Brain injuries can be life changing, but for local residents dealing with them a weekly walking group proves that it's always nice to have support and friendship. 

A local woman, Denise Sarada, has created a group for those affected by brain injuries and their caregivers to meet up once a week and go for a walk and socialize over coffee.

Sarada said its a great way to bring people together who are dealing with the same type of situations that can sometimes be challenging. It also gives participants a planned outing and chance to socialize while also getting in some physical activity.

Trauma to the brain can happen through a variety of circumstances, some of which are completely unavoidable, however some, with the proper due care and attention, are preventable.

Variations of brain injuries can range from open or closed head injuries from falling, sports accidents and motor vehicle accidents – to tumours, infections, stroke and chemicals and toxins. These injuries can affect every part of a persons being including cognitive function, hormonal imbalances, behavioural effects, problems with communication and emotional effects from the injury. Sarada stated that many that do suffer from brain injuries generally do have caregivers that help them on a daily basis to do everyday things.

Some medical professionals may say that we have become to casual about brain injuries and the possible side effects that may arise. 'Having your bell rung', or 'seeing stars' are common phrases used which may refer to the injury as being something not serious, when in fact it can be. 

Symptoms of brain injuries can happen immediately or may not show up for days or weeks following the trauma. Symptoms to watch for  include headache, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, changes in memory and behavioural or mood changes. Injuries can range in severity from concussions to skull fractures and anoxia, where the brain does not receive adequate oxygen, damaging the cells.

Regardless of the severity, if you or someone you know suffers any trauma to the head and is experiencing any of the symptoms, medical attention should be sought out immediately to best assess the severity and provide the necessary treatment to prevent long-term damage.

With falls being one of the leading cause of brain injuries, people are urged to pay attention and avoid being careless in situations where balance could be a factor. This is especially important for those over the age of 75 where falls account for half of all traumatic brain injuries.Sports and hobbies can also wreak havoc where jolting or combat or wipe-outs take place. Taking measures such as, always wearing a helmet when on open-unrestrained vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, quads and snowmobiles. Also wearing a helmet while playing contact sports and others that have a high potential of injury such as snowboarding and skating.

Motor vehicle accidents are another leading cause of varying levels of brain injuries, predominantly among young adults, which leads into the impaired driving campaigns being implemented by the government and other corporations. Impaired driving is 100 per cent preventable, thus so are the potentially live-long side effects of brain injuries sustained in car accidents caused by intoxicated drivers. 

Sarada expressed that regardless of the situation or severity of the injuries sustained, to know there are people who support you and are going through similar situations can provide some solace for both those who have been injured and their caregivers.

For more information or to get involved with the walks, you can contact Denise at 306-460-6116.