The Comox Valley Head Injury Society is bringing awareness to the issue of concussions in sport with a barbecue fundraiser at Simms Park this Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
With June being Brain Injury Awareness month in Canada, the CVHIS is hoping to bring forward the issues surrounding brain injury, particularly those caused during sporting activities.
The event is open to everyone, whether you are just looking for information or you know someone who is dealing with a brain injury.
There will be informational tables, along with handouts to take away to read and share. Raffles and 50/50 draws will happen throughout the day, with prizes ranging from bike helmets to B.C. Lions hats and scarves.
Hamburgers, hot dogs and cold drinks will be on sale.
A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a sudden blow to the head or to the body. The blow shakes the brain inside the skull, which prevents the brain from working normally.
With all the recent awareness from professional athletes like NHL star Sidney Crosby and NFL players, we now know that one concussion or multiple concussions can result in long-term consequences.
Symptoms from mild concussions can resolve themselves within days or weeks. Headaches, nausea and difficulty understanding or remembering things can be some of the symptoms.
More severe concussions can have long term consequences. Symptoms can range from cognitive and motor skill impairments to behavioural and personality changes. In severe cases, some professional athletes have acquired degenerative brain diseases that resemble Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.
It's estimated there are over 200,000 brain injuries in one year, 20 per cent of which are from sport and recreational activities. In 2010-201 in Canada, almost 3,000 of those brain injuries were concussions that required hospitalization.
Experts estimate 20,000 Canadian junior hockey players will suffer a concussion per season, and that most will try to play through the brain damage, all while encouraged by coaches, fellow players and parents, who do not realize a concussion is a brain injury.
Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs will also be on site Sunday to provide information on the correct installation of infant car seat carriers.
The Comox Valley Head Injury Society has been operating in the Comox Valley since 1993 providing support services, education and preventative education relating to brain injuries, and support groups.
For more information on the services provided at the Comox Valley head Injury Society, call 250-334-9225, or visit the office at 102–254 Simms St. in Courtenay.
Thanks to sponsors Jorden Marshall of Hot Chocolates, Simon's Cycles, Trail Bicycles, and Mountain City Cycle.
— Comox Valley Head Injury Society