  The internet makes shopping around easy and allows you to plan your trip in advance before getting there, as well as knowing how much it is going to cost.

Vacation mean something different to everyone.  Some consider it “stressful and Expensive” and some consider it “restful and restorative”.  However, you feel make sure you are prepared financially by planning ahead.  Remember vacations do not have to be a week long.  Think about a “Staycation” or a weekend vacation.

 

Eating When You Are Older

Posted on by Kylee Harrison

By: Nancy Honig, Adult Development and Aging Extension Agent

Eating, it seems like such a basic task. We make plans to go out and eat, we look for new recipes to try and share ideas with our friends. We wander into the kitchen and have a little snack. These seem like normal everyday tasks we do automatically, but as we age, and for those who live alone, eating is often not the same.

Eating balanced, nutritious meals can be challenging for older adults, and something they don’t pay much attention to. Here are some reasons they may not be eating well.

Continue reading “Eating When You Are Older” →

Housing Tips for Small Poultry Flocks

Posted on by Lacey Noterman

By: Lacey Noterman, Livestock Extension Agent

Raising chickens in the United States dates back to the 17th century when the English first brought them here.  The chicken was originally domesticated by the English for cock fighting which was considered a spectator sport.  Since then chickens have been grown for showing, meat and egg supply or just the pure pleasure of having birds running around in the yard.  Whatever your reasons for having a flock of birds in your yard, consideration should be given to where and how the birds will be housed.  In evaluating plans, here’s what you need to consider to keep your flock safe, healthy, and productive.

When designing a structure for your flock, it is very important to design something that keeps your birds in as well as keeping predators out.  Neighborhood dogs have probably killed more chickens in the suburban areas than any other predator.  Coyotes, skunks, foxes, raccoons, and hawks may try to steal an easy meal.

Management Guide for the Backyard Flock | The Poultry Site

Continue reading “Housing Tips for Small Poultry Flocks” →