Concussions;

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions — temporary loss of brain function — can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness. And many head injuries occur off the playing field, in car and bicycle accidents, in fights, and even routine calamities and falls.

Kids who sustain concussions usually can recover within a week, without lasting health problems, by following certain precautions and taking a breather from sports.

But a child with an undiagnosed concussion can be at risk for brain damage and even disability.

If your child does sustain a head injury, even without a loss of consciousness, it’s important to watch for symptoms of a concussion, including:

• a change in mental state
• a bad headache
• confusion
• repeated vomiting

A child with these symptoms should be taken to the emergency room.

About Concussions

The brain is made of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is encased in the hard, protective skull. The brain can move around inside the skull and even bang against it. If the brain does bang against the skull — for example, if a child hits his or her head on the sidewalk — the brain can get bruised, blood vessels can be torn, and the nerves inside the brain can be injured. These injuries can lead to a concussion, which is the temporary loss of brain function.

There are three different types, or grades, of concussions. The severity of a concussion determines the length of time needed before a player can safely return to sports activities:

• Grade 1 concussions involve no loss of consciousness and cause a temporary change in mental state, like confusion, disorientation, and trouble focusing, which resolves within about 15 minutes.
• Grade 2 concussions are similar but the change in mental state lasts longer than 15 minutes.
• Grade 3 concussions include a loss of consciousness, regardless of how long they last.

Head injuries that result in concussions can be caused by car, bike, and motorcycle accidents; falls; assaults; and contact sports (football, ice hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, wrestling, field hockey, rugby, soccer, softball, baseball, etc.).

Take your child seriously

Bullying is not teasing (that can happen amongst friends and your child is on equal plan” with the teaser). Bullying is frightening and humiliating at any age, so listen to your child. Reassure your child that you believe him and will find a way to keep him safe.

Gather facts

Next, you need all the facts so you can help your kid create a plan to stop it. Ask questions like:

• “What happened?”
• “Who did this?”
• “Where were you?”
• “Who was there?” “Were you alone?”
• “Has it happened before?” “How often?”
• “How does it start?”
• “What did you do?”
• “Do you think he’ll do it again?”
• “Did anyone help you?”
• “Did an adult see this?”

Make an action plan

Most kids can’t handle bullying on their own: they need your help. Depending on your child’s age and the bullying situation, here are a few tips to consider:

• Bullying usually happens in unsupervised areas so tell your kid to be near others at lunch, recess, in hallways, near lockers, parks, or other areas.
• Tell your child there’s safety in numbers, so help him find one supportive companion.
• Emphasize that sometimes the best thing to do is leave the scene or walk towards an adult, crowd or older kids.
• Identify a trusting adult who can help your child when you’re not around. They must take this seriously, protect your child, and, if necessary, keep this role as protector confidential.

Teach confident body language

Research finds that kids who learn how to be assertive and appear more confident are less likely to be targeted by bullies. Teach your child to stand tall, holding his head high, to look more confident and less afraid. Tell your child to use a stone-faced glare or try a mean stare that looks straight through the bully.  If your child needs to respond, he should use a strong, firm voice and say a short, direct message: “No.” “Nope.” “Cut it out.” “Leave me alone.” “No way.” Crying, whining, insulting, or threatening only makes things worse. Bullies love knowing they can push kid’s buttons.

Boost self-confidence

Being bullied dramatically affects your child’s self-esteem, so find ways, such as a hobby, sport or talent that your child enjoys and can excel at, to boost her confidence. Then help her develop the skill so her self-esteem grows.

Step in when needed

If there’s ever the possibility your child could be injured, step in. Talk to a teacher, supervisor or parent.

Source;// http://parenting.kaboose.com/behavior/borba-bullying.html

The Adoption Council of Canada (ACC) is the umbrella organization for adoption in Canada.

Based in Ottawa, the ACC raises public awareness of adoption, promotes placement of waiting children and stresses the importance of post-adoption services.

Our services include a quarterly newsletter, a resource library, referrals, and conference planning.

Click here for an update on our current activities

Chair: Sandra Scarth

For more information contact us: 

by mail: 

Adoption Council of Canada
211 Bronson Avenue
Ottawa, ON  K1R 6H5

by telephone: 613-235-0344

toll free: 1-888-542-3678

by e-mail: info@adoption.ca 

Source:

http://www.adoption.ca/

http://www.canadaadopts.com/canada/domestic_public.shtml

Chilliwack British Columbia – Standard First Aid Course CPR C & AED Training – August 18.2009 

We are please to announce a special training course in Chilliwack BC. Instructed by one of our highly recommended and trainined Red Cross Instructors.

For more information or to register for this event call: 250.878.6690

Thank you for your interest in this event.

Approved First Aid Training Center

Actar 911 CPR First Aid Training Manikins ( Mannequins ) Industry Standard.

Naramata First Aid seminar on tennis related injuries proved to be a success in BC.  Last week a lesson on first aid shoulder slings. If you would like to take one of our fitness first aid courses or any other of our standard child first aid coutrses. contact our Training Supervisor at: (Groups welcome) http://www.okanaganfirstaid.com.

Shoulder problems, including pain, are one of the more common reasons for physician visits for musculoskeletal symptoms. The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body. However, it is an unstable joint because of the range of motion allowed. It is easily subject to injury because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it. To remain stable, the shoulder must be anchored by its muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some shoulder problems arise from the disruption of these soft tissues as a result of injury or from overuse or underuse of the shoulder. Other problems arise from a degenerative process in which tissues break down and no longer function well.

Shoulder pain may be localized or may be referred to areas around the shoulder or down the arm.

Reference : Wikipedia

Scouts Canada First Aid Training

Kelowna First Aid event in May 2009, Scouts Canada being trained by Okanagan First Aid Training Center.

Rebecca and Timmy practising bandage care at Kelowna Location. Check website for calender of events including  new events in Penticton, Peachland,Vancouver,Victoria,Winnipeg, Summerland, Vernon, and Salmon Arm.

Rebecca@okanaganfirstaid.com

http://www.okanaganfirstaid.com

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The recovery position or more technically known as the lateral recumbent position is a first aid technique recommended for assisting people who are unconscious, or nearly so, but are still breathing. It is frequently taught as part of classes in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or first aid.
When an unconscious person is lying face upwards, there are two main risk factors which can lead to suffocation:
Fluids, possibly blood but particularly vomit, can collect in the back of the throat, causing the person to drown. When a person is lying face up, the esophagus tilts down slightly from the stomach toward the throat. This, combined with loss of muscular control, can lead to the stomach contents flowing into the throat, called passive regurgitation. As well as obstructing the airway, fluid which collects in the back of the throat can also then flow down into the lungs; stomach acid can attack the inner lining of the lungs and cause a condition known as aspiration pneumonia.
Many fatalities occur where the original injury or illness which caused unconsciousness is not itself inherently fatal, but where the unconscious person suffocates for one of these reasons. This is a common cause of death following unconsciousness due to excessive consumption of alcohol.
To a limited extent, it is possible to protect against risks to the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the jaw. However, an unconscious person will not remain in this position unless held constantly, and crucially it does not safeguard against risks due to fluids. If the person is placed in the recovery position, the action of gravity will allow any fluids to drain. Also the chest is raised above the ground, which helps to make breathing easier.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page