It’s Brain Awareness Week in Canada, and worldwide—a time to bring together groups working on the topic and put their research and other efforts into the limelight.
Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, made a statement in acknowledgment of the campaign, which runs from March 14th to 20th, and has been around for 20 years now.
“As a doctor, I have seen the many challenges faced by families affected by brain diseases, disorders and injuries,” said Philpott. “The more research can tell us about how the brains works, the better equipped we will be to meet those challenges.”
Over the past five years, the Canadian government has invested $640 million in brain research and brain scientists in Canada’s hospitals and universities who are working to prevent, diagnose, and treat brain-related illnesses.
In Kelowna, director of communications for BrainTrust Canada, Magda Kapp, said they are preparing to host their annual event called the “Pushor Mitchell Okanagan Symposium on Brain Health,” which will be held on May 12th at the Laurel Packinghouse.
According to Kapp, brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability for people under the age of 44, with youth having the highest risk.
Most brain injuries are caused by falls and vehicle crashes, with others caused by strokes, tumors, and more.
She said she would want to remind people that car crashes can often be avoided by not driving while texting, calling, or after drinking.
“We actually have research that shows up to 90 per cent of brain injuries are preventable, so a lot of that is about making a smart choice,” Kapp explained.
When it comes to falls, Kapp said helmets are a must when people are taking part in sports with speed or a hard service involved. For biking, wearing a helmet is the law, but it’s also highly suggested when skiing, snowboarding, and skating.
There has also been more and more information out about athletic injuries, which can cause repeated brain trauma, in sports like football.
Kapp said brains are not fully developed until people are in their mid-twenties, so they are still very vulnerable to injury.
“Prevention is always the best,” she said. “Brain injury can happen in an instant, but can last a lifetime.”
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