To address the unprecedented rates of concussions happening to Americans — from young athletes to older adults — Putnam Hospital Center’s Rehabilitation Department will host an educational panel discussion for the community featuring physicians, physical therapists and other leading experts in the field.
“Concussion Management in our Community” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 21, in Putnam Hospital Center’s Michael T. Weber Auditorium, 670 Stoneleigh Ave.
“This program is for people of all ages,” Putnam Hospital Center’s Director of Rehabilitation Matthew Kriniske said. “The effects of concussions are all over the news so we wanted to bring all of our resources together to help the community manage the long-term impacts of it.”
While concussions are described as mild traumatic brain injuries, they can be serious and result in long-lasting damage, Kriniske said. A person who has had one concussion is also at a greater risk of suffering another, he added.
The program will cover a wide range of topics, including emergency management, neurology, sports-related injuries, management and rehabilitation. Patients who have had concussions will also discuss their personal experiences.
The panel discussion topics and presenters include:
· Physical therapist Vicki Seppell will present information on balance and post-concussion syndrome.
· Speech therapist Jenny Kalanz will discuss the effects concussions have on cognition and cognitive processing.
· Physical therapist James Mangano will focus on what warning signs parents and families should look out for in their athletic children.
The seminar is open to everyone, particularly parents, coaches, athletic directors, clinicians and emergency responders.
Registration is required. Please call 845-279-5711 ext. 2474 (TTY 800-421-1220) to register.