The Calvert Gazette
Thursday, February 6, 2014
10
Caring for Concussions By Sarah Miller Staff Writer With new state laws mandating concussion education and heightened sensitivity to the dangers and pervasiveness of concussions, sports teams at all levels are grappling with proper concussion care to protect the short- and long-term wellness of their athletes. A new program XLNTbrain Sport™ was introduced by Chesapeake Neurology Associates member and XLNTbrain Sport™ founder Harry Kerasidis, M.D., during the #C4CT Concussion Summit at the United Nations in New York, providing the first complete concussion management program without the cost of having a neurologist on payroll. Student athletes are required to take a baseline test at the beginning of sports seasons. The tests provide a point of reference if an athlete is injured and a way to tell when they are back to normal. State laws mandate doctors have to sign off before an athlete can play after a suspected concussion, Kerasidis said. After 25 years of treating hundreds of concussions and a career studying the effects of concussions on cognitive brain functions, Kerasidis compiled his learning into XLNTbrain, providing sports teams a clinical-caliber program at an affordable price. “Concussions don’t have to kill contact sports,” Kerasidis said in a press release. “Through XLNTbrain Sport™, teams will have all the tools necessary integrated into one convenient platform delivered online and through a newly created mobile app.” XLNTbrain Sport™ has had more than 5,000 athletes and athletic trainers beta-test the protocol in Maryland, including youth football leagues, high schools and St. Mary’s College of Maryland during the 2012-2013 school year, but this school year only Huntingtown High School is in the program. Kerasidis said this is due to growing pains during the beta-test year and said he is hoping to have all four high schools signed up again next year. For more information about XLNTbrain, visit www.xlntbrain.com or call 855-333XLNT (9568). sarahmiller@countytimes.net
Dr. Harry Kerasidis
Photo by Sarah Miller
Among the Subscription-Based Product Highlights, XLNTbrain Sport™ includes: • • • • • Kerasidis presents at a United Nation’s Summit on Jan. 29
Online concussion education that complies with state-wide regulations. Baseline testing including both emotion and cognitive measurements. A sideline assessment mobile app that includes balance testing. Daily-symptom checklist reporting to monitor recovery. A 5-Step progressive exertion program with a recovery care guidance.
Photo courtesy of Harry Kerasidis
Macaroni Kid Comes to Calvert
A Free Weekly Newsletter and Website for Kids and Families Macaroni Kid is excited to announce that it has come to Calvert! Macaroni Kid is a free weekly e-newsletter and website that highlights all of the great things for kids and their families to do in our community. Under the stewardship of Zia Edgell, Calvert Macaroni Kid is poised to quickly become the go to source for all things family. “As a mom in Calvert, I know how difficult it has been to keep track of the fun and enriching events and activities available for kids. I’m extremely excited to bring Macaroni Kid to our community and look forward to the opportunity to support the many cultural, not-for-profit, school and just plain fun things there are to do in Calvert County.” Macaroni Kid covers the spectrum of things to do with kids -- classes, shows, events as well as things to do at home, cooking projects, book reviews, arts and crafts and more. Parents in Calvert can sign up to receive their weekly newsletter by visiting www.macaronikid.com and selecting Calvert from the drop down list. Ideas for articles and event listings can be sent to ziae@macaronikid.com.