TOPIC: Brain Injuries from Sports Related and Recreational Activities

Each year an estimated 300,000 sports-related concussions occur in the United States. Athletes don't like to be sidelined, making the detection and management of concussions a challenge, but a concussion can kill if it is ignored. And it's not just contact sports - recreational activities like biking, skiing and skateboarding also increase your risk of head trauma. On the next Health Link we'll examine the latest in brain injury prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

GUESTS

Christopher S. Calder, MD, PhD
In 1992 Dr. Calder founded Upstate Neurology Consultants, LLP, with Dr. James Storey. Since 1996 Dr. Calder has held the position of chief of the division of neurology at Samaritan Hospital. He is also clinical associate professor at Albany Medical College. In conjunction with his colleagues at Upstate Neurology, Dr. Calder has participated as an investigator in numerous clinical trials. Dr. Calder is a member of multiple medical societies. Dr. Calder is certified in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Judith I. Avner, Esq.
Ms. Avner is the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of New York State, the chartered state affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America. Ms. Avner has served in that position for eight years. She previously served in the Cabinet of New York State Governor Mario M. Cuomo, and served on the staffs of the NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund and former Congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman. She has been in the private practice of law. Ms. Avner holds a law degree from the Antioch School of Law and a BA from the University at Albany. As Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of New York State, Ms. Avner oversees all program and administrative activities of the Association. Ms. Avner is a frequent presenter and trainer on brain injury, and often appears in the media.

Ron Annis, ATC, CSCS
Ron Annis, ATC, CSCS, physical therapist in practice at Columbia Physical Therapy located in Schodak. He is the President of Top Form and runs a weight training program at Columbia High School with an emphasis on helping the kids grow big and strong without supplements that can affect their health.

Rick Kopp
Rick Kopp retired from the University at Albany 2 years ago after having served as an assistant football coach for 3 years and 8 years as Director of Athletic Academic services. Rick also served as the initial Director of Training Camp Operations for the New York Giants at UAlbany. Prior to UAlbany Rick was a football coach on the high school and college levels for 20 years. Presently he does promotional work for Riddell, a football helmet manufacturer and their new "revolution" football helmet, which was designed specifically to limit head concussions.