The American Journal of Sports Medicine recently published findings by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research that suggest an average of 12 high school and college football players die each year in incidents related to the game. The most common cause of death was brain injury. At TryMunity, we want to promote head protection and sports safety for athletes of all ages.

You Don’t Have to Be a Pro to Get Seriously Injured

Head protection is important for children and adults, even in a casual game of tackle football. An injury sustained at the local park is no better than an injury sustained on the field. Also, adults are not more or less likely to sustain a head injury while playing football than teenagers. Wear a helmet that fits well when you play contact sports, no matter what the venue is.

Lesser Known Benefits of Football Helmets

Proper head protection can do more than reduce the chances of serious brain injury or even death. Wearing a football helmet can also help prevent painful dentist visits and even more painful dental bills. Keep your jaw safe from a stray elbow, and don’t end a game with a trip to get your nose reconstructed. Kids and teenagers might whine about wearing helmets. Don’t give in. Keep your kids safe as well as other kids playing in your yard. No one wants to deal with a lawsuit for negligence.

Wear Helmets That Fit When Playing

Make sure the helmet fits properly and that all straps are secure. It’s okay to lose a casual football game. However, a serious injury is not fun for anyone. Keep a close eye on sneaky kids that might try to loosen helmet straps or lose their helmets altogether. After sustaining a head injury, it’s best not to play until a doctor gives the green light.

Get Support and More Information

Learn more about brain injury and prevention or get the support you need. Join our community at TryMunity today.

There are many myths and truths about concussions out there. At TryMunity, we want to separate fact from fiction to keep you and your loved ones safe. There are three things everyone should know about brain injuries. These fast facts can do more than promote good health. They can save your life.

Truth #1: You Can Die From a Concussion

Taking a nap after bumping your head can be the worst thing to do. Instead of trying to rest up, seek emergency medical attention if you experience fatigue, vomiting, or confusion after a seemingly minor head injury. Slip-and-fall accidents can be a more serious problem than many people think. Going to the emergency room promptly can save your life. In a best-case scenario, a quick emergency room visit can give you an accurate diagnosis and peace of mind.

Truth #2: Helmets Help to an Extent

Basic head safety measures such as helmets can help during a fall. However, substantial accidents that may result in concussions require emergency medical attention. In a common scenario, motorcycle riders can be alive after accidents, thanks to helmets. A lesser-known concern happens when the impacts from falls are too substantial for helmets to fully protect riders. The brain can hit the front and back of the skull, which can cause swelling, bleeding and other problems that should be addressed right away.

Truth #3: People Often Feel Better Before They Are

It is important to follow your doctor’s orders after being diagnosed with a concussion in order to stay safe and heal properly. Lying in bed when you think you feel fine or missing an athletic event can be frustrating. However, it’s better to miss out once and heal properly the first time. Multiple concussions can cause substantial damage. Make sure you have a doctor’s clearance to participate in all of the activities you want to after a concussion.

Join the TryMunity community for support. We all understand how difficult brain injury can be. Get the resources and support you need today.

Traumatic brain injury, or TBI, can be difficult to understand. Many loved ones want to help, but they do not know exactly what to do. At TryMunity, we know how difficult it can be to support loved ones after an injury. We provide support and hope for people who have sustained traumatic brain injury and their loved ones.

Understand the Difference Between Can’t and Won’t

One of the best ways to support a loved one after an injury is to think in a slightly different way. Different injuries impact people in different ways. Have extra patience and be understanding if your loved one can’t do something like he or she used to. His or her actions might not be intentionally defiant or rude.

Your Loved One Is Still an Important Person and an Adult

Don’t talk down to your loved one or treat him or her like a child. Have conversations like you used to. Also, have a little extra patience with short term memory loss or aphasia (trouble with speech). Let your loved one take his or her time to form the right words, and let him or her repeat the same story or ask the same question a few times in a row. You don’t have to point out every minor issue in social situations.

Suggest Fun Activities That Both of You Used to Enjoy

Training for a triathlon shortly after a traumatic brain injury might not be the best idea. However, you can do more than take a walk. Visit a local lunch spot. Go shopping. Take a trip to the spa. Simply getting out of the house can make a huge difference and offer unprecedented support.

Join the TryMunity Community Today

For more ideas about how to support a loved one, join the TryMunity community. We are all here to help!

Summer time is the perfect time to participate in a variety of fun outdoor activities including rock climbing, biking, swimming, soccer, and more. As physical activity increases, however, the opportunities for a visit to the emergency room also tend to increase. We at TryMunity want to help you enjoy the warm weather as much as possible without the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury or other serious injury. Avoiding summer injuries is a manageable task when you follow the top tips listed below.

1. Wear Protective Gear

Head injuries resulting from riding a motorcycle, skateboarding, biking, and rollerblading are very common in the summer. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of head and brain injuries and they can save you a lot of money on your medical bill if you have an accident. Other protective gear such as knee pads and elbow pads can also save you a lot of unnecessary pain.

2. Plan Ahead

Do not participate in any kind of activity without first planning ahead. Many summer injuries occur when people decide to participate in dangerous activities, such as rock climbing at the spur of the moment without any protective gear or any knowledge of the terrain. If it is your first time participating in an activity, it is important to receive proper instruction beforehand from someone who is trained in outdoor safety techniques.

3. Only Drink Alcohol in Moderation

One of the most obvious, and often ignored, ways to avoid summertime injuries is to limit the amount of alcohol that you drink when participating in high risk activities. Even small amounts of alcohol can dampen your senses and decrease your ability to steer clear of dangerous situations.

For more information about avoiding summertime injuries that may lead to traumatic brain injuries, join our TryMunity community today.