With the warm beautiful days of summer on the horizon we are more than eager to get back to cycling, playing in the park, skateboarding and rollerblading among many other favorite summer activities. This is also one of the peak times of the year for traumatic brain injury. June is National Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Brain injury is the number one killer and disabler for people under age 44 in Canada. With 30% of traumatic brain injuries being sustained by children or youth while participating in sports or recreational activities for every age, from babies to adults, for the babies and parents there will be stimulation activities to learn when should a boy start talking, and how a good nutrition can help you achieve it !

There has been much medical advancement over the years, meaning more injuries are now survivable. MRI and CT scans help doctors diagnose and guide treatment.

Although it is possible to get the flu during the summer, Elisakit.net tells us that it is highly unlikely that you will.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that while influenza viruses circulate year-round, they are most common during fall and winter months. These viruses survive better in colder and drier climates. Therefore the chances that you will get the flu in the summer, which consists of hot and humid conditions, are greatly reduced.

Flu-like symptoms that occur during the summer are most likely caused by other illnesses. Some illnesses that present very similar symptoms to the flu include:

The common cold – symptoms include sore throat, coughing, sneezing and congestion
Pneumonia-symptoms include fever, headaches, chills and coughing
Gastroenteritis- symptoms include body aches, pain, fever, headaches along with diarrhea and abdominal cramps
Bronchitis- symptoms include fatigue, coughing, fever, chills and shortness of breath

Prevention is simple and the best defence against brain injury. By wearing a bike helmet you can reduce your risk of brain injury by 85%.
Enjoy your favorite activities this summer and be sure to remember to take your protective gear along with you!

Source: Best Doctors Spring 2014
www.bestdoctorscanada.com