**PORCUPINE HEALTH UNIT NEWS RELEASES**

The Porcupine Health Unit and its partners are inviting local athletes, educators, parents and local sports organizations to an informative evening about concussions: identifying the signs and symptoms, their consequences and the importance of preventing them. This free event will be held at the McIntyre Ballroom on November 29, 2018, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Dr. Charles Tator, one of Canada’s leading neurosurgeons and a concussion expert, will talk about the myths and misconceptions of concussions. Gordon and Kathleen Stringer will share their personal story of tragic loss and highlight their advocacy efforts to prevent and reduce concussion in sports.

Marty Paul, Health Promoter at the Porcupine Health Unit, says, “This session will truly be an eye-opener for anyone involved in sports. I would strongly urge parents, educators, coaches and athletes to attend. I’m really hoping that executive members of sports associations will attend and participate in some of the conversations around player safety and concussion prevention.” Paul adds that national data indicates that 63% of children and youth (10-18 years) who visit an emergency department for a sports-related head injury are diagnosed with either concussions or possible concussions. Unfortunately, athletes in our catchment area are just as susceptible to concussions, and local emergency departments still see these injuries far too often.

“Playing sports is a great way to stay healthy,” says Dr. Charles Tator, “however, concussions are common in sports and can spoil the fun. Everyone involved in sports has to be on the concussion team in order to recognize and treat the concussions that, in spite of our best efforts, may not be prevented.”

The Porcupine Health Unit encourages community members to attend this informative session to learn from these tremendous leaders in concussion awareness, prevention, and treatment. “We all play a role in ensuring safe physical activity and sport opportunities for local children and youth,” says Paul.

The Porcupine Health Unit is located in Northeastern Ontario, serving the entire Cochrane District and Hornepayne, in Algoma District. The main office is located in Timmins, Ontario, with branch offices in Cochrane, Hearst, Hornepayne, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Matheson, Moosonee and Smooth Rock Falls.

Filed under: Local News