Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery

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October 9, 2020 by Angela

The Importance of Nutrition in Concussion Recovery

photo of avocado, salmon and nutsGood nutrition is important for maintenance of mental and physical health. But, nutrition is particularly important when recovering from physical trauma, such as concussion. When an injury, like a concussion, occurs the brain requires extra energy in the form of nutrition to heal the injury.

For a helpful introduction about nutrition to support the recovery process after concussion, Schurig Center invites you to view a guide from the ThinkSmart! Concussion Management Program of St. Charles Hospital in New York called “Nutritional Role in Concussion Management & Recovery.”

[View the document here]


For additional concussion education, check out… ConcussionSmart Marin

Helping to Keep Marin’s Students & Youth Athletes Safe

Image of ConcussionSmart Marin website home pageIn response to the growing concern over the effects of youth concussions, Schurig Center has partnered with other community organizations to form ConcussionSmart Marin – a coalition to design and implement uniform county-wide protocols for educating, reporting and treating concussions among Marin’s students and youth athletes.

ConcussionSmart Marin’s website, ConcussionSmartMarin.org, is a user-friendly information portal providing education about concussions, treatment options, videos, and online training courses for coaches.

The goal of the site is to improve identification of concussions and assist students, parents, teachers, coaches and medical professionals in the evaluation and management process. Coaches can access online training courses established in new California concussion laws, AB25 and AB1451.  In addition, parents can obtain information and a list of valuable questions they can ask their doctor if a child is suspected or has sustained a concussion.

In addition to Schurig Center, ConcussionSmart Marin’s members include:
Kaiser Permanente, The Marin Athletic Foundation, Marin County Office of Education, Marin County School Nurses, Marin County Health and Human Services, Marin General Hospital, Novato Community Hospital, and Certified Athletic Trainers.

[Visit ConcussionSmartMarin.org]

Filed Under: Community Education, Concussion, For Family & Caregivers, For Survivors Tagged With: brain injury recovery, concussion, Concussion Smart Marin, healing, nutrition

March 11, 2020 by Angela

A Message from Schurig’s Board Chair

Photo of Kim StrubDear Friends,

On behalf of Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery, I want to remind you that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. For 35 years, Schurig Center continues to be here ready to help people living with the effects of a brain injury meet their challenges and set new goals and dreams for their future.

This wonderful organization is a model for other communities, but it currently only exists here in the Bay Area. This month is a good occasion to let them know you are glad they are here for you.

Why your support matters…

If you or a family member have suffered a traumatic brain injury, stroke, aneurysm, or other brain injury, you may not have time to think about what month it is. A brain injury usually happens quickly, due to an accident or medical emergency. There is no time to prepare mentally or physically for the resulting impairment or loss of function.

Every brain is different and likewise every brain injury. Your injury might be deemed a “mild brain injury” or a concussion, but it still may have devastating consequences. You may not be able to walk, talk or manage your emotions. Your memory may be impaired or you may have trouble managing your emotions. You may not be able to work. It is often an invisible injury, so you may look fine, but inside, you do not feel fine.

Losing the ability to work or the ability to speak clearly may mean your friends and colleagues drift away. You could be left without a sense of purpose, a sense of self, and you may be lonely. Insurance often only covers the immediate incident and some therapy, not the potential years of rehab and recovery ahead of you. You are likely dealing with medical bills, questions about your recovery and figuring out who you now are. Your loved ones—spouse, children, parents—may be facing their own crisis, unable to cope with the fear, anxiety and cost of this suddenly-altered person you have become.

Our medical system is great at treating the injury or illness that caused your brain trauma, but not so great at handling the long-term recovery process.

We are fortunate to have a local resource where people can turn following a brain injury, and it’s funded by your generosity.

Photo of class participants on deckSchurig Center is a place where survivors and their families and caregivers can learn how to understand their new challenges, connect with people who know what they are experiencing and access ongoing services and education to help make life better. It fills a big gap in our healthcare system that otherwise would leave people on their own to research and find therapies for their recovery.

Now celebrating its 35th year, Schurig Center offers 15 different services to people from all over the Bay Area. Schurig Center serves those in the Bay Area whose lives have been affected by brain injury, whether from an accident, stroke, concussion, or illness. The center offers services, including therapeutic and rehabilitative classes, support groups, individual consultations, and resource referral assistance. Scholarships are available for those who live on a low income.

Our active lifestyle comes with risk. Cyclists, skiers, skate-boarders and other athletes now understand the importance of wearing helmets. But while helmets may protect against some injuries, they do not prevent concussions. In recent years, Schurig Center has added innovative concussion recovery classes for adults to its array of services.

As a member of ConcussionSmart Marin, Schurig Center has helped to promote county-wide protocols for tracking, reporting and treating concussions among Marin County’s student athletes. The program (ConcussionSmartMarin.org) helps physicians and schools comply with legislation that specifies “return to play” requirements.

Please join me in helping to ensure this valuable community resource continues to be available. I can assure you that your giving will go far to improve lives and abilities.

Here are some ways you can help:

  1. Donate. You’ll help people in your community who appreciate it greatly. Donate online here.
  2. Fundraise. Start a fundraiser and make a donation that way.
  3. Volunteer. If you have time to give, contact us.
  4. Support BAM Gala. Schurig Center’s annual BAM Gala helps raise scholarship funds that provide access to care for 70% of our clients who live on a low income. Sponsor, attend, buy raffle tickets, or donate an item for the event’s silent auction. Get more info here.
  5. Invite a speaker. We provide speakers for your community group, workplace, or organization to learn more about brain injury.
  6. Tell your story. If you are a survivor, let people know that everybody has a brain and a brain injury can happen to anyone.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Schurig Center and for caring about its mission.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Strub
President, Board of Directors
Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery
Larkspur, CA | (415) 461-6771

Filed Under: Community Education, Staff & Board of Directors, Ways You Can Help Tagged With: aneurysm, brain injury awareness month, charity, concussion, donate, Marin, San Francisco Bay Area, Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery, Sonoma, stroke, support

May 24, 2019 by Angela

Celebrate Summer Safely

image of beach sceneSummer is almost here! School will be out soon and people everywhere will be enjoying vacations and outdoor recreation. Summer is also known as “trauma season” in the healthcare world due to the number of injuries that can happen during summertime activities. While this is true, there are easy things we can do to help reduce the risk of brain injury.

Here are just a few quick tips to help keep your loved ones safe while you enjoy some fun in the summer sun!

Wear a helmet.

image of bicycle helmetWear a properly fitted helmet when bicycling or engaging in any recreational activity that may result in a head injury. Although there is no “concussion-proof” helmet, a helmet is a must to help reduce the risk of a serious brain injury. After an accident, replace your helmet because it may not be as protective as it was prior to the accident. Visit the CDC’s web site for more helmet safety tips here.

Wear water safety gear and master water safety.

image of child on water slideWhether in a pool or the ocean, wearing the appropriate water safety gear, like a life jacket, is critical to preventing injury. Make sure safety gear is well-fitted, worn correctly, and well-maintained. Always supervise children when in or around water. To reduce fall risk, discourage running near or around pools where the ground might be slippery with water. Teach kids to swim. Formal lessons can protect young children from drowning. Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Your skills could save someone’s life! Get more “H2O Smart” Tips on the CDC’s web site here.

Ensure your home and backyard are safe.

Falls are a leading cause of concussion for both the young and the elderly. To reduce the risk of falls, ensure your home is well-lit and free of tripping hazards, such as electrical cords across walkways, loose rugs, or scattered toys. Consider blocking off stairways with safety gates and installing window guards. Check that outside play equipment is appropriate to the age of the children using it and that it has guardrails to prevent falls as well a soft material underneath, such as mulch or sand.

Be safe behind the wheel.

image of mom putting child in car seatWhen you head out on your summer road trip, buckle up with a seatbelt and use age- and size-appropriate car seats that are properly installed for child passengers. The research is clear – belted passengers sustain fewer and less severe traumatic brain injuries compared to those who are unbelted. Find more child passenger safety here.

Be familiar with your surroundings.

image of hikers sittingWhen doing outdoor activities, like hiking, or engaging in any high risk sports or motor activities, make sure you are aware of the terrain you are about to encounter as well as your ability to navigate the terrain. Know the depth of water prior to diving into a pool or natural body of water. Always ensure a loved one knows exactly where you are and how to find you. Concussion can occur quickly and cause disorientation that can make it difficult to let others know you are in need of help.

Know the signs of a concussion and get treatment early.

ConcussionSmart Marin LogoA concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury. However, unlike a broken leg, the signs of a concussion are often ‘invisible,’ such as a headache, disorientation, nausea, incoordination, and memory deficits.

Learn more about the symptoms at ConcussionSmartMarin.org so you can recognize them quickly.

Filed Under: Blog, Community Education, Concussion Tagged With: brain health, brain injury, concussion, concussion education, helmet safety, Marin, prevention, San Francisco Bay Area, Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery, summer safety, tbi, traumatic brain injury

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© 2023; Marin Brain Injury Network
dba Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery
1132 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939
415.461.6771 | info@schurigcenter.org

A 501(c)3 organization - Tax ID # 68-0105213