Here is a list of some delicious, brain-boosting snacks that may positively affect your child’s cognitive processes, emotions, and give them the very best chance to live their happiest lives.

• Avocado Toast - Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that improve our cognitive function and lower inflammation. Pair that with whole-grain gluten-free bread, drizzle a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper and you have a tasty brain-boosting snack.
• Tuna Salad with Whole-Grain Gluten-Free Crackers - Tuna is a great option for (healthy) fatty fish. Pair it with some whole-grains for a perfect mid-day snack!
• Green Smoothie - Smoothies can be a great way to get in some extra fruits and vegetables into our day. Add some nut-butter, avocado, chia or flaxseed for an added omega-3 and vitamin E boost. For our picky eaters, you can try freezing them in popsicle molds for a fun, refreshing twist!
• Kale Chips - Green, leafy vegetables are loaded with so many wonderful vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E. What better way to eat them than in chip form! Just toss them in some olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Apple Slices with Almond Butter (or any nut butter of your liking!) - Apples are rich in many vitamins and minerals, and almond butter, is rich in vitamin E and omega-3’s, which can help slow the release of naturally occurring sugar and prevent a blood sugar spike.
• Homemade Trail Mix - You can mix and match different dried fruits with nuts and seeds of your choice. Add some cacao nibs for another antioxidant boost.

Don't forget to LOVE your brain ...

• Get good sleep! Your brain needs rest to recharge.
• Good nutrition is key!
• Play puzzle and word games to keep your brain active.
• Limit time on video games!
• Wear a helmet where recommended (biking, skiing, sports, skateboarding)

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. A concussion can also occur by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. This sudden movement is often called whiplash.

Patients who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below may have a concussion or more serious brain injury.

Read more about our Concussion Center

How do I spot a concussion?

• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Not “feeling right”

• Appearing dazed or stunned
• Can’t recall events PRIOR TO or AFTER a hit or fall
• Confusion about assignment or position
• Forgetting plays
• Uncertainty of the game, score or opponent
• Moving clumsily
• Answering questions slowly
• Losing consciousness
• Showing behavioral or personality changes

What a concussion specialist will do to evaluate a concussion:

 At NJPNI, our highly specialized concussion providers will evaluate your child with a series of questions to determine what signs/symptoms your child exhibits. We will perform a thorough physical exam as well as an Impact test which is a computerized test that evaluates memory and reaction time which are often slowed with a head injury. Once all data is collected and exams are performed, we will formulate a recovery plan specific to your child’s needs to aid in recovery from the concussion. Each child’s recovery is a unique plan formulated with the provider, parents, child and school nurse.

We offer ImPACT testing

Concussion Management

Resources:

CDC https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/index.html The Brain Injury Association of America https://www.biausa.org/ Think First: National Injury Prevention Foundation https://thinkfirst.org/sites/default/files/Concussion%20Fast%20Facts.pdf

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