My Brain Injury

    

Written by Bret K.

       Hello, my name is Bret and I have a traumatic brain injury. I acquired my injury when I was 20 years old. A traumatic brain injury happens when the brain is injured due to an outside force. Half of all traumatic brain injuries result from motor vehicle accidents. My injury is no exception.

     Before my accident I was working full time at a machine shop. I loved playing baseball, and was even on my school's team. I was attending a community college and planning to become a police officer. I was very independent and had an active social life. I had even lived in another state with friends, but recently moved back home prior to my accident.

     My accident occurred very early one morning, at about 4:30 a.m. I was driving one person to their house after a night of drinking with a group of friends. I was not wearing a seatbelt. I was ejected from the vehicle after it flipped multiple times. My friend was still inside, with his seatbelt on, which saved him from getting a traumatic brain injury. I wasn't as lucky.  I was in a comatose state for a couple of months following the accident. When I awoke, I knew my parents, but everyone else was a stranger to me. The doctors told my parents that I was going to be a vegetable for the rest of my life. I am able to be here telling you my story because of the hard work and faith that my family and friends had in me. My injury occurred on the left side of my brain, leaving my right side of my body semi-paralyzed. I have little to no control of my right arm and right leg.

   My life now is not a pot of gold, but is definitely worth more than any words can explain. I am able to work through Special Tree and even have more than one job title. I have a few friends that continue to visit and remain in contact with me, which I am very grateful for. I am still pretty independent. Although I currently live in a group home and require some staff assistance, I am planning to move to an apartment in the near future. I am improving everyday. I get to walk with a walker two times a week, it was very difficult at first, but I am not willing to give up. I am currently working on my social and communication skills with my peers and staff to be able to find a life partner and supportive friends.

     Although partying may be fun, do not drink and drive.  If you drink and drive the thing that happened to me could happen to you, or even worse you could die.

   
    

Underage Drink?

          

Written by Bret K.

                Do you drink under age? If yes, you should stop. I know some people that drank under age and they decided to drive.  This caused them to get into a serious car accident. They ended up getting a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). There are also many affects that consuming alcohol has on an under developed brain.

            Many bad things can happen to you if you drink under age. While the brain is still developing alcohol can have lasting affects. When alcohol is consumed the brain’s central nervous system is affected and makes you think, speak, and move at a slower rate than normal. Alcohol consumption at young ages may interrupt key processes of brain development. A study performed by Brown and colleagues shows that alcohol dependent 15 and 16 year olds have greater difficulty remembering words and geometric shapes after a tem minute interval than teens without the dependency. The cerebral cortex is also slowed down by the consumption of alcohol. The frontal lobes of the brain are important for forming ideas, making decisions, and using self control. Alcohol consumption can permanently damage the frontal lobes of the brain. The part of the brain that forms memories is called the hippocampus, it is shown that in alcohol dependant teens the hippocampus is smaller than in normal teens that do not consume alcoholic beverages. The part of the brain that controls automatic actions, like your heartbeat and breathing, is called the medulla. This portion of the brain can be seriously affected by the consumption of alcohol, possibly leading to hypothermia (dangerous low body temperature) in the right conditions. The last thing I want to talk about is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus of the brain controls blood pressure, hunger, heart rate, temperature, and thirst. When alcohol is consumed, blood pressure, hunger, urination, and thirst are increased. While the body’s heart rate and temperature is decreased.

            Under age drinking can pose a very dangerous situation for anybody involved. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of sexual assault such as rape.  Teens that involve themselves with under age drinking are much more likely to have unprotected sex with multiple partners. This can lead to unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

            Teen suicide has been increasing due to under age alcoholism. Due to alcohol affecting the brain in the ways listed above, teens are facing greater levels of depression and anxiety. There is an alarming rate of 37% of females in the 8^th grade who drink heavily reporting attempts of suicide. Alcohol related suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 14-25.

            Early drinking and alcohol abuse may be linked to personality characteristics. Persons who are more likely to become dependant on alcohol tend to seek out new experiences and sensations. They also have strong tendencies to act impulsively before alcohol consumption. Environmental factors are also prevalent to early alcoholism. Having alcoholism in the family to begin with is a major factor in adolescent alcoholism. There is easier access to alcohol, greater acceptance of alcohol use, and a lack of parental monitoring.

            There are many long lasting affects of early alcohol consumption. Teens that began drinking prior to age 15 are four times more likely to become alcohol dependant than others who wait until the legal age. Once an alcoholic pattern has begun, social factors such as peer pressure play a large role in relapse for teens.

            For those of you that drink under age you should think about all of the negatives that can happen before you take your next drink. You can still attend parties, but you don’t have to drink to have fun.

Labor Day

  

Written by Bret K.

      Labor Day is approaching, it is the first Monday of September. Labor Day is a national holiday because it celebrates the economic and social contributions of the American society. This year it falls on September 3rd.

     The first state to declare Labor Day as a holiday was Oregon in 1887. As time went on, more states began to recognize the holiday until 1894 when Labor Day became a federal holiday. Labor Day was passed following the Pullman Strike where many union workers were killed by the United States military and the United States Marshalls. In fear of further conflict, after the reconsiliation of President Cleveland and the leader of the labor movement, Congress unanimously signed Labor Day into law as a national holiday just six short days after the end of the strike.

      First celebrations of Labor Day included  a street parade and a festival to display the strength and devotion of the trade and labor organizations. Later, speeches made by prominant men and women were introduced in celebration of Labor Day. Today's celebration has a different feel. It is regarded as a day to rest and party. Different ways to celebrate Labor Day include attending a picnic, barbeque, public art event, fireworks display, or participating in water sports. Many families take this weekend as a chance to travel one last time before school resumes from summer recess.

     Labor Day is looked at as being the end of summer by most Americans. It is also looked at as the beginning of college and NFL football. NCAA teams often play their first games the week prior to Labor Day, with the NFL generally playing their's the week after.  

     This year Labor Day is September 3rd, so try and figure out what your plans are for this year. Whether its having a barbeque, attending a college footbal game, or just relaxing for the day you should enjoy whatever you choose to do for this holiday.

My Biggest Regret

      

Written by Bret K.

      I used to think about working instead of having fun.  When I look at it now I wish I could have had more fun.  I used to be an excellent baseball player and even made my high school team.  I could play many positions around the field including catcher, pitcher, third base, and left field.  Pitching was my favorite; I could throw hard and fast.  I was throwing 77 miles per hour when I was just fourteen years old.  Now, I look back and wish I would have stuck with it longer.

          I played baseball for six years.  It was very important to me while I was young.  Once I got to high school, I tried out and made the freshman team with twelve other players.  It was the best season yet.   I was starting catcher for the team throughout the season.  I had the time of my life and made a bunch of new friends with other kids on the team.

          When spring came the next year, I was unable to try out because I had a job.  I decided that work was more important to me and making money was the better thing to do.  Wow, was I wrong.  My biggest regret in life is not trying out for the team again because I would rather work.  

          I occasionally think about where I would be and what I would be doing if only I had played baseball instead of working a part time job throughout high school.  Maybe I would be making millions of dollars, attend a major college on a scholarship, or even a little kid’s idol.  I wish I would have continued to play baseball.

           All the reasons I listed above are the reasons I wish I would have kept playing baseball.  Although all of the choices I have made have gotten me where I am today, my biggest regret is not continuing to try out for the baseball team after my freshman year.

Father's Day Coming Up

                Father’s Day is quickly approaching.  Get ready to WOW your dad this year, from a great gift to an awesome fun-filled day.  He will not be disappointed with this holiday.

                The very first person to celebrate Father’s Day was a woman, or girl, named Sonora Smart-Dodd.  She had been inspired to celebrate her single father of six children by a Mother’s day church service in 1909.  By the next year, she had gained her city’s approval and celebrated the first Father’s Day on June 19, 1910.  Hallmark did not begin printing Father’s Day cards until 1920.  However, it did not become a national holiday until 1972. Richard Nixon declared Father’s Day be celebrated the third Sunday of June.  Although many presidents attempted to make Father’s Day a national holiday, congress was not on board for fear that it would just become commercialized.

                A lot of people give their dad gifts to celebrate Father’s Day.  Fathers tend to be more satisfied with their gifts than mothers.  Being this, on Father’s Day people generally spend less money than on Mother’s Day.  Sons and daughters spend an average of $90.89 for their Father’s Day gifts, as opposed to $123.89 for Mother’s Day.  If you are looking to give your dad a more traditional gift this year, head to the card section.  Father’s Day in the fourth highest card giving holiday in the United Sates, with 93 million cards exchanged annually.

                No matter the gift, all dads really want is time with their  family.  For an afternoon outdoors play some catch, head down to the lake to catch fish, or check out a local park for a hike.  Want to stay at home, try a family car wash, backyard barbeque, or shoot some hoops.  Most dads love to grill; you could pack it up for picnic style dinner or just enjoy preparing and cooking together at home.  You could also stay in and watch some old family videos, if your father is not into getting outdoors this year.  No matter what you choose, your dad will enjoy making new memories with his family.

                I hope Father’s Day 2012 is a lot of fun for you and your dad.  Do some activities with your family, I’m sure you will be glad that you did!

Get Outside!

                    The weather outside is getting warmer. The forecast for this weekend look great, with a high of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 59 degrees Fahrenheit for Saturday.  Sunday’s forecast is looking just as good or better with a high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There is only a ten percent chance of rain all weekend with partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies. Get out your shades and a hat to start planning a fun filled weekend.

                 You could start your weekend off right with a pole and some bait.  There are many fishing spots in Southeastern Michigan offering a variety of different fish to be caught.  You could head on out to Crosswinds Marsh in Wayne County for a boardwalk of beautiful scenery and many fish.  Looking for a different spot? Try Round Lake, located in Irish Hills near Wampler’s Lake.  You could dock your boat or fish from their nice pier.  There are many parks that offer catch and release fishing.  Heritage Park, Bishop Park, and Elizabeth Park are close to downriver Detroit with various fishing spots throughout.

                Looking to plan a full weekend event, try camping. Camping can be altered to fit everyone’s needs.  You could sleep in a tent, park your RV, rent a cabin, or stay in a camper.  There are many places you could camp at; state parks, KOA parks, private land, and many others.  Most parks offer cabins to rent, campsites for campers and tents, trails to hike on, and play escapes for children.  Some state parks even offer sandy beaches, boat docks, and running water.  If you enjoy nature, try camping for a fun, relaxing weekend.

                Trying to keep to a budget?  I have put together some cheap activities you could do at home. Host a barbecue, have friends and family bring a dish to pass and enjoy the laughter and good times.  Have a pool?   Throw on a bathing suit and dive in to cool down from the hot sun.  Swimming not your thing? Go for a bike ride or brisk walk.  The cool breeze will feel great.  After the sun goes down, start a back yard fire.  You could roast marshmallows or cook hotdogs over the flames. Be sure to follow your city’s rules and regulations.  I hope these ideas are fun for you!

                You could also enjoy this weekend by spending a little cash.  Cedar Point and concerts are at the top of my list!  Concerts are a wonderful way to have fun listening to live music. If you enjoy a little rock and roll, Candlebox will be playing Saturday at the Emerald Ballroom at 7pm.  If you like sports, the Detroit Tigers will be playing the Pittsburg Pirates at home May 18^th, 19^th, and 20^th.  Cedar Point is also a good way to have fun.  It is full of roller coasters, arcade games, and never short of people to watch.  You could stay for a day or the entire weekend.

                These are all ways to enjoy this upcoming summer weather.  Weather you like to go fishing, camping, to Cedar Point, listening to live music, or barbecuing this week will not disappoint because of the excellent weather. Try some of these outdoor activities, I know I sure will!

The Spring Fling

     This annual event went off with a bang, as usual, on April  27, 2012. Special Tree clients and alumni were invited to a night filled with dinner, dancing, and prize give aways.


     Upon arrival guests photos were taken by the Day Treatment Services staff. They were able to get the photos developed and pass them out. The staff did a wonderful job of getting every client to smile. Each photo was given out in a handmade spring inspired photo card. Eveyone enjoys a photo to remember.


     After having your photo taken, clients were directed to take a seat at a table for dinner to begin. Dinner was served and eaten quickly, so to return to the festivities of the night. Everyone was able to enjoy an array of food while in attendance at the Spring Fling.


    Proceeding dinner was a new addition to the Spring Fling, a NEW Band! They consisted of two guitar players, a piano player, a fiddle playing lead singer, and of course a drummer. They sure did rock the house and got every body up and moving to the music. I hope to see their return at the annual Fall Bash!

     I had the pleasure of standing and dancing to multiple songs throughout the night. This made me feel excited because this was only the second time since my accident that I could stand and dance. I got the pleasure of seeing other clients enjoying this same activity and I could tell that they were just as happy as I was.


     Prizes were given out after the music was played. Names were drawn out of a hat. Each winner was able to recieve their prize at center stage and draw the next winner. I did not get the pleasure of winning and actual prize, however, I still feel like a winner for the oppurtunity to attend.


     This special night would not have been possible without the help of residential managers Debbie J. and Sabina K. Thanks girls for a great night!