Attention All Parents

Post date: Aug 31, 2012 1:22:12 AM

Dear KASC Parents,

As part of our soccer club’s continuing commitment to serve our kids and our community, Kingwood Alliance Soccer Club will be hosting Deidre Duke from Methodist Concussion Center (http://www.methodisthealth.com/MethodistConcussionCenter) at the Nathaniel Center in Kingwood for two concussion education seminars during the monthof September (see the dates below).

6:30 PM Thursday, September 6

3:30 PM Sunday, September 9

Ms. Duke is the Methodist Concussion Center liaison. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine with a concentration in athletic training and fitness management, with a minor in psychology from Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio. She has worked in the athletic training profession for 16 years and is passionate about concussion management, return to play, education and research.

Among the topics that Deidre will be covering during the seminars are the following:

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A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious. Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young, developing brain and need to be addressed correctly.

ImPACT Baseline Testing is a computerized concussion evaluation system and is the gold standard of testing across the MLS, NFL, NHL and other professional and collegiate sports teams. ImPACT can be performed using a computer to access a web-based program. It is a test of memory, attention and reaction time. The cost of the test is $5 for students.

In the next few months, we will be looking to secure a facility within Kingwood to conduct ImPACT testing. Until then, I think this is a great opportunity for us to educate ourselves regarding health issues that affect our children.

While KASC will be hosting Ms. Duke, I highly encourage you to contact family andfriends within our community, regardless of their relationship with the soccer club, whomay have interest in better understanding concussions. Attendance will not be limited to club members.

Regards,

Mark Zylker - President

Kingwood Alliance Soccer Club