The CACTIS Foundation is pleased to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale to support its Conquering Concussions initiative which raises awareness about minimal Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). Don’t let the name fool you — “minimal” head injuries like concussions are often ignored or mistreated, especially in young athletes, and can lead to serious medical conditions.
Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability for America’s youth. While many of the severe cases are attributed to accidents, it is estimated that sports and recreational activities cause between one and four million new brain injuries each year. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should pull your child from all physical activity and contact sports; however, being able to recognize the signs and symptoms and how to properly monitor and treat a mTB According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between one million and four million new brain injuries occur every year in America due to trauma in sports and recreational activities.
More than 767,000 American youth visit the emergency room because of traumatic brain injuries each year. Of those, more than 80,000 are hospitalized and more than 11,000 die.
Helping to kick off the program is Chris Nowinski, former Harvard University football player, professional wrestler and president of the Sports Legacy Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to solving the sports concussion crisis. He received the first-ever Conquering Concussions “Hero” Award from the CACTIS Foundation. Nowinski is an ardent advocate for concussion education. Forced into retirement after a series of concussions in 2003, Nowinski suffered post-concussion syndrome. His challenging recovery inspired him to write the book “Head Games: Football’s Concussion Crisis” in an effort to educate parents, coaches and children of this growing health epidemic.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale is an important part of this exciting new program. Today, more than 16,000 community youths ages six to 18 are served through nine branches and 12 outreach sites in Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Hualapai Indian community and other Northeast Valley neighborhoods.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale is committed to providing athletic programs and promote healthy physical activity in children. With programs, including gymnastics, basketball, karate, football and cheer, it is crucial all members are educated on the latest in healthcare.