8 Painless, Effortless Steps to Better Health

Sometimes it seems our doctors ask a lot of us. They want us to lose weight, stop smoking, stop over-eating, start exercising and remember to take our medications properly. We all know these things aren’t easy. If they were, we’d begin immediately and do all of the above and more. We’d vow to avoid all junk food and never eat out again. We’d quit smoking and jump on the treadmill.

Obviously, that’s not the case. Anyone familiar with the series of articles I write knows that I advocate getting a concussion baseline exam as a no-risk, easy way to dramatically improve care of a concussed patient. But I also advocate for some no-risk, easy, “no brainers” for moving toward a healthier lifestyle. They require very little of your time. But they have big benefits.

Use Your Head – Rethink Your Reasons for Not Getting a Flu Shot

Less than a year ago, we lost a family member. He died from the flu.

My wife’s cousin, Rafa, was a great guy. He had a huge passion for life. That passion extended from his family to classic cars, to his motorcycle club and his “iron butt” status. He always greeted me with a big smile and a warm hug. He was not much older than I am. And he was taken from us way too early.

Flu season is approaching. And as it does, I’m once again urging all my readers to get the flu shot. I do this every day at the clinic. But this season, I’m not only encouraging my patients to get one, I’m asking that they reconsider the reasons they use for not getting one.

Seat Belts and Concussions – Same Path, Same Life-Saving Outcomes

There was a time when no one wore seat belts. We didn’t recognize their importance because the data wasn’t available. But as more studies proved their benefit in saving lives, laws started changing and so did people’s attitudes. Today, 85 percent of people use seat belts. The overwhelming amount of evidence became clear and we were smart enough to get the message. I see this same path unfolding when it comes to concussion awareness.

Tell it to the Judge – Concussion News in the NFL

So why would a practicing physician who does not play pro football care about the latest news regarding concussions and the NFL?

First the headlines. This week, a federal judge approved compensation for thousands of former NFL players for concussion-related claims. In her ruling, the judge stated that while the lawsuit dragged on for years, “retired players’ physical and mental conditions continue to deteriorate.”

Concussion Awareness – Are You Receptive or Resistant?

There was a time when bumps to the head got little attention, particularly when they involved young athletes. Parents and coaches alike often considered them par for the course; a temporary condition in which seeing stars would pass with a few sips of water and a brief break from the game. After all, young athletes are incredibly resilient. No blood, no broken bones, no worries. Few understood the drama going on inside the young athlete’s brain or the danger it presented.

That’s changing. Concussion awareness is going global.

Are Concussions the Most Common Sports Injury?

Looking at some of the high profile sporting events recently, there has been the usual array of ankle injuries, muscle cramps, bumps, bruises, and concussions. Concussions? In the case of head injuries to high profile athletes, concussions have increasingly become newsworthy injuries, largely because they have the potential to affect a player’s availability in the playoffs, both in the NBA and the NFL, just to name a few.

Concussion – Now it’s a National Issue

While concussion is in no way a political issue, this week it found its way to the White House. As I write this, President Barack Obama is hosting the White House Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit, packing attendants that include representatives of professional sports organizations, coaches, parents, young athletes and researchers. The goal is to take concussion seriously as a youth health issue, and raise both awareness and funding for education and research.