EDUCATION:
Masters Degree Counseling (MS), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and
Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Multiple trainings ; trauma, PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, death and dying, suicide prevention, anger management and crisis counseling.
EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY:
 GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR: Currently, (5+) years as an Advocate for our
Severely Wounded Soldiers returning home from Iraq (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF).
 ADJUNCT PROFESSOR: SUNY Oswego University. Developed and currently teaching a Master and Post Master level course designed for students who wish to specialize in or expand upon existing clinical skills when working with various populations affected with PTSD, Post Combat, and TBI. The course has a strong military and post combat outline. The course is designed to provide the student with skills leading to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for populations diagnosed with PTSD and TBI. Upon completion of this course, students will be familiar with various types of brain injuries, anatomy of the brain, neuropathology, assessment tools, research, scales, and theory.

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PSYCHOTHERAPIST: Specializing in grief, loss, and trauma
CLINICAL DISCHARGE PLANNER: Over (5 ½) years experience as Clinical
Discharge Planner for a 287 bed hospital facility in upstate New York that services the Ft Drum Army Base which is the home of the 10 th Mountain
Division and over 19,500 Soldiers as well as the local community. Responsible for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PMR), ICU, PCU, CCU, and Emergency
Mental Health.
COMMITTEES and VOLUNTEERISM:
 NYS Chair, Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports Committee (WWASC): 2011 to
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Present; Connecting, organizing, and promoting adaptive sports for Wounded
Veterans and their families
Veterans Employment Summit Committee (VISN II): 2012 to Present
Volunteer Mentor, Team Red White & Blue: 2011 to Present
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Active Member NYSID Veterans Employment Committee: 2010 to Present
Battle Buddy Center: 2010 to Present

Founded in 1861 as the Oswego Primary Teachers'
Training School by Edward Austin Sheldon (above, center), who embraced and popularized some of the most innovative teaching methods of his day.

The campus today consists of 46 buildings with classroom, laboratory, residential and athletic facilities. Recent years have witnessed the launch of a $700 million campus-wide renovation and renewal program, highlighted by the October 2006 opening of the Campus Center – the college's first new building in 35 years. Oswego is one of 13 university colleges in the SUNY system. More than 8,200 students enroll, and there are more than 73,000 living alumni with known addresses.
Oswego offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and minors and graduate programs .
The Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) Department, led by an outstanding faculty, offers three graduate programs that lead to Master of Science Degrees in Counseling Services,
Human Services/Counseling, or School Psychology. Students in the Counseling Services program may choose the School Counseling track or the Student Affairs track. Additionally, a Certificate of
Advanced Study (CAS) is offered in the Counseling Services and School Psychology program and a CASAC certification is offered in the Human Services/Counseling course of study.

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Blue

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 Mental
Health/Depression
Embarrassment
Fear
Concerned activity may lower rating= less pay
Transportation issues
Medication issues
Fatigue/weakness
Poor Sleep
Injury specific
Social Phobias
Pre-existing conditions; medical, behavioral, personality, mental health
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Pain Issues
Mobility / prosthetic issues
Memory issues
Migraines
Light sensitivity
Dizziness
Shakes
Substance Abuse
PTSD, TBI,
Injury/wound/illness
Non compliance with treatment recommendations
OTHER…….

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R
APA, 2000

An anxiety disorder resulting from exposure to an experience involving direct or indirect threat of serious harm or death; may be experienced alone(rape/assau lt) or in company of others
(military combat) www.ncptsd.va.gov

 Recurrent thoughts of the event
 Flashbacks/bad dreams
 Emotional numbness (“it don’t matter”); reduced interest or involvement in work our outside activities
 Intense guilt or worry/anxiety
 Angry outbursts and irritability
 Feeling “on edge,” hyperarousal/ hyper-alertness
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Avoidance of thoughts/situations that remind person of the trauma
 Depression
APA, 1994

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 Social and interpersonal issues
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Relationship issues
Low self-esteem
Alcohol and substance abuse
Employment problems
Legal issues
Isolation
Worsening mental health issues
Health issues
Loss interest in fun things www.ncptsd.va.gov

Stein & McAllister
2009

Traumatic brain injury
(TBI): a blow or jolt to the heard that disrupts the normal function of the brain. The severity of the (TBI) is determined at the time of the injury and may be classified as: mild, moderate, or severe.
Concussion : Another word for a mild (TBI) or
(mTBI). Is the most common form of (TBI) in the military.
Symptoms of concussion often resolve within days or weeks.

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Traumatic brain injury (TBI): injury to the brain caused by an external trauma to the head or violent movement of the head, such as from a fall, car crash or being shaken. TBI may or may not be combined with loss of consciousness, an open wound or a skull fracture ( Thurman et al., 1994 ).
Acquired brain injury (ABI): An injury to the brain that occurred after birth.
An ABI may be caused by TBI, stroke, near suffocation, infections in the brain, etc. ( Brain Injury Association of America, 1997 ).
Coup-contracoup: (Coo-contracoo) After a traumatic brain injury, contusion (i.e., bruising and bleeding) can occur anywhere in the brain.
Most contusions are on the underside of the frontal and temporal lobes because of the irregular and rough texture of the bones underlying these parts of the brain. In addition, specific sites of bruising and bleeding can occur at the site of the blow to the head (“coup”) and the site directly opposite the blow (“contracoup”).
Depressed skull fracture: Bones of the skull are broken or cracked, loose bone fragments may actually place pressure on or penetrate the brain, thereby causing damage.

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LEFT SIDE OF THE BRAIN: Difficulties in understanding language
(receptive language), Difficulties in producing language (expressive language), Catastrophic reactions (e.g., depression, anxiety),Verbal memory deficits , Decreased control over the right side of the body
Impaired logic , Sequencing difficulties
RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN: Impairments in visual-spatial perception,
Left-neglect, or inattention to the left side of space or the body,
Decreased awareness of deficits , Altered creativity and music perception , Loss of the Gestalt, or "big picture“, Visual memory deficits, Decreased control over left-sided movements.
FRONTAL LOBE: Executive functions , Initiation , Organization , Selfmonitoring , Cognitive functions , Problem solving, Judgment,
Inhibition of behavior Planning/anticipation , Motor planning,
Personality and emotions , Awareness of abilities and limitations,
Attention/concentration, Mental flexibility , Speaking (expressive language)

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PARIETAL LOBE: Sensory functions, Touch perception,
Differentiation of size, shape, and color, Spatial perception,
Visual perception,
OCCIPITAL LOBE: Sensory functions, Visual perception
TEMPORAL LOBE: Cognitive functions Memory Understanding language(receptive language)Executive functions Organization and sequencing, Sensory functions Hearing
CEREBELLUM: Motor functions Balance Coordination Skilled motor activity
BRAIN STEM: Regulatory functions Breathing Heart-rate
Arousal/consciousness, Sleep/wake functions,
Attention/concentration

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Ferguson et al. 1999, Carroll et al. 2004; Levin et al. 1987

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arousal/disturbances of consciousness processing speed/reaction time attention (selective, sustained, alternating, divided) working memory memory (new learning, retrieval, or [usually] both) functional communication (use of language) executive function
(Reviewed in: Bigler 2007; Arciniegas and Silver 2006; Nuwer 2005;
Meythaler et al. 2001)

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Post-Injury
Psychosocial
Factors
Cognitive
Disturbance
Emotional
Disturbance
Behavioral
Disturbance
Physical
Disturbance
(Adapted from Silver and Arciniegas 2006)
Disturbed Consciousness
Impaired Attention
Slowed Processing
Working Memory Problems
Memory Disturbance
Functional Communication
Impairments
Executive Dysfunction
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability/Lability
Rage
Agitation
Aggression
Disinhibition
Apathy
Sleep Disturbance
Headaches
Pain
Visual Problems
Dizziness/Vertigo
Seizures

Rotational force vector
Translational force vector
Figure adapted from Arciniegas and Beresford 2001
Center of mass

Stein & McAllister 2009

Depression
Figure adapted from Silver 2005

SUICIDE:
Hundreds of troops have come home from war, left the military and committed suicide.
That is the finding of preliminary Veterans Affairs Department research obtained by The
Associated Press that provides the first quantitative look at the suicide toll on today's combat veterans. The ongoing research reveals that at least 283 combat veterans who left the military between the start of the war in Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2001, and the end of 2005 took their own lives. The numbers, while not dramatically different from society as a whole, are reminiscent of the increased suicide risk among returning soldiers in the Vietnam era. Today's homefront suicide tally is running at least double the number of troop suicides in the war zones as thousands of men and women return with disabling injuries and mental health disorders that put them at higher risk. A total of 147 troops have killed themselves in Iraq and Afghanistan since the wars began, according to the Defense Manpower Data Center, which tracks casualties for the
Pentagon. Add the number of returning veterans and the finding is that at least 430 of the 1.5 million troops who have fought in the two wars have killed themselves over the past six years. And that doesn't include those who committed suicide after their combat tour ended and while still in the military. That compares with at least 4,229 U.S. military deaths overall since the wars started — 3,842 in Iraq and 387 in and around
Afghanistan.

30

U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Soldier (AW2) Curtis
Winston prepares to shoot his recurve bow during training at the Warrior Transition Command (WTC) archery clinic in Sumter, South Carolina on March 12-
16.
SSG Krisell Creager-Lumpkins, Warrior Transition Unit
(WTU), Fort Carson and SPC Jasmine Perry from
Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB), Fort Campbell along with more than 70 other wounded, ill, and injured
Soldiers and Veterans participated in the largest adaptive and reconditioning clinic hosted by the WTC at
Fort Meade’s Mullins Field on March 8. Photo credit: retired LTC Sue Bozgoz
SPC Justin Miller receives one-on-one training from
MSG Howard Day, the Army’s Warrior Games shooting coach during the first Warrior Transition
Command (WTC) shooting clinic held March 14-17 in El Paso, Texas. Photo Credit: SSG Emily
Anderson

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Improved overall health
Build new friendships
Better quality of life
Weight management
Control blood pressure
Manage diabetes
Decrease depression
Improved balance and mobility
Gain Independence
Ease readjustment
/reintegration issues
Improved problem solving skills/coping
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Build confidence
Improve breathing improved gross and fine motor skills
Decrease embarrassment
Reduce stress
Improved speech and language skills
Strengthen families and relationships
Enhance mental focus and facilitate memory
Extend lifespan

Air Rifle or air pistol shooting; focus and control of breathing for accuracy which has a calming effect
Fishing: Calming effect and adaption's can easily be made for all “ability” levels
Recumbent Trikes or handcycles : excellent option for those with balance issues because they are low to the ground.
You can go at your own pace and lots of biking options.
Indoor climbing wall : enhances mental focus, helps overcome dizziness and balance issues. For all
“abilities.”
Scuba diving and skiing :
Easily adapted like shallow pool diving or sit skiing lowering risks and worry.
Facilitate memory by utilizing cues, simple instruction, and repeating them, frequent rests, and focus on one instruction.

Cycling - Ride to Recovery (The American Legion) www.legion.org/troops/ride Ride to Recovery is a 501(c)3 organization that supports Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at military and VA medical facilities to help injured veterans overcome physical obstacles. Cycling is an important part of the recovery and rehabilitation program for two reasons: cycling is an activity in which almost all patients with mental and physical disabilities can participate, and participation in R2R helps speed up the recovery and rehabilitation process.
Golf - Skills 4 Life (Military Warriors Support Foundation) http://www.militarywarriors.org/skills4lifegolf
Golf is one of the most popular sports and hobbies for our wounded vets. Some are learning how to swing differently, adapting and overcoming their injury while many others are attracted to the game and picking it up for the first time.

ROCK VENTURES: Rock Ventures LLC and Shared Adventures Inc,
Rochester, NY 1460 KENT WINCHESTER www.rockventures.net
, www.sharedadventures.net
Email: rock@rockventures,585-442-5462 , e fax 585-219-5700 A professional, neutral facilitator, guides discussion on goals, expectations and reinforces challenge by choice philosophy. Floor problem solving & debriefing encourage participants to consider behaviors and goals (day to day, work, family, career) High ropes course, Rappelling, Leap of Faith and other learning modules may be included. Your place or ours. ALL
ABILITIES PARTICIPATE!
OASIS ADAPTIVE SPORTS INC : BOB HOOVER ~ Honeoye NY 585
367-9239 http://www.oasisadaptivesports.com/wordpress/ OASIS
Adaptive Sports, Inc. a non-profit organization offering instruction, equipment and support to disabled military veterans in a variety of sports activities. We assist veterans in reconnecting and resuming productive lives in society through participation in outdoor recreational activities that promote independence, and social and emotional well-being.

Sailing, cruising, diving - Veterans Ocean Adventures (South Florida) www.vetssailing.org
Our mission is to create an opportunity for veterans to experience the healing power of water. Create an opportunity for disabled veterans to experience open ocean sailing, cruising and diving. VOA provides an introduction to cruising in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. Select participants may continue on to join a leg of an ongoing world circumnavigation.

GOLFING: FOREHOPE : 614-784-1111 or email forehope@forehope.org
First of its kind to provide a therapeutic approach to golf resulting in cognitive, emotional, physical and social development. Golf is a viable means an individual can rejoin life to its fullest - activity, social opportunities and fun.
SCUBA : Dive Pirates Dive Pirates Foundation 70 W Thymewood
Pl The Woodlands, TX 77382 phone: 877-EYE-DIVE (877-393-
3483) fax: 281 465 056 email: divepirates@divepirates.org
Traditionally, pirate crews cared for injured crew members by making them peg legs, hooks, eye patches, etc. Disabled crew members were not banished from the ship, but were given new tasks they could perform and be useful to the rest of the crew. Dive Pirates continues that spirit by bringing the Adaptive
SCUBA Divers in the Caribbean.

Hunting and Fishing - Fishing Has No Boundaries http://www.fhnbinc.org/ (FHNB) non-profit organization offering the great outdoors for people with disabilities through the world of fishing. FHNB is a National Organization with 23 chapters in
11 states, enabling thousands of individuals with disabilities to participate fully in this spirit lifting, morale booster, trouble free recreational activity.
Hunting and Fishing - Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing www.projecthealingwaters.org
Project Healing Waters Fly
Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.
Hunting and Fishing - Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation; www.woundedwarriorsinaction.org
; WWIAF aids in healing hearts and minds of combat wounded heroes (Purple Heart recipients) from OIF/OEF . Provides world-class outdoor sporting activities,. Healing veterans - mentally, physically and spiritually from their war experiences.

Ice hockey USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program www.usawarriorshockey.org
The USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program trains and supplies Injured Servicemen and women with Hockey equipment and the skills needed to use the sport of Ice Hockey as a rehabilitation tool to overcome both physical and mental injuries sustain either in combat or in defense to the United States of
America.
Adaptive Paddling : USCA's Adaptive Paddling; http://www.uscanoe.com/Adaptive_Paddling_W56.cfm CAOO's mission is to provide the opportunity for individuals with disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through participation in paddle sports, recreation and related educational programs. Outrigger canoeing, canoeing and kayaking are excellent recreational, fitness and competitive paddle sports for individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities .

Art classes - American Healing Art Foundation: http://americanhealingartsfoundation.com/The American
Healing Arts Foundation (AHAF) non-profit organization promoting art classes at no cost to veterans. Our mission: give veterans new hope, offer them support, friendship and an art career opportunity. Art is proven to be therapeutic for the mind body and soul. Veterans will gain encouragement, hopefulness, inspiration and a sense of self-satisfaction.
Baseball - Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball
Team www.woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org
The
WWAST is comprised competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11. The team includes individuals with a variety of amputations of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee, and foot.

Outdoor adventures - Camp Patriot www.camppatriot.org
Camp Patriot exists to take Disabled U.S. Veterans on outdoor adventures. Camp
Patriot wants to renew the dreams and visions of our disabled veterans for a meaningful future. We will be bringing disabled American Veterans to the great state of Montana for outdoor adventures of their choosing.
However, outdoor adventures are just some of the activities we provide disabled U.S. military veterans at Camp Patriot. We want to create relationships for them through outdoor adventures that will promote positive, life changing experiences.
Outdoor adventures - Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities (C.A.M.O.) www.challengeaspen.org
C.A.M.O. provides recreational and cultural experiences for wounded warriors with cognitive or physical disabilities. We encourage family and friends to share in these experiences. Wounded warriors are able to realize their life potential, bridging the gap between injuries and moving forward with life's challenges despite adversity.

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Should begin immediately after injury, illness, wounds
MTF’s
WTC/WTU
CBHCO’s
Department of Veteran Affairs; VBA, VHA, OIF OEF OND,
Providers, and various other programs
SFAC’s, ACS, MWR
In-Patient rehabilitation; Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
(PMR), Acute, Sub-acute
Out-Patient rehabilitation; OT, PT, Speech, Aqua therapy, mental health, addiction, recreation therapy, and other specialists
Residential Programs
Home based programs
Specialized treatment facilities; Example: NeuroRestorative
Sport specific agencies/specialists
Civilians resources

Provides our Wounded Veterans rehabilitation multidisciplinary and team approach and recreational opportunities: curling, basketball, paddling, golf, road racing, biathlon, shooting, and more. Benefits of
Adaptive Sports: substantial physical benefits.
Participation promotes healing, and fosters positive, mutually supportive relationships between fellow athletes, building morale through shared experiences both on and off the playing field. The Sitrin STARS
program helps improve: Endurance, Balance, Strength,
Coordination, Range of Motion, Socialization, Selfesteem. infor@sitrin.com
/ 315-737-2459 /MARK DePERNO STARS
Director / www.sitrin.com/ http://www.sitrin.com/adaptive-sports/

SPORT &
RECREATION
STRIDE ADAPTIVE SPORTS :

Since 1985, STRIDE has been fulfilling dreams, removing boundaries, enhancing self-esteem, and empowering individuals with disabilities through participation in sport and recreational activities
Since 2005, STRIDE Adaptive Sports has been providing opportunities for our nation’s heroes to become rehabilitated and learn how to live with a disability through our Wounded Warrior programs. Our affiliation with Warfighter
Sports, and Disabled Sports USA, allow us to help our military service members and their families rebuild their lives through sports and recreation.
Wounded and disabled servicemen and women fight even tougher battles here at home as they struggle to adjust to their new circumstances and postwar life. Giving these heroes a chance to accomplish new skills and realize their potential, regardless of their disabilities, is a small way our communities can thank them for all they’ve given to us. Our programs restore hope, independence and freedom while improving self-esteem, confidence and a sense of satisfaction.

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Early Intervention; recreational therapists, OT,
PT, rehabilitation, mental health
Providers: Behavioral
Health and Medical
Mentors/Battle buddies
Partnering less active
Soldiers with more active
Soldiers and or Soldiers more advanced in the recovery process
Involve family and or community
Provide empowerment
Education
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Collaboration among agencies and supportive services
Get to know your Soldier; likes and dislikes
Discuss fears and or concerns in detail
Discuss options and details surrounding each program/event
Ensure prosthetics are appropriate for the event
Be creative with opportunities and delivery of information
Understand injury, wounds, illness

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Simultaneously address rehabilitation and medical needs
Neuropsychological evaluation to determine baseline cognitive status and to define realistic treatment goals and capabilities to avoid negative consequences
Medication; pain issues, psychological issues, other.
Medical clearances
Ensure injury appropriate
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Early intervention: Theater,
MTF, Acute/sub-acute rehab,
SNF, CHHA’s, HAS, MSC,
Personal Care Assistance, home and community based supportive services.
Therapeutic Intervention:
EMDR, Stress inoculation training, CBT, Exposure
Therapy, Psychotherapy/talk therapy, Psychodynamic, & combination
Think outside of the box

1. We impact wounded veterans through one-on-one relationships.
We believe the most effective way to impact a veteran's life is through a meaningful relationship with someone in their community. Our advocate program pairs wounded veterans with citizens we call "Team RWB advocates."The relationship between the wounded veteran and the advocate is unique to the needs of the veteran. Typical interaction includes meeting for meals, assistance with attending medical appointments, attending local sporting events and other social activities. This interaction allows veterans to grow in their community, meet supportive people and find new passions in life.

2. We host community level events with wounded veterans and
Team RWB advocates.
We believe in the power of community. Team RWB hosts charity events, post-marathon gatherings, awareness dinners and other events that bring wounded veterans and "everyday
Americans" together. These events build a sense of community and allow citizens an opportunity to connect with wounded veterans and others who want to help. These events often enlist the help of local veteran support groups. By empowering communities we aim to transform the way wounded veterans are reintegrated into the towns and neighborhoods after their combat service.

3. We use athletic events as a tool to inspire people to action, raise awareness for our mission and fundraise to support the
Team RWB advocate program ;
Team RWB athletes run anything between 5Ks and 100 mile races, compete in triathlons, climb mountains and belong to a
Cross fit gyms. Our athletes use these and other physical activities as a way to raise awareness for wounded veterans, their service, injuries and needs. Athletes train in and wear
Team RWB wicking shirts and serve as ambassadors for the charity. Their fundraising efforts are essential to the organization as they generate capital that is used to directly support wounded veterans and Team RWB programs .

4. We provide opportunities for everyday Americans to get involved to support wounded veterans by utilizing their unique skills
Team RWB understands that there are countless individuals who want to express their gratitude to these men and women who have courageously served our country and these supporters want to assist with wounded veterans' reintegration. To this end, we provide opportunities for people to use their talents to support wounded veterans and Team
RWB's mission. Whether you build furniture, paint art work, provide legal assistance, review professional resumes, offer sporting lessons, make clothing, bake goods or any other activity- Team RWB wants you to use these talents as a member of our organization.
Mark Erwin 315-559-9370/mterwin@yahoo.com

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NO Transportation or cant drive
Don’t have patience or energy to make event arrangements
Concerns about special accommodations
Financial concerns; costs of events and or transportation
Fear not knowing anyone or having someone to rely on if they have a problem; medical issue, anxiety, so forth
Fear of failure
Mental health or medical issues
Family issues
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Mentors will provide transportation as needed
TRWB Organize event details
TRWB pay for all event costs and provide reimbursement for transportation costs as appropriate
TRWB will partner you with a genuinely caring mentor / battle buddy.
Events are individualized, as a group, and or involve families
TRWB will not put you in a position of failure. Each event is individualized and full details discussed prior to ensure success.
TRWB require a release and medical history. They collaborate with case managers and provide follow up reports to them after the event.

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CARE COORDINATION :
 Connect SMs with TBI sustained during OEF and OIF to
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Follow SMs for 2 yrs or until symptoms resolve
Assist SMs during transition from DoD to VA and Civilian life
EDUCATION:
 Provides educational materials on awareness, prevention,
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 diagnosising, treatment and management of TBI
Provides education and training for health care providers,
Military leadership, SMs, veterans, families and civilian
Communities
PROTECTING SMs :
 Offers in –theater support to medical providers through training
 resources, tele-health consultations and technology.
 Collects and analyzes data that enhance TBI care and TX

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CLINICAL CARE : Provides assistance at medical sites for TBI related evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and f/u care
RESEARCH: Conducts research to better understand assess, prevent and treat TBI
HEADQUARTERS: Silver Spring, MD
MILITARY and VA MEDICAL CENTERS : WRAMC, San
Antonio, NMC San Diego, Camp Lejeune, Camp
Pendleton, FT Belvoir, FT Bragg, FT Carson, FT Hood,
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Richmond VA,
Tampa, Minn., Palo Alto, Boston.
NEURO REHABILITATION and COMMUNITY
REINTEGRATION: DVBIC Charlottesville, VA and DVBIC
Johnstown PA
FREE MATERIALS : PTSD & TBI

WWW.DVBIC.org
or info@dvbic.org
or 800-870-9244

CONCUSSION: Most common brain injury in sports (CDC and
Prevention). Estimated 300,000 sports related concussions in the US each year.
 BRAIN INJURIES : cause more deaths than any other sports injury. Example: brain injury accounts for 65 to 85% of all fatalities in football.

BOXING: Nearly 90% of professional boxers have sustained a brain injury.
SOCCER: Approximately 5% of soccer players sustain a brain injury as a result of head-to-head contact, falls or being struck on the head by the ball. Repeatedly, heading or hitting the ball with your head is the riskiest activity and can cause a concussion.

FOOTBALL: Injuries to the brain occur at a rate of (1) in every (3.5) games. Responsible for more than 250,000 head injuries in the US. In any given season 10% of all college players and 20% of all high school players sustain brain injuries. Football players with brain injuries are (6) times more likely to sustain new injuries.
SKIING: (CPSC) Estimates in 1997 there were 84,200 skiing injuries ~
17,500 head injuries, treated in the US Eds. They estimated 7,700 of those head injuries including 2,600 were children and could have been prevented or reduced in severity with use of helmets. About 11 skiing and snowboarding related deaths would be prevented annually with helmets. (EX: Sonny Bono)

BASEBALL: The head is involved in more baseball injuries than any other body part.
Almost half of the injuries involve a child’s head, face, mouth or eyes. The leading cause of injury and death is being hit by the ball, the second leading cause is collision.
IN-LINE SKATING: Brain injuries occur most often when skaters fall and hit their heads on the pavement. Skating on roads causes a risk of colliding with cars, bicyclists, pedestrians, and pets.
HORSEBACK RIDING: Brain injuries account for 60% of equestrian related fatalities and
17% of all equestrian injuries are brain injuries. 90% of the cases injuries to equestrians require hospitalization are caused by the rider being separated from the horse while riding or falls. (EX: Christopher Reeves).

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Education and knowledge; medical and psychological issues, assessment, treatment, early intervention, and resources
Know your Soldier(s) and their families ; history, likes, dislikes, interests, fears, concerns, strengths, and goals
Don’t make assumptions ; often Soldiers don’t understand concussion, TBI, PTSD and other combat related injury issues
Medical Clearance : ensure they have fully healed from any prior or suspected head injury before risking another head injury
Protective gear: use helmets and other protective gear to minimize risk of injury ~ further injury ~ worsening pre-existing condition
Utilize Professionals : mental health professionals, OT, Speech, PT, recreation therapists, and other specialists to support recruitment, activity, safety, and individualized benefits/treatment goals.
Family: Involve family whenever possible which will help build healthier relationships
DON’T GIVE UP!