Staff being festive for Halloween, Miss Piggy came, Madonna made an appearance , U of M Pom Pon squad sent a member to cheer us on, and a Pirate showed up to celebrate! Be safe and enjoy the tricks or treats!

Fall is soon approaching and so are the school sporting events. Please be mindful and pay close attention to the signs and symptoms of a Concussion: What Is a Concussion? When you injure yourself, it's usually obvious? If you scrape your knee or break your arm, there will be bleeding, bruising, or swelling to show that some part of your body has been damaged. But when you hurt your brain — what doctors call a brain injury or concussion — there's often nothing to see. That can be a little scary because brain injuries can be far more serious than a scrape or broken bone. People hit their heads all the time — during sports, car accidents, and falls. Most of the time, the injuries aren't serious, but it can be hard to know for sure. That's why every head injury should be treated like a serious injury until a doctor says it's not. What Are the Signs of a Concussion? If you hit your head and think you might have a concussion, see a doctor right away. Here are some signs that could mean a concussion: You feel dizzy and it goes on for more than a couple of minutes. You have a headache that goes on for more than a few minutes. Things look blurry or you have trouble focusing. You throw up or feel like throwing up. You have trouble with balance and coordination (things like not being able to catch a ball or walk in a straight line). You have a hard time concentrating, thinking, or making decisions. You have trouble speaking or you say things that don't make sense. You feel confused, sleepy, grouchy, sad, or emotional for no reason. You don't have to pass out to have a concussion — in fact, most people who get concussions don't pass out. But if you do pass out after hitting your head, you need to get checked out. Sometimes a concussion is an emergency. If someone you're with has any of these problems, call 911 or get the person to a hospital emergency room right away: The person passed out and can't be woken up. The person has seizures. The person's speech is slurred. The person seems to be getting more confused, restless, sleepy, or agitated. The person has thrown up more than once. The person has a headache that gets worse or won't go away. How Are Concussions Diagnosed? If you have any worries about a head injury, don't take chances — get medical treatment. An undiagnosed concussion can lead to brain damage and mental disability, while proper treatment will help you recover.

Summer is a season full of beautiful weather, vacations, sports, and other enjoyable outdoor activities. Unfortunately, summer also means an increase in injuries. There are many ways to prevent the injuries that are most common during the summer months, as you and your family enjoy the warm weather. Here you can find helpful tips and facts to help you have a safe and injury-free summer. Motor Vehicles • Always use your seat belt • Use age appropriate car seats and child restraints • Never drink and drive • Never use devices that cause distractions (cell phones) Motorcycles • Always wear a helmet (even if the law states you don’t have to) • Wear proper footwear and abrasive resistant clothing • Never drink and drive • Always have your daytime running lights or headlight on All-Terrain Vehicles • Always wear a helmet • Never allow children under the age of 16 years old to operate an ATV • Wear protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, long sleeved shirt and pants. • Ride during adequate daylight • Never carry a passenger unless the ATV is designed for one Swimming • Always supervise children in and around ANY body of water Personal Watercraft • Always wear a life jacket • Do not allow children under the age of 16 to operate a personal watercraft Bicycles • Always wear a helmet • Follow the rules of the road • Wear bright colors • Never allow children to ride at night • Attach head/tail lights, reflectors to the bike

http://tritofinish.com/events/8th-annual-go-the-extra-mile-for-covenant-kids-2017?rf=NRrIBjB7N&ts=F

As a parent, your biggest fear is watching your child wrestle with traumatic illnesses and injuries. Our board-certified physicians are specialists at treating infants, children and adolescents with advanced technologies specifically designed for children. And with our family-centered approach, patients and their families are included throughout the entire process, so you can rest assured knowing your child is getting the extraordinary care he or she needs. Our pediatric neurosurgery procedures include: •Brain and spinal cord injuries •Chaiari malformations •Craniovertebral abnormalities •Craniosynostosis •Macrocephaly •Neurological disorders •Plagiocephaly •Spina bifida •Surgical management of spasticity and hydrocephalus •Tumors and lesions of the brain and nervous system

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours this week as we set aside this time with family and friends, giving thanks for how much we’ve been given.

Now hiring, part time scribe/physician facilitator. 24 hours a week. Medical Assistant 40 hours a week. Apply at www.covenanthealthcare.com

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcZNRfkY-xE Dr Frank Schinco-Chief of Neurosurgery, Covenant Healthcare, Covenant Neurosurgery.

Helmet safety give a ways, from Covenant Neurosurgery 2016 Cheeseburger festival, Ascension Lutheran and First Methodist Church Back to school events