This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I just got off the phone with a person who called about a 16-year-old who suffered a brain injury when he fell from his skateboard. He was not wearing a helmet. This accident happened six months ago, yet the symptoms persist: headaches, fatigue, memory loss, personality changes. His parents are desperate for help.
This unfortunate young person has joined the ranks of more than 20,000 people living in Utah who suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. Sadly, like so many others, he probably faces challenges that will adversely affect him throughout his life.
Brain injury can happen anytime, to anyone, anywhere. Yet people needlessly take risks that can result in the situation this 16-year-old finds himself.
Take steps to prevent brain injury like wearing a helmet when biking, skiing, riding ATVs, skateboarding. Use your seat belt and put young children in safety seats. Don't text or use your cellphone while driving. Fall proof your home. The statistics show these behaviors do reduce frequency and severity. Don't take needless risks. .
George Gehling
Brain Injury Alliance of Utah
Murray