Cars

Over half of all traumatic brain injuries are the result of automobile accidents, according to traumaticbraininjury.com.  I see this in my personal experience, as I know most of the clients I work with were injured in automobile accidents.  Two kinds of brain injuries can result from an automobile accident.  The first is a closed head injury, which involves no open wound to the head.  Trauma is a result of direct or indirect force, and the brain may collide with the inner skull.  Contusions (bruises on the brain) and bleeding.  The second type is an open head injury, which involves penetration of skull with direct injury to the head.
Car accidents are very scary things, and something I am currently keeping in mind as I search for a new car.  Crashworthiness is applied to describe the ability of a structure to protect occupants in an impact.   Crashworthiness is something that automobile manufacturers must consider in their cars, as it is the first line of defense in an automobile accident.  Cars go through a lot testing for safety, and the results of this testing should be considered when looking for a car.  I have been comparing about three cars to each other in my decision to purchase one, and of course the main factor that goes into deciding which one is cost.  The most economical car that I've been looking at does not have the highest safety ratings of the bunch, which may deter me from getting it.  I'm looking at very small cars, so safety is going to matter when I'm on the road.  Of course, I will always be wearing my seat-belt when in the car!

Helmet up for safety

Living in the city, I know that many people rely on bicycles to get from place to place quickly and efficiently.  I thought I might take this opportunity to stress how important helmet use can be.  I actually haven't been on a bicycle since I was young , but I can remember thinking at that time that a helmet wasn't necessary.  I thought that since I felt proficient at bike riding and rarely toppled over I just didn't need one.  I'm sure that many kids also share this view, but it simply isn't true.  Helmets, like seatbelts, are important for safety.  Even though they aren't exactly a fashion statement, helmets can go a long, long way in the prevention of a traumatic brain.  According to the Council on Brain Injury, 1.4 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries a year, with the leading causes being falls, motor vehicle accidents, collisions with moving or stationary objects, and assaults.  The brain injuries can range from mild to severe.

If you or someone you know and love is riding a bike without a helmet, give them some facts! The Council on Brain Injury's website has some videos, extra information, tips, and even a personal plea from someone personally affected by a brain injury from an accident without a helmet.  You can also find other safety information there as well, in addition to other information about traumatic brain injury.  Last but not least, (since we're students and on a budget) a link for reimbursement of a helmet! If you have an Independence Blue Cross Insurance plan, you may qualify for a reimbursement for up to $25.  

TBI Blues

Yesterday I had the privilege of taking some clients to the Paoli Blues Festival, which is basically just a fair-type of event with live music, food, vendors, lots of people, and even dogs.  Although getting around in crowds can be difficult when you're traveling with 5 people in wheelchairs, once we were able to stay put and listen to the music it was fun.  I was hoping for some blues that I'm familiar with and enjoy, but the bands played mostly original music, which wasn't bad because they sounded pretty good.  Most of the clients really enjoyed themselves and were happy to be there, with the exception of one (there's been some behavior issues with this client recently, maybe I'll go into more detail about them in another post...).

Music is something that all our clients enjoy on a daily basis.  For the most part, they are fans of the music they grew up with, just as most people tend to be.  At work, most listen to Classic Rock all day, and it's fun to hear them singing, humming, and clapping to it.  One client seems to know every word of every song that comes on 102.9, and claims that while she was in her coma, this music was all she listened to, so she memorized every song.  I have found that if you're dealing with her and she's in a bad mood, just turning the radio on can work wonders.  Music can make my job a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable, for both myself and the client.  Another client can hardly stand to ever be without music, and I feel terrible that this client missed the Blues Fest because he's been sick in the hospital.  Anyway, he sleeps with the radio on, listens to music while eating, listens to it at work, and will just sit and listen to it during his downtime.  It's a huge part of his life.  He also can play the guitar, which he is quite proud of.

So, in conclusion, music can be therapeutic if it's something that a client is into.  Clients differ greatly, just like the regular population, in the types of music they listen to and just how much they listen to it.  I have a lot of fun when going to events like I did yesterday with the clients I work with, because in some cases you can see a different side to them you haven't seen them before.  It's also a great opportunity to build a stronger relationship with them and just have fun while on the job!