Ventura Brain Center Helps Survivors Build Stable Foundation After Injuries
The center serves about 600 people in the county, and is trying to build awareness about traumatic brain injuries.
Ventura County Star:
Brain Injury Center Helps Those 'Lucky To Have Lived'
There are an estimated 16,000 people in Ventura County with traumatic brain injury, said Chrissy Stamegna, the center's program coordinator. Many more have brain injuries caused by stroke. The center, located in Camarillo, serves more than 600 people each year. "That includes survivors and their family members,” Stamegna said. “Many people still don't know about BIC or brain injury in general. The Evening of Magical Memories is one of the events that helps BIC spread awareness about brain injury and let people know about our organization.” A member of the center for 13 years, Prewitt initially didn’t want anything to do with the organization. (Doyle, 9/19)
In other news from across the state —
Oakland Tribune:
Tuberculosis Case Reported At Skyline High School
The Alameda County Public Health Department informed Oakland Unified School District that a person at the school was recently diagnosed with tuberculosis disease, said district spokesman John Sasaki. District and school staff are working closely with the health department to investigate the case and identify who may have been exposed to tuberculosis. Those who may have been exposed will be offered free testing and followed up with current public health guidelines. (Cameron, 9/19)
Sacramento Bee:
Alice’s Embrace Envelops Alzheimer’s Patients With A Blanket Of Comfort
It’s long been known that tactile textures can ease anxiety for some Alzheimer’s patients. Known as fidget quilts, sensory blankets or “busy blankets,” they’re sold on craft sites such as Etsy and Pinterest. All are designed to keep fidgety fingers busy, and some come with contrasting fabric (i.e. corduroy, fake fur, suede) or attached objects such as buttons, pockets or zippers. Others are weighted to provide a firm presence on a lap or shoulders, based on therapy studies that show heavier blankets – up to 30 pounds – can be a quieting, self-soothing tool for patients with mental health disorders. (Buck, 9/19)
The Desert Sun:
Flying Doctors Return To Thermal On Oct. 1
Hundreds of people who struggle to obtain routine and sometimes lifesaving medical care are expected to get help soon when Flying Doctors returns for its annual free clinic in Thermal. The volunteer group, known as Los Médicos Voladores in Spanish, has been coming to the Coachella Valley at least once a year since 1995 to provide free doctor and dental checkups, plus preventative services like flu shots, breast exams, hearing checks and blood pressure monitoring. (Newkirk, 9/19)