Concussions have gained a lot of attention in the professional sports world over the last several years and it’s a word that has become synonymous with the NFL. Several weeks ago the long awaited movie Concussion was released where Will Smith plays Dr. Bennet Omalu who first uncovered the long term impact concussions caused from the NFL can have on the human brain. This finding lead to the filing and recent settlement of a lawsuit to compensate former NFL players for serious medical conditions brought on by repeated head trauma. The NFL’s response to this has been swift with the introduction of concussion protocols to ensure the early detection during a game and many businesses have also stepped up to the plate offering innovative solutions that provide greater head protection, such as the Zero1 helmet that will be introduced into the NFL later this year.
With all the media coverage of concussions, I appreciate the genuine efforts of well intentioned people who want to help make the sport safer.
What I do not appreciate are people that seem to be motivated by greed and a desire to chase the almighty dollar who see this as an opportunity to make a buck at the expense of others.
Having a brain injury, I’d like to think that I am pretty well informed of the various types of services and treatments that are available that help in the rehabilitation process.
Having said that, I was extremely dismayed to come across a recent article that spoke of the big business of treating brain injuries, exposing companies and people who seem to be more focused on making money off the misfortune of others rather than actually wanting to help them. While this article speaks to examples in the US, I feel Canada and other countries are not that far behind.
And online businesses have also come under fire, one recent example was Lumosity being fined $2 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceived customers into believing its bundle of programs and games could help or greatly reduce the onset of cognitive impairment associated with age and diseases.
This struck a real cord with me as I have long been a proponent of Lumosity and have been an active user of this program.
I will not be renewing my subscription.
And if you are sitting on the fence about whether you should sign up or renew your membership, the headline of the latest article may help you in making that decision:
Brain games like Lumosity are snake oil. Don’t waste your money.
The revealing article I mentioned earlier stresses it’s really buyer beware when it comes to seeking out treatment for brain related injuries and the prevention of one. As a consumer you really need to take the time to thoroughly research all possible avenues before jumping in with both feet. This applies to treatments, apps, products and services.
While there are many reputable clinics out there that do offer medically backed and evidence based treatments, it’s important to be able to distinguish between a quack and someone who is a qualified expert in the field.
“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. ” -Zora Neale Hurston
Reading all these recent reports and allegations (whether proven or not) has made me a much more informed consumer and after doing some research, I will be focusing on these seven proven strategies to keep my brain sharp.
And the best part of all? They are all free!
Who will be joining me?
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