Hockey and Spinal Cord Injuries

Hockey is Canada's favourite past time. Many Canadians have memories of playing or watching hockey while growing up. Most Canadians share a passion for the game that unites us all.

Although hockey is Canada's beloved sport, injuries suffered during play can be life altering. One of the largest dangers for hockey players is an unforeseen collision with the boards. Being hit from behind or checked into the boards can have serious consequences. Numerous hockey careers have come to an end due to head or spinal injuries.

Thomas Smith suffered a serious spinal cord injury as a result of colliding with the boards in 2009 which subsequently ended his hockey career. As a result, Thomas made it his goal to ensure others would not suffer the same injury he did.

Thomas created the Look-Up Line – an orange oval painted around the perimeter of the ice that warns players when they are 40 inches from the boards. The reason for the line is to give a visual warning to players where they are on the ice so they can manoeuvre their body to avoid a collision with the boards.

The lines have not been adopted yet in Canada, however in June 2014 the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) announced they would study the Look-Up Line. In the USA both the NCAA and USA Hockey has recognized the Look-Up Line as a crucial step in player safety. It is predicted to be incorporated in over 100 rinks in 15 states for the 2014-2015 season.
 

To protect our players and increase safety one can hope that the lines are adopted soon in Canada for all leagues and levels as well.

Sensitivity and Brain Injuries

For someone on the outside, brain injuries can be extremely difficult to comprehend. A person may appear in perfect health from a physical point of view, however they could be suffering from a brain injury. We all want to assist the person in our life who has been affected by a brain injury, therefore it's important to know there are some things you should not say to the injured person.

To decide what is appropriate to say, consideration must be applied to what the symptoms of the brain injury are. Individuals with brain injuries may be forgetful, irritable, reliant on others, or lack motivation to do certain activities.

With these limitations in mind, the following are phrases you should not say to a person with a brain injury:

• “You don't look hurt to me”
• “You're lucky to be alive”
• “Don't you remember when..”
• “Let me take care of that”
• “Try to be positive”
• “Don't be so negative”

Although you may feel like you are helping your loved one, the comments listed and other similar comments, can trigger sad or useless feelings. It is also shown that individuals with brain injuries suffer from an increased rate of suicide compared to those of the general population.

By keeping in mind the challenges and adversities a person with a brain injury faces, you will be able to support their recovery while showing sensitivity towards their situation.

Nutrition and Spinal Cord Injuries

With a spinal cord injury comes a plethora of health concerns, most of which relate to mobility and day to day activities. However, nutrition is also incredibly important for individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury. Maintaining a well-balanced, nutritional diet is crucial in adjusting to the injured person's activity level. A balanced diet can support a healthy digestive system, immune system, and help maintain a healthy body weight.

Nutritional experts suggest taking supplements to support nutritional goals for those who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Among the advised supplements are:

• Probiotics
• D-Mannose
• Sugar with cranberry extract
• Vitamin D3
• Fish oils
• Digestive enzymes
• Vegetarian based protein powder
• Magnesium
• Chromium
• Advance B Complex

Nutritional experts usually advise regular nutrition counselling to monitor and ensure that nutritional goals are being reached.

Liability of Business Owners at Office Holiday Gatherings

December is a busy and festive time of the year. During this time, companies often host holiday parties to thank their employees for all of their hard work during the year. Although these events can be a lot of fun for business owners and their employees, there are some key considerations to keep in mind when hosting a holiday office party.

There have been cases where business owners in Ontario have been found liable when their employees have been injured, or have injured another, during or following an office holiday party where alcohol was available. In most cases, the business owner permitted alcohol to be consumed on work premises without proper monitoring of consumption. Ontario courts have ruled that businesses allowing this kind of behaviour will be treated the same as a bar or tavern and therefore, liability can be attributed for over-service.

To host a safe and fun holiday party, companies should have their gathering at another location like a restaurant or hall, if possible. The venue will have a liquor license and trained employees can monitor the responsible consumption of alcohol.

If your company does decide to have your party on work premises, consider hiring a catering company or bartending service. This way the hired staff can monitor and control alcohol consumption.

Lastly, business owners should consider providing transportation home for their employees after the party. Taxi chits are a great way to ensure your employees arrive safely and celebrate responsibly.

Brain Injuries Strain Marriages

Brain injuries can often result in significant strain in a couple’s relationship. As a result of the impairments which flow from the brain injury, both partners will experience a sense of loss and face numerous changes and challenges. This can lead to a breakdown in the relationship and a loss of intimacy between the partners.

The brain injured partner may suffer loss and changes in their physical abilities, cognitive abilities, behaviour and mental state. They may suffer from fatigue, decreased mobility, pain, low confidence, feeling unattractive,difficultiescommunicating, lack of insight, impulsivity, anger, frustration and depression.These symptoms can all negatively affect a couple’s relationship.
 
As a result of the above, the healthy partner will often take on the role of caregiver and might feel as though their partner has returned to a childlike state. The partnermay also take on other additional roles within the familythat were previously done by their brain injured partner. This can leave the partner feeling worn out, angry, frustrated, depressed, resentful, stressed and anxious. In addition, the partner may feel as thoughthey are in a relationship with a stranger as a result of the behavioural changes which are common with a brain injury. 
 
In these situations, it is helpful to seek out support groups, counselling and therapy. These options can help provide the healthy partner with support, education and strategies for coping with all that comes with being in a relationship with someone who has sustained a brain injury. 

By Karen Vigmond

Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that runs through the vertebrae in the spine and acts as a pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. It is divided into four sections: cervical (neck), thoracic (chest/trunk), lumbar (lower back) and sacral. When the spinal cord is injured it can result in the loss of feeling and function in certain parts of the body. The parts of the body that will be affected will depend on where the injury to the spinal cord occurred. Typically, the higher the level of the injury, the greater the loss will be and more parts of the body that will be affected.

Spinal cord injuries can be placed into two general categories, complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury generally means that there is no function or feeling below the level of injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that there is some function or feeling below the level of the injury. For example, a person with an incomplete spinal cord injury may have more functioning on one side of the body than the other.

Spinal cord injuries are also commonly described using the terms quadriplegia (or tetraplegia) and paraplegia. Quadriplegia involves the loss of movement and feeling in all four limbs and can affect the trunk and chest muscles as well. This is caused by injury to the cervical part of the spinal cord. Paraplegia involves the loss of movement or feeling in the lower part of the body, mainly the legs. This can be caused by injury to the thoracic, lumbar or sacral parts of the spinal cord.

There are also many secondary complications that result from a spinal cord injury. These are serious and can include muscle spasticity, digestive problems, pressure sores, loss of bowel and bladder function, sexual dysfunction, problems with heart rate and blood pressure, circulation and respiratory problems, muscle tone, nerve pain, and other risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

According to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, each week 11 more people sustain a spinal cord injury. Currently, 33,000 people in Ontario (86,000 in the rest Canada) have a spinal cord injury. If you suffered a spinal cord injury due to the fault of someone else it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.

By Karen Vigmond

What to Expect When a Family Member has Suffered a Brain Injury

When a member of your family has suffered a brain injury, everyone in the family is affected. As a result of the impairments the brain injured family member will experience, often there are role changes within the family and an increase in everyone’s responsibilities. These changes will often leave family members with less time for themselves. At times it seems that all of the family member’s efforts and focus are solely on the injured family member.

As a result, feelings of anger, frustration and resentment are often experienced. Additionally, family members may feel grief and mourning given the significant changes to the injured family member. In addition, anxiety and fear may be felt as a result of the many unknowns and uncertainty of the future. Family members may also experience loss, includinga lossof companionship, a loss of income, a loss of future plans, a loss of a sense of securityand a loss of control.

In these situations, it is helpful to talk about your feelings and communicate with others in your family. If you are in this situation, we recommend that you speak to your doctor, personal injury lawyer or other health care professional about the resources available to you and your family.

By Karen Vigmond

Home and Vehicle Modifications

As a result of injuries sustained in a car, truck, ATV or motorcycle collision, an individual may be left with a permanent disability and, in very serious cases, may be confined to a wheelchair. In these cases, the person’s home and vehicle are likely no longer suitable or accessible to them. If this occurs, there are ways that a house and vehicle can be modified to allow the newly disabled person to remain in their home and maintain a level of independence.
 
A person’s residence may be modified in many different ways in order to increase the level of accessibility of their home. For example, lifts, ramps, and transferring devices can be installed both inside and outside of the home. Additionally, doors can be widened, replaced or removed and bathrooms can be renovated to include grab bars, safety rails and a wheel in shower. Kitchen equipment and cupboards can be lowered and a paved access path can be installed between the residence and mode of transportation. These are a few examples of modificationsthat can be made and willallow someone who has experienced a life altering event remain in the comfort of their own home.

 

There are also many modifications that can be made to a vehicle to make it accessible. Mechanical hand controls, pedal extensions, a left foot accelerator, lifts, power transfer seats, removable driver seats, reduced effort brakes and steering systems, and specialized seating can be installed in the vehicle. Furthermore, the roof of a vehicle can be raised and the floor can be lowered. These modifications can allow a newly disabled person to maintain their independence by making it possible for them to operate a vehicle. This is especially important in areas where public transportation is nonexistent or very limited.

 

Individuals who are injured in Ontario in motor vehicle accidentstypically have accessto statutory accident benefits (usually from their own car insurer). Thesebenefits include home and vehicle modifications/renovations provided they are reasonable and necessary. For more information on how to access these benefitssee Ryan Murray’s article titled Accessing Housing Renovations and Modifications Through Accident Benefits.

By Karen Vigmond

How Computer Games are Effective for Rehabilitation

Computer games can be fun but they can also stimulate the brain. Certain computer games are used in the rehabilitation of those that have sustained a traumatic brain injury. These computer games are used to try to improve the significant cognitive and motor problems experienced by those that have suffered brain injuries.

However, it is important to keep in mind that computer games cannot rehabilitate a brain injury alone. The use of computer games should be used in conjunction with ongoing cognitive rehabilitation treatment with a professional. Additionally, not all computer games are created equal. If you are interested in using computer games for brain injury rehabilitation, it is highly recommended that you get a recommendation from a health care professional regarding whether it is appropriate in your case. 

Despite some limitations, computer games offer numerous benefits. They help take rehabilitation out of the clinics and into the injured person’s home. This helps make treatment more accessible and enjoyable. Treating a brain injury can be a long and difficult process. However, the use of rehabilitation techniques that make the process more pleasant and entertaining can only lead to positive results.

By Liane Shepley

Concussions in Organized Sports

A concussion is a common head injury that results from a direct or indirect blow to the head. Damage is caused by a sudden shifting of the brain within the skull. This shifting can cause the brain to knock against the skull causing bruising.

A Statistics Canada survey found that there are approximately 30,000 concussions reported annually among the 12 to 19 year old age group. Sixty-six percent of these concussions resulted from engaging in a sporting activity. Sadly, these numbers are likely under representing the number of concussions actually occurring in youth in organized sports.

Concussions have been referred to as the “silent epidemic” because symptoms may not be immediately recognizable. Your child may not want anyone to know that he or she is hurt due to embarrassment. However, you can keep your eye out for post-concussion symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, loss of vision, ringing in the ears, stomach ache/nausea, sleeping difficulties, poor balance, confusion, slow response, and/or loss of consciousness.

If you have your child enrolled in organized sports this fall, please remain mindful of the risk of a concussion injury. Concussions are most commonly related to contact sports, such as hockey or football; however, all sports have some level of risk. Keep your kids safe and use protective equipment whenever possible, such as helmets, mouth guards, and neck protectors. It is also important to have open communication with your child and your child’s coaching staff.  

By Liane Shepley

Rehabilitation Options for SCI

The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages between the brain and the rest of the body. When injured, the spinal cord’s ability to send these messages is affected and this can result in a complete or partial loss of feeling, function, and/or sensation throughout the body. These injuries will vary in severity; however, most spinal cord injuries will require a high level of care in order to maximize physical functioning and reintegration into the workplace and community. 

Rehabilitation of a spinal cord injury is very important and is often undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team. Rehabilitation options for spinal cord injury victims include physiotherapy, which focuses on improving mobility, occupational therapy, which addresses difficulties in activities of daily living, and speech language pathology, which addresses issues with communication and swallowing. Seeing a psychologist is also an option to consider as there are often many emotional and behavioural changes after a spinal cord injury.

By Liane Shepley

Athletic Opportunities for Wheelchair Athletes

For those that sustain a spinal cord injury (“SCI”), readjusting to life in a wheelchair can seem daunting, especially for those who previously had athletic lifestyles. However, being in a wheelchair does not translate into life without physical activity. In fact, the benefits of physical activity to those with an SCI can be tremendous and there is no shortage of athletic opportunities available.

The popularity of sports involving physically disabled athletes has exploded in recent years, with the Paralympics becoming the second largest sporting event in the world. Wheelchair athletes participate in a wide variety of sports including basketball, rugby, tennis, track and field, curling, football, and hockey. These sports are adapted with some minor modifications but remain just as physically demanding and exciting to watch! 

There are numerous associations in Canada that offer wheelchair sporting opportunities. These include the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association, Athletics Canada, Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.  

By Liane Shepley

The Buyer-Beware Myth

Police officers often say that ignorance of the law is no excuse for an offense, but for the consumer, ignorance of the law can rob you of an important remedy when dealing with faulty goods. 

Many people think that they need to pay extra fees for warranties and lifetime guarantees before they can hold a manufacturer accountable for a defective product. However, existing laws defend your rights and safety any time that you purchase a product.

You are in an empowered position as the consumer. Vendors who advertise "no refunds" or "no exchanges" do not limit your rights in the case of faulty goods.

The foundation for the current common law relating to product liability was laid in 1932, when a Scottish woman became ill after drinking snail-contaminated ginger beer. She ended up arguing her case to the English House of Lords. She won. Canadian courts quickly adopted the reasoning in this British decision and since that time product manufacturers are held responsible to meet a duty of reasonable care towards those who consumed their goods.

In order to rectify any instances where you may have been sold faulty goods, you must know your rights, and act fast. It is your responsibility to identify any fault in the product, and to notify the vendor promptly.

When identifying what is wrong with your purchase, you should determine whether you are facing a minor or major fault. A minor fault is generally limited to the item's physical appearance. In the case of a major fault, the item does not work as intended.

Unfortunately, major faults are not limited to small products and can occur with manufactured items such as automobiles, airplanes, and roller-coasters. These major faults can sometimes lead to serious injury or even death.

When dealing with faulty items or products, you have several options. However, any hesitation could result in your being blamed for the defect, being ineligible for a refund, or required to pay for the repair. 

For information on legal options to address serious injury due to a defective product please visit Oatley Vigmond.

Is My Child At Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury?

Discussions of the effects of concussions on the human brain have surfaced in the news with greater frequency lately. The rise of mixed martial arts has triggered debates on the toll that contact sports take on the human body. In addition, controversy about football and player safety continues to simmer as retired players regularly come forward showing signs of depression and memory loss. 

Nearly four-million sports-related concussions occur in the United States each year, with as many as 300,000 of them suffered by high-school athletes. It is expected that figures in Canada are proportionally similar. Though high school students are not exposed to violence on the level of professional fighters and football players, a number of popular school sports can present a high risk of head injuries. 

High school sports can be particularly dangerous. Nearly 30% of reported cases of high-school concussions are football related. Football is responsible for two-thirds of all sports-related traumatic brain injuries, including cerebral contusions, dementia, and the development of a hematoma. 

Soccer and basketball players also suffer a surprising number of concussions, each making up approximately 15% of all adolescent concussion victims.

Understanding the nature of brain injuries should be the first step in their prevention. Parents with children interested in sports should be sure to do thorough research on which sports present higher risk of injury and concussion. By doing this parents can make the most informed decision about which sports their children should participate in.

3 Diet Tips for Better Brain Function

The importance of proper diet during the rehabilitation process cannot be overstated. If you or a loved one are working to recover from a serious injury, diet is especially important. There are three simple ways that you can change your diet to help with your rehabilitation process.

1. Healthy Fats

The days of low-fat diet fads are over. We now realize that all fats are not equal, and that the healthy variety of fats are absolutely necessary for proper heart and brain function. Human beings cannot produce essential fatty acids (or EFAs) independently, and so we rely on diet as our sole source. Western diets suffer from an imbalanced ratio of EFAs, as the grains, meats, dairy products, and vegetable oils that we gravitate towards in the Western world ooze with omega-6s but rarely contain omega-3s. Diets low in omega-3s are linked to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss. To offset this risk, choose oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, and sardines whenever possible.

If you can't stomach fish, then almonds, pistachios, and cashews are all good alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Many also contain vitamin E, which has been linked to offsetting memory loss.

2. Binge on broccoli

Broccoli contains a number of brain-boosting nutrients, including choline, and vitamins C and K. Choline has been proven in empirical testing to reduce memory loss resulting from old age, while vitamins C and K both boost mental performance.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C does more than simply ward off the common cold. The association between citrus and revitalization is no coincidence. Found in many fruits and vegetables, including bell pepper, orange, grapefruit, kiwi, and tomato, vitamin C can boost mental agility in a big way.