GO Tigers!

By Jessica Bahny
Activities Team
NeuroCare Center

It was perfect weather for the game. We set off Wednesday afternoon to watch the Detroit Tigers play the Kansas City Royals for a 1:05 pitch. Nothing like an afternoon game to enjoy one of the last days of summer.

We had AWESOME seats, and the Comerica Park ushers treated our clients like kings. When the sun was too hot, they let us sit where normally people aren’t allowed so that the clients could be out of the sun and still see the action. The game went for 10 innings!

Nicole from Activities, Jason from Respiratory Therapy and I were thrilled to be the staff along to assist Richard K., Jasper M., and Greg B. A cool thing was that Richard’s son met us there, and that really made the afternoon special for Rich.

Unfortunately, we did lose the game, but the clients had a great time. Sometimes something as simple as people watching and eating a ballpark hot dog have the most profound effect. It makes me so grateful to do my job!

New Concussion Protocols for High School Athletes

By Kit Pohl, PT, CBIS
Physical Therapist
Troy Neuro Skills Center

Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, there will be a new concussion protocol for all high school athletes who are governed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Under the new rules, any athlete “who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional.”

Game officials or coaches will no longer have a role in determining if an athlete has sustained a concussion. An apparently injured athlete must be examined by a health care professional to determine the extent of the injury. If the school’s designated health care professional determines that the student did not sustain a concussion, the athlete may reenter the competition. If a concussion is confirmed, the athlete may not return to competition that day. The return-to-play protocol requires: 1) only an MD or DO may clear the individual to return to competition 2) the clearance must be in writing 3) the clearance may not be on the same date on which the athlete was removed from play.

The MHSAA has also approved sanctions for non-compliance with the concussion management policy. With a first offense, the competition is forfeited and the school is placed on probation in that sport through the end of the following year. A second offense in that sport will result in an extension of the probation for an additional year and the school will be prohibited from participating in the MHSAA post-season tournament.

This ruling reflects the change in attitude that a concussion is more than a bump on the head. New studies are finding that repeated concussions can cause permanent brain damage that eventually shows up a depression, chronic headaches, early-onset dementia and/or adult-onset attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The MHSAA is working with the Brain Injury Association of Michigan to promote public awareness of concussions in youth sports and the new MHSAA concussion protocol.

Finding Inspiration

By Dawn Vezzetti, CBIS
Residential Program Manager
Trevino Residence

After being a Residential Program Manager for 7 years now, I am amazed at the inspiration that comes my way each day I come to work. This inspiration comes from many different sources. The clients; how can you not be inspired by someone who has had their whole life turned upside down yet finds the will to move forward in their recovery – they make me laugh, they make me cry and they remind me how precious life truly is since at any moment unbeknownst to me, I could be them. My staff; they are an extension of my leadership and they have made me proud to say I work at Trevino. My colleagues throughout the company, what can I say they’re the best. Each of them brings a unique talent to the table. My leader; he gives me the latitude to get my job done effectively and expects the best from me. He also keeps us thinking of new ways to improve our clients' quality of life each and every day. Special Tree as a company; they keep things moving forward by looking to new innovations in helping people with TBI and focusing intensely on world class service and results. And I can’t forget the Richert family since we are ultimately a family business at the end of the day. Their story alone inspires me to give my very best to them and our clients. I’m proud to say I work at Special Tree.

September 15 is National School Backpack Awareness Day

By Carrie Parks, MA, OTR/L, CBIS
Occupational Therapist
Special Tree Rehabilitation System


September 15th is National School Backpack Awareness Day.

Aching backs and shoulders? Tingling arms? Weakened muscles? Stooped posture? Does your child have these symptoms after wearing a heavy school backpack? Carrying too much weight in a pack or wearing it the wrong way can lead to pain and strain. Parents can take steps to help children load and wear backpacks the correct way to avoid health problems.

Here are a couple of links that are tip sheets for parents and how to choose an appropriate backpack.