“With awareness comes responsibility and choice.”-Amanda Lindhout, Canadian journalist and humanitarian.

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month in Canada. From the Brain Injury Canada’s website (braininjurycanada.ca):

“Each year, national, provincial, and local associations run campaigns to increase awareness about the prevalence of brain injury, the obstacles that exist for those with brain injury, and the need for more services and support at all stages of recovery.”

In Edmonton, we are blessed with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, which has a program specifically for people with a brain injury. From experience, I can confidently say it improved my quality of life. We also have a local agency, Brain Care Centre (braincarecentre.com), which provides services in Drayton Valley, Edmonton, Hinton, and Jasper.

No public events to mark Brain Injury Awareness Month were planned in Edmonton as of the time I was writing this article. However, to me awareness and understanding are the best “events”. Remember to take precautions like wearing a helmet during sports or cycling, and consult a doctor if you have had an incident involving your head.

I wish everyone a safe summer!

Ian Young is a columnist and Block Carrier with the paper. He lives in the area.