If you play or train in the Sea to Sky Corridor, chances are you have suffered a concussion or know someone who has.
For some, the consequences of a blow to the head are long lasting.
Former CFL linebacker Shea Emry definitely knows about concussions.
The two-time Grey Cup champion, mental health advocate and entrepreneur, will be speaking at the Sea to Sky Sports Physio clinic on Tuesday, July 9 at 7 p.m. about his experiences with concussions, mental health and recovery.
The event is free and aims to promote the launch of a new concussion and brain injury care program starting up in the fall in Squamish.
The new rehab intervention program, spearheaded by Karina Steinberg, of Sea to Sky Sports Physio, "provides a one-of-a-kind treatment approach that actually targets the areas of the brain that need work, in order to strengthen and build back your ability to function," Steinberg said, in a news release.
She will explain more about the techniques of the program, which is designed for people with persistent symptoms — not people in the acute stage of concussion — at the July 7 event.
After their initial injury, approximately 10 per cent of concussion sufferers continue to have persisting symptoms including dizziness, memory problems, and behavioural issues, which cause difficulty at work and in personal relationships, according to the press release.
Currently, there are long waitlists locally to receive care for these issues, which limits access for these sufferers, the press release states.
The same program as is coming to Squamish, is currently underway in Burnaby serving patients with mild, moderate, and severe brain injuries.
That program has served a number of former pro athletes, including Jamie Huscroft, a former NHL player.
To date, there has been a 77 per cent return to work rate in the Burnaby patients, the release states.
"We were really excited to see these results," said Shaun Porter, director of programs and research at Burnaby’s ABI Wellness. "These results are almost twice the global average for persisting TBI and concussion symptoms, and over 30 per cent higher than the current B.C. average. We're looking forward to Sea to Sky having a similar impact in the corridor."
Go to seatoskyphysio.com/ for more information.
