10 Ways to Save Your Kid's Brain-Not Just a Bump on the Noggin

ARONFELD TRIAL LAWYERS MARCH 2009

Dear Friend, Alex Baez

I am a father of two. I am also a lawyer who helps those who have suffered brain injuries recover and try to build new lives. Many of the people are children who have had traumatic brain injuries that their parents and pediatricians were unaware of. That is because brain damage especially in kids is sometimes very difficult to diagnose and often goes untreated.

In this month's newsletter I suggest a few extra steps to avoid brain trauma, how to look for the subtle signs and symptoms that may be present after a fall, accident or violence and how to get the appropriate care for your child.

Wishing you a safe and healthy life,

Spencer Aronfeld

Board Certifed Trial Lawyer and Proud Father of Two

Why I Became a Lawyer

WHAT'S NEW?

Alex Baez

Recognized by Coral Gables

On February 19th, 2009 Spencer Aronfeld,was Officially Recognized by the City of Coral Gables for his work in sponsoring the Annual Menorah Lighting and Festival of Lights. Pictured above are City of Coral Gables Mayor Donald Slesnick and City Manager Maria Alberro Jimenez.

Candace Grossman joins the firm as the our first ever "Client Care Specialist." Mrs. Grossman is a graduate of the prestigious Oxford School and attended the University of Miami. She is also a licensed pilot and has flown around the world.

Luisa Victoria Paulino, celebrates her one year anniversary with the firm. Victoria serves as a legal Assistant to AttorneysLennon Kraus and Bruce E. Shemrock.

Patricia "Sandra"

Sequiera

returns full time to the firm as the Director of Communications. She will be organizing our events and speaking engagements.

Erica Rosete has been promoted to the position of Legal Assistant working with both attorneys Lennon Kraus and Bruce Shemrock.

Our condolences to our Office Administrator Jeffrey Adler and his family for their loss.

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BRAIN DAMAGE PREVENTION AND DETECTION IN KIDS

Studies show that over a million Americans suffer brain injuries every year. Injuries occur through violence, sports or accidents. Often times, brain injuries are not diagnosed or treated, leaving some kids to cope with life long dysfunction and psychological problems

Most brain injuries are caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. The severity of the injury ranges from "mild" to "severe" based on a number of factors. Mild to moderate brain injuries are particularly difficult to diagnose in ERs or by pediatricians.

Avoiding a brain injury is far easier than treating one. Here are 10 Easy Ways to Avoid a Brain Injury:

10 EASY WAYS TO AVOID BRAIN INJURIES

1. When biking, skating, playing hockey, wear a helmet, even if just going around the block.

2. Be a good role model by wearing a helmet too.

3. The helmet must be designed for the specific activity. Do not use a bicycle helmet to skateboard, or a skate board helmet to ride a moped.

4. Do not buy, rent or use a used helmet. Especially on vacation.

5. Do not buy a helmet from a toy store.

6. Make sure your helmet fits properly your kid properly now. Do not buy one that he/she will "grow into".

7. Improper fitting helmets cause more damage than no helmet at all. Click here for some easy tips on fit.

8. Never re-use a helmet that has been in a crash. Even dropping a helmet may impact the integrity.

9. Replace helmets every year. Especially in humid climates.

10. Do not store your helmet in the trunk of

your car or in direct sunlight.

Make sure your kids Helmet is Snell Certified. Snell maintains the standards for Helmet safety.

Want to know how to select a helmet for your kid? Click here: Helmet Selection Guide.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MILD BRAIN DAMAGE

Brief period of unconsciousness.
Refusal to eat
Unusually cranky or listless
Altered sleep patterns
Decreased school performance
Behavior problems
Lost interest in favorite toys or activities
Amnesia for events before and after the injury
Headache
Confusion
Dizziness or loss of balance
Blurred vision
Ringing in the ears
Bad taste in the mouth
Mood changes
Memory or concentration problems
Weakness or numbness in the extremities
Repeated vomiting
Slurred speech
Convulsions

WHEN AND WHERE TO GET HELP

Stay on the safe side, always get your child checked by a doctor if you suspect a problem. I recommend emergency rooms as hospitals generally have MRIs and Cat Scans readily available that your pediatrician may not.

Even if the tests come back "normal" be vigilant for persistent symptoms and see a Board Certified Pediatric and insured Neurologist. Click here to check your doctor.

Available 24/7

Experienced representation in all areas of Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death.

Referrals and Co-Counsel Opportunities welcomed.

Spencer Aronfeld is Board Certified by the Florida Bar and is nationally recognized as a lawyer for the people. To find out more, please call us at:

Tel: 305.441.0440

Toll Fee: 866-59-PILAW

3132 Ponce de Leon Boulevard

Coral Gables, Florida 33134 USA