Leading Neurologist to Visit Cobourg to Share Expertise on Reducing the Risk of Concussions –
One of Canada’s leading concussion experts is coming to the area to raise awareness on recognizing and reducing the impact of serious head trauma in all walks of life.
Dr. Charles Tator, a noted neurologist, University of Toronto professor, and Director of the Canadian Concussion Centre, will speak at a free information event entitled: Having an Impact! – Awareness and Management of Concussions in Northumberland. The event runs Thursday, April 25, from 6-7:30 pm at the Cobourg Community Centre (750 D’Arcy St.). According to organizers, the event is geared to all community members, especially parents, coaches, educators, players, seniors, health professionals and service providers.
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Tator share his knowledge of how we can recognize, manage and prevent concussions,” says Joanne Brewster, a Health Promoter with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit . “Our goal is to make Northumberland a safer place to live, learn, work and play.” The Health Unit, Safe Communities Northumberland and the Northumberland Sports Council are teaming up to organize Dr. Tator’s visit to Cobourg.
Dr. Tator is pleased to discuss an important topic whose impact is felt not just in sports, but in motor vehicle crashes, work-related injuries, senior’s falls and many other aspects of life. “Concussions are the most common type of brain injury and occur anywhere, to anyone and at any age,” Dr. Tator says. “It is essential for the entire community to be on the concussion-prevention team. Improved awareness, management and prevention are essential to help address and reduce the impact of these serious head injuries.”
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. Effects are usually temporary, but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination. Multiple or repeated concussions can have long-term health effects on a person.
An estimate by the University of Calgary suggests concussion strikes at least 250,000 Canadians every year. “Put another way, that is like every person in Northumberland County suffering three severe blows to the head in a single year,” notes Heather Grundy, the Vice-President of the Northumberland Sports Council. “It’s important that we learn how to recognize and reduce the impact of concussions not just in a sports context, but everyday life.”
While in Northumberland on April 25, Dr. Tator will also speak to local health professionals at a noon-hour event in Port Hope on the management and prevention of the concussion spectrum disorders.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
