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“Every week, I sit across the desk from kidsand their parents who have their lives changedbecause of post-concussion issues,” saysRobert Cantu, MD, a neurosurgeon andchairman of surgery at Emerson.8For many people, the fall seasonmeans lots of football, soccerand other collision sports.Across the U.S., millions of kidsand adults are back on the fieldand taking hits. According toRobert Cantu, MD, chairmanof surgery at Emerson Hospital,some will pay the price in theform of a concussion. Withpublic awareness of concussionat an all-time high, Dr. Cantu,a neurosurgeon and co-directorof the Center for the Study ofTraumatic Encephalopathy atBoston University School ofMedicine, has written a book,“Concussions and Our Kids,”that presents the science behindhis main concern: kids are especiallyvulnerable to head trauma.Kids are vulnerableRobert Cantu, MD, presents the factsQ. What brought concussions to publicattention?A. In 2007, Ted Johnson, former New England Patriotslinebacker and a patient of mine, went public with theproblems that resulted from his post-concussion syndrome.Ted was not looking to initiate a lawsuit; he honestlywanted to raise awareness among fellow footballplayers. The New York Times followed that with nearly 50additional articles on concussion in athletes. At the sametime, interest built in chronic traumatic encephalopathy(CTE), a neurodegenerative process that may result fromsub-concussive blows – not just concussions – over time.Q. How is a concussion diagnosed?A. In one of two ways: either there is an alteration in thelevel of consciousness or there are one or more post-concussionsymptoms that develop soon after head traumahas occurred. We look for 26 different symptoms, whichfall into four categories: cognitive, such as problems withmemory and attention; sleep problems; emotionalchange, such as irritability, anxiety or depression; and somaticsymptoms, such as headache, balance problems,lightheadedness and visual issues. Head trauma doesn’trequire a blow to the head; it can be caused by whiplash,where the head snaps backward or forward. More than90 percent of concussions occur without loss ofconsciousness.Q. Is it possible for people to miss the symptomsof concussion?A. Yes, because those symptoms don’t necessarily happensoon after a concussion and may not be recognized.Cognitive symptoms may not show up until a studentattempts intense homework or goes to take a test. It isalso true that, if you ask either an adult or a youngsterhow they feel, they will usually say “fine.” As a physician,I know I have to go through every one of the 26 post-concussionsymptoms to be sure.> Continued on page 13
Healthy Living| Health & Wellness ClassesRegister online at www.emersonhealthyliving.org. Call 978-287-3777 for more information. Some classes are ongoing;you can join in at any time. Classes are located at Emerson Hospital’s Integrative Health & Wellness Center, 310 BakerAvenue Extension, Concord (unless otherwise noted).PREPARE FOR SURGERY,HEAL FASTER WORKSHOPPrepare for an upcoming surgical or medicalprocedure: feel calmer, have less pain and fewercomplications and recover sooner. Please call toarrange a convenient, private workshop.$95. Includes book/relaxation CD. One surgerycompanion may attend for free.YOGA & MEDITATIONReduce stressand tension, improveflexibilityand strength,and learn breathingtechniquesfor emotionalbalance. Pleasewear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yogamat and sturdy blanket. Not for expectant mothers.Taught by Pam Vlahakis, registered yogateacher.$98. Classes are Monday 5:30-6:45 pm. Sevenweeksession begins September 10 or November 5.GENTLE YOGAFor beginners and experienced practitioners whowish to review postures with a beginner’s mind.Invite inner peace, stretch and tone muscles,release chronic tension, improve balance and flexibility.Please bring a yoga mat. Not suitable forexpectant mothers. Taught by Nancy Dorenfeld,RYT, Kripalu-certified instructor.$98. Classes are Fridays, 9:30-10:45 am. Sevenweeksession begins September 14 or November 2.YOGA AT LUNCH TIME -Yoga for afternoon energy and focusDe-stress from your workday and tap into yourinner energy and serenity. Experience the unionof breath and movement, strength and balancethrough a series of postures. All levels are welcome.Please bring a yoga mat. Taught by NancyWolfe, Kripalu-certified instructor.$60. Classes are Thursdays, 12:00-1:00 pm.Six-week session beginning September 20 orNovember 1.PRENATAL YOGA for a healthier pregnancyMixed-level yoga class teaches postural strengtheningand increases flexibility. Learn to relax deeplyand focus your mind. Please bring a yoga mat,water bottle and signed permission form from yourobstetrician or midwife. No previous yoga experienceis required. Taught by Michele O’Toole, RN,RYT, certified prenatal yoga instructor.$85 for a six-week session begins: Monday,September 17, or November 12, 7:00-8:30 pm.BABYSITTING TRAININGOne-day class for ages10-13 covers everythingyou need to know tobe a great babysitter! Acertificate of participationis awarded uponcompletion. Taught byBecky Patterson, educator.Pre-registration is required. Please bring alunch, snack and baby-sized doll or stuffed animalto learn diapering. Classes meet on the mainhospital campus.$45 per person. Classes are held 9:00 am-2:00pm. Choose a Saturday: September 15, October27, November 17 or December 15.TAI CHITai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, is practicedto achieve therapeutic benefits, such aspain relief and to promote balance and overallstrength. The instructor is Ming Wu, PhD.$98 for an eight-week session.Intermediate/Advanced Level: Wednesdays9:30-10:30 am. Session begins September 19 orNovember 14.Beginner Level: Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 pm.Session begins September 20 or November 15.Classes continued on next page9
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