Think First
New England Neurological Associates and Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital have joined efforts to present the National Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Prevention Program to junior high and high school students in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Think First ("using your mind to protect your body"), is a national program funded by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). Both share the belief that prevention is the only cure, and that neurosurgeons have a duty to prevent these traumatic injuries. Through public education, New England Neurological is leading efforts to prevent brain and spinal cord injuries among teens in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Each year approximately 7,800 new spinal cord injuries occur with an additional 4,860 people dying before ever reaching the hospital. It is estimated that traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims more than 56,000 American lives annually. Approximately 373,000 Americans are hospitalized as a result of TBI. Of these, 99,000 individuals sustain moderate to severe brain injuries resulting in lifelong disabling conditions. Approximately 50% of all brain and spinal cord injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents.
The 15- to 24-year-old age group is at greatest risk for these injuries. Many of these injuries are preventable. The Think First program aims to educate target age groups about preventing brain and spinal cord injuries. The efficacy of this program has been demonstrated by its increasing acceptance by junior and senior high school educators, student essays, letters from parents and public officials, adoption by professional organizations, the measurement of attitude changes toward injury by students, and increased use of safety belts by students.
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