Hiking Mount Tammany (Bucket List - check)

A Panoramic View from Mount Tammany

Mount Tammany

If you have traveled along Route 80 between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, you have seen Mount Tammany but may not have known it's name. It is the huge chunk of rock on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap; Mount Minsi is on the Pennsylvania side. The Delaware Water Gap is a true treasure and a place that I will never cease to be in awe of.

Joey Enjoying the View

In the past I have twice tried hiking to the summit of Mount Tammany only to be turned away. If memory serves me the first time was in 1985 - this was to be an overnight camping trip with a friend but shortly after we began our trek up the Red Dot Trail he became ill and we had to turn back. I returned a few years later (1988? 1989?) to attempt a solo camp-out only to injure my knee, again on the Red Dot Trail, and needing someone to help me back to the car. I vowed that, one day, I would make it to the top. I finally made it last Friday and this post is all about the adventure. There are a few routes to the top of the mountain but the most popular would be the Red Dot Trail up and the Blue Blaze Trail on the way down. The last half-mile follows Dunnfield Creek trail. This is the recommended route since the Red Dot Trail can be very difficult to navigate on the way down. I was accompanied by my son, Joey, on this trip and I don't think I would have been successful without him.

Looking Down the Red Dot Trail

The Trails

The Red Dot Trail

The Red Dot Trail is a very challenging trail with steep climbs and more than a few rock scrambles. It is about 1.5 miles to the summit of Mount Tammany along this route with a change in elevation of more than 1,200 feet. The trail is almost entirely rock once you get past the stairs at the beginning of the trail. Fortunately, it is solid rock and it doesn't move when you step on it.

The Blue Blaze Trail

The Blue Blaze Trail is 1.7 miles, again, with an elevation change of more than 1,200 feet. The trail isn't as challenging as the Red Dot but it has it's own challenges. The trail is not as rocky as the Red Dot but a lot of the rocks are loose and there is a good layer of leaves to go along with them. This makes the footing a bit tricky at times when a rock moves under foot or you step on some leaves onto the point of a rock. You also have to work hard to maintain control because gravity wants to get you to the bottom far faster than is safe.

Dunnfield Creek Trail

The Dunnfield Creek Trail connects the Blue Blaze Trail to the parking lot. I had hiked this trail once before, in November 2018, and wrote about it for my other blog. If you want to learn more about the trail, check out A Brief Hike Along the Appalachian Trail

Steep and not much room for error

The Hike

The Ascent - Red Dot Trail

When we arrived at the parking lot it was almost 3/4 full and it was only a bit past 11:00 in the morning. I was very surprised to find that many people on a Friday morning. I stopped along the way to pick up some granola bars and snack crackers to eat along the way so we stashed them in our packs, checked to be sure we had enough Propel¹ and were on the trail by 11:20 AM. Earlier I mentioned that I don't think I would have been successful were my son not with me and I meant it. To backtrack a little, I went hiking at Turkey Swamp Park the day before and my knees were a bit sore from that hike; I probably would have changed my destination to a less challenging one if I were going alone. We had planned this hike for a couple weeks and I wasn't going to back out now. The beginning of the trail is a steep series of steps created with, what appear to be, railroad ties. I had climbed about 50 or 60 yards (I'm guessing) when my legs got a bit tired. This was, in part, due to the soreness of my knees but also the weight of the pack and the fact that I am not as fit as I thought I was. It was about 10 minutes into the hike that I began to wonder how I was ever going to get back to the car but was determined not to quit this time - we were getting to the top!

The Delaware River

I took the lead, cautiously picking a path along the rocks while keeping an eye out for snakes🐍. Yes, there are snakes in the woods, and bears🐻, more about that later. The trail was steep but the ground solid so there was no fear of sliding. To my surprise, there was a good amount of traffic going down the trail; when someone approached I stepped to the side, letting them by while also taking a brief break. It wasn't too long before we can to a spot that I thought might be the clincher; a solid wall of rock, about five or six feet high and no way to hike around it. I looked at Joey and then back at the rock. We found some ridges in the rock that we could step on and carefully made our way to the top of it. The rest of the way to the top was just finding the easiest route thru the rocks. I had a few criteria for the route - minimal step up height was primary but I was also staying away from anything that looked like a good place for snakes.

This is the top. Right?

We finally saw a clearing and when we stepped out of the woods the view was breathtaking. This was, I thought, the peak; the hardest part of the journey is behind us. We took our packs off, had a drink and I took out my camera and tripod. This was also a good time to eat a bit. The image, Joey Enjoying the View, was captured at this spot. I also shot, The Delaware River, at this location. While I was looking for compositions, Joey chatted with a young couple sitting on a nearby rock. They said that, shortly before our arrival, a Cessna flew thru the valley at just about eye level - about 1,400 feet. We were there for about 15 or 20 minutes before I grabbed a quick picture of us with my phone and we got back on the trail for our descent, or so we thought.

We were wrong.... We had about another 20 minutes or so before reaching the summit and another spectacular view of the Gap.

The Descent - Blue Blaze Trail

We rested at the summit for a short time before reaching the Blue Blaze Trail and the way down. As I mentioned earlier, going down turned out to be almost as challenging as going up due to loose rocks, leaves and gravity. It was also due, in no small part, to my physical condition and the fact that my legs were turning into rubber.... There are no grand vistas to take in on the way down but you are surrounded by thickening forest and it's natural beauty. As Lord Byron once wrote, "There is pleasure in the pathless woods...." and while we were not in a "pathless woods" I can't think of many places more pleasureful and peaceful.

We stopped more often on the way down for a couple of reasons, not the least of which was to give my legs a bit of a rest. We got passed by many people and while I admired their tirelessness I also thought they were missing out on the experience. I know that many make this hike a part of their routine and have probably hiked it as many times as I have the woods in my backyard but there is always something new to be experienced if you are willing to open yourself to your surroundings. I hope a hike in the woods never gets to be "routine" or simply exercise; I want to experience every hike as though it was my first time.

I didn't take my camera out of the bag on our way down, woodland photography is an art all it's own and not one that I am particularly skilled at. I was also anxious to get to Dunnfield Creek and the waterfall. There were more than a few times when I saw a bend in the trail and thought we would see the footbridge over Dunnfield Creek when we got to it, only to learn that I was mistaken. We had come to a few of these bends before Joey stopped and said that he heard water. That's it!

Dunnfield Creek
smartphone from bench

Dunnfield Creek Trail

We finally made it to Dunnfield Creek and we settled down on a bench overlooking the falls and creek below. The water level was much lower than when I was there last (see A Brief Hike Along the Appalachian Trail) but it was truly a spectacular sight. It was at this point I grew frustrated with myself because I simply didn't have the energy to properly shoot the scene. I grabbed a couple images with my phone before we headed over the bridge and down the trail to the parking lot. It is a bit over a half-mile to the Dunnfield Creek trail head from here, relatively flat and easy going. There are some rocks and roots to contend with but the hike is one that just about anyone could handle without stress. It may also be the most beautiful section of the hike.

The creek is in view the entire way and there are countless small waterfalls and rapids but this is just part of the beauty. The area surrounding the creek is full of color from moss growing on rocks, the fallen leaves and other vegetation. The downside, from a photography standpoint, is that getting down to the water is no easy feat and, at times, not even a possibility. The last time I was there I found an outcropping of rocks that afforded a great view but we must have passed it before I thought to check it out again. We did find another area with a view, a somewhat more treacherous spot to get to but worthwhile. I made a note to stop there when I next hike the trail.

Dunnfield Creek
smartphone from footbridge

The End

After nearly four (4) hours of hiking (and time spent resting....) we reached the Dunnfield Creek trail head and parking lot. We made it! Well, we almost made it. When we got to the parking lot I realized that the smart hikers were parked in this lot but we still had a bit of hiking left because we parked in the Red Dot Trail lot. It isn't a great distance but it would have been wiser to park at Dunnfield. There is a sign signaling the Red Dot Trail trail head, accompanied by a sign to beware of the two (2) types of venomous snakes inhabiting the area. Immediately beyond the signs were lay the trail with a series of steps leading up - I was on level ground and didn't think another ascent, no matter how short, was going to go well so we opted for a slightly longer walk along the road.

We finally reached the parking lot but there was no sign of my car! I had been worrying about getting back to find the rear window broken out because I accidentally left a camera out - Joey was going to use my spare camera but I forgot to give it to him. I didn't realize this until we were to far along the trail to go back. While I was prepared to see a break-in, I wasn't prepared to find the car had been stolen! We both looked at each other, that was when I realized he thought the car was gone too. It turns out it was still there, a large pickup truck was parked next to us and completely blocked the car from our view. The camera was also right where I left it.

I was exhausted! Joey offered to drive but, having seen Disturbia more times than I can count, I told him I was okay to drive. (If you don't get the reference, I suggest watching the movie - a modern take on Rear Window.) We headed back along Rt 80 towards our reward - The After! I've written of The After before, a childhood favorite restaurant in Flanders that we introduced the kids to when my daughter started school in Pennsylvania. We don't get there as much since she graduated so it is regarded as a special treat. We had our dinner, I got my ice cream and then we headed for home. We arrived home some time around 7:00 PM, having left at a little past 9:00 AM, exhausted and filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Bears 🐻 and Snakes 🐍

I mentioned bears and snakes earlier in the story and wanted to touch upon the subject before I finish. It is important to understand that this is bear country and the possibility of an encounter is ever-present. I wasn't too concerned on this trip due to the large number of people on the trail, the bears nature is to avoid human contact so it would have been very unusual for one to be anywhere in the area. The mountain is also home to New Jersey's only two (2) venomous snakes - the timber rattlesnake and copperhead. I have a friend who frequents Mount Tammany and just this year he has encountered rattlesnakes more than once. They love to get into crevices of rocks and so you should never put a hand or foot somewhere that you cannot see into. I would suggest reading about snakes and bears prior to visiting this area, know what to look for and what to do if you have an encounter - the life you safe may be your own.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about our adventure - I know I enjoyed reliving it while writing this and will relive the adventure, treasuring the memories, until my last breath.

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Notes:
¹ Propel is a zero-calorie sports drink and comes in a variety of flavors. If you're curious, we had Mandarin Orange and Black Cherry on this trip. 😉

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All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com

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The Ups and Downs of Roller Coasters and Kids

Roller Coasters

I fell in love with riding roller coasters when I was 15 years old. My first "real" roller coaster was Space Mountain at Walt Disney World in Florida. It was our family vacation in February 1975 and the ride opened only the month before. If you aren't familiar with the ride, it is an indoor roller coaster designed to simulate space flight - including re-entry. You are in the dark with the only light coming from the illuminated sides of the cars. I first rode with my father and, I will admit, I was rather frightened. In the end, I enjoyed it so much I couldn't wait to go back on! I did go back, alone, one more time before we left and I was officially hooked on coasters. I got back to Disney only one more time - my parents took my family on a trip in January 2000 - and I rode Space Mountain again. This trip I discovered the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith. This, too, is an indoor coaster and I rode it twice (three times?) - one after the other.

My experience with roller coasters was mostly a lonely one but for the few times we were with friends who enjoy the thrill. I was hoping to get my children as coaster companions and I did, to a degree.

Kiddie Coasters

I mentioned being in Disney with the kids - they were 6 1/2 and 5 and too young for roller coasters. Well, not quite. There was a "kiddie coaster" that they wanted to ride - it may have been Goofy's Barnstormer - and they wanted me to ride with them. I'm not sure how many times we rode it but it was more than once and it was a tight fit each time. I believe this was their only roller coaster encounter until we went to Dorney Park for the first time a few years later.

The Woodstock Express is a kiddie coaster at Dorney Park - it doubles as a torture device for their parents. This was a ride they wanted to go on a lot! I'm guessing we went at least three or four times and they loved it; I think I had bruises on my legs for days afterward due to small cars and bracing myself so as to not bang into the kids. The sacrifices we make.... It was during that trip that I first discovered Steel Force. The first drop is 205' and during the ascent you cannot see anything but the trees and then the park laid out in front of you. Unlike every other roller coaster I have been on, you cannot see the track or walkway on the ascent - you feel like you are suspended in air! It didn't take long before I started to get uneasy (I absolutely hate the ascent) and decided to focus on the head of the person in front of me; when his head was gone I knew I was about to go over the top. What a wild ride! There was also a green, looping coaster called "Laser" and the wooden coaster, "Thunderhawk". I rode them all - alone.

We went back to Dorney Park in 2008 and this time I was able to avoid Woodstock and I got both kids on a coaster that I cannot remember the name of but it is similar to "Trailblazer" at Hershey Park. That is a reasonably mild coaster and from there I was able to convince them to try "Thunderhawk". That was a big step for them but they survived and enjoyed themselves. I thought I would press my luck and get them on Steel Force but they wouldn't go. I knew my daughter wasn't going to like it but worked on my son (13 at the time) and finally convinced him to ride with me. This was, without a doubt, the most fun I have ever had on a roller coaster!

YAY! We survived Steel Force!

Steel Force

This was quite a big leap for someone who had just ridden his first "real" roller coaster earlier in the day. He was doing great until we started to climb. That is the first time I heard him say, "I hate you!" but, believe me, it was not the last! It became his mantra throughout the ride, interrupted only by an occasional, "I can't breathe!" Now, before you think I am heartless or that he was in distress - he was able to breathe. He repeated "I hate you!" and "I can't breathe!" right up to when we slowed down before entering the station. By this time my side hurt and I had tears rolling down my face from laughing. He looked at me and let me know that he enjoyed the ride. I asked if he wanted to go on again, "NO!" That was good, I can only take the ride once per outing.

Laser

Laser was a green, looping roller coaster at Dorney Park. I had ridden it a few times in previous trips and now I was hoping to take my son for a ride. I figured, after Steel Force, it would be an easy sale. "NO! I am not going on a looping roller coaster!" Well, maybe I was wrong. I worked on him a little bit, told him after Steel Force this was like riding Woodstock Express; after a few minutes he relented. However, he was only going to go on it once! There was no hate on this ride and everyone was able to breathe just fine. When the ride was over he looked at me and asked, "Can we go again?" Sure! Why not?

Trailblazer

It has been quite some time since we've all gone to an amusement park together. Last month we took a family vacation to Hershey Park, along with my daughter's boyfriend. The first ride we hit was Trailblazer and all four of us went - my wife doesn't "do" coasters of any kind. It was fun to be back on a coaster with the kids and we ended up on Trailblazer twice but with time in-between. Trailblazer doesn't go very high or very fast but there are some nice, tight turns and the ride is quite smooth. I heard some chatter from my daughter and boyfriend behind me but can't remember anything more than the normal roller coaster screams. That was the only coaster we all went on that day - in fact, it was the only coaster I went on with my children. I knew my daughter wasn't going to ride others but was a bit disappointed that my son wasn't quite feeling up to it. I did ride the wooden coasters with my daughter's boyfriend and watched with the others while he braved some of the other steel coasters.

What's Next?

I'm afraid my coaster days are winding down and fear this trip may have been the last opportunity to ride with them. I have developed a horrible fear of heights and I get very anxious during the ascent. I experienced this anxiety on each of the wooden coasters I rode at Hershey and was afraid to ride the bigger coasters. This is a new phenomena for me and a very disturbing one. I also found the violent movements of the wooden coasters to be a bit much and was actually sore the next day. I guess it may be back to the "kiddie coasters" for me when it comes time to take grandchildren to the parks.

We Don't Want to Take a Nap!

It's Nap Time!

Ah... naptime! It quickly becomes one of the favorite times of day for any parent. It doesn't even matter who is taking the nap - it could be the kids or you! This story is all about naptime and a little secret weapon you may want to add to your arsenal.

Saturdays

When the kids were small, and still taking naps, my wife worked on Saturdays leaving me with the children. We had a lot of fun on those days - we might go out to lunch, go to the park, play in the yard or, if the weather wasn't great, we would play with big cardboard bricks or the "Lego"-like wipes boxes (empty, of course.) I don't know who had more fun, me or the kids, but the fun was real and we still laugh about some of the stuff to this day.

As much fun as we had there was still the matter of the afternoon nap - necessary to ensure an absence of crankiness as the day wore on; mine and theirs. It started to get progressively more difficult to get them down for a nap but one day the heavens opened and an angel delivered unto me the perfect weapon - deceit! 😇

My wife and I had a wooden, queen-sized bed at the time and the kids started wanting to sleep in it. They were big enough so that I didn't have to worry about them falling out but I tucked them in pretty good anyway. This particular afternoon they were adamantly against going to sleep but I had a plan. Once I got them to lie down in the bed I told them about the "contest".

The Contest

The winner of the contest did not have to take a nap; this got their attention. The rules were simple - they had to lie still, eyes closed and no talking. The kid that stayed awake the longest was the winner and didn't have to take a nap! I started the contest and told them I would be back in a few minutes to see who won. Can you guess who won? Yes, it was me because both kids were asleep almost before I got to the end of the hallway. I have to be honest, I certainly did not expect this to work but it did. When my wife got home we all told her about the contest.

Now, as surprised as I was that the "contest" worked, I was twice as surprised when it worked a second time! Yes, that right! The following Saturday we played the same game at naptime and they fell asleep without a fight. Sadly, this was the last time it worked - despite my best efforts. I even try it now, more than twenty years later, but they just look at me and walk away shaking their heads. Now it seems my wife and I are the only ones who take naps and I am okay with that.

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Both images were obtained from Pixabay and require no attribution.

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MOMMY! DADDY! There's A Monster Under the Bed!

The Roommate

Monsters!

Last month I wrote "Do You Believe In Magic?", a story about my children and some magic sand I bought. The response was better than I expected and I was encouraged to write more stories like that one. This is another story about the kids.

HELP!

My children are eighteen months apart in age and, until my daughter was about five or six, they shared a room. This story takes place during the time they shared the room with an uninvited roommate. It all started one night after my wife and I put the kids to bed. We had settled in to watch some television and enjoy some "quiet time" when we heard someone cry out. We went down the hall to their room to find both of them awake and scared. Apparently there was a monster, maybe even more than one, under their beds.

Tucked Away

My wife and I each looked under a bed only to discover that the monster had gone away. We looked all over - the closet, behind the dresser, behind the curtains, you name it and we looked. When everyone was satisfied that the monster was gone I gave a stern warning to any monsters thinking about visiting the kids. We said goodnight and left them, once again, for the Sandman.

The next night, shortly after saying goodnight we were informed that the monster had returned! It would seem that the monster did not take my warning seriously and decided to test me. Once again, we searched the entire room warning the monster the entire time. The cowardly monster had fled before we could catch him. The warning was repeated, everyone got tucked into bed and the Sandman cometh.

Do I have to tell you what happened the next night? The night after that and the night after that? This damned monster was really starting to become a nuisance! I had visions of this going on for a long time and had to find a way to put an end to it, but how? Have you ever found yourself in a predicament when suddenly the answer comes to you out of nowhere? Yea, it does not happen to me very often either but it happened that night.

The Boots

The Secret Weapon

I winked at my wife, told the kids I would be right back and went to my bedroom. I grabbed a pair of old work boots that I had, returned to the kids’ room and put the boots in the middle of their bedroom floor. I raised my voice and announced to the monster that I was tired of him bothering my children and I was going to stay in their room until he showed his ugly face. I whispered to the kids that the monster can see the shoes but doesn’t know they are empty so he will stay away.

We tucked them in, said goodnight and walked away praying the boots would somehow keep the monster at bay. They slept well that night but the real test was going to come tomorrow.

Sleeping

The next night we put them to bed but before turning out the lights, I announced that I was going to be waiting for the monster and put the boots in the middle of the floor. We went to the living room expecting to hear a scream but it never came. We gave it some time and after about an hour we checked on them – sound asleep. It worked!

I’m not sure how many nights the boots were in their room but I do know we didn’t have to worry about monsters under the beds anymore. The monsters IN the beds – well, that’s another story for another time, but they have turned into some pretty amazing adults so…. 😛

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"The Roommate" - Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

"Tucked Away" - Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

"The Boots" - Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

"Sleeping" - Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

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Advice to Fathers - Listen to "Cat's in the Cradle"

"My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away"

The snippet above starts the song Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin. It is one of his biggest hits and it was a big influence on the father I became. If you are not familiar with the song I have a link to the YouTube video below.

The song is all about the father-son relationship and how they get so wrapped up in life they have little time for what really matters - each other. When I was growing up the circumstance was quite similar; my father worked during the day, came home for dinner and then went to a second job not coming home until after 10:00 PM. He didn't work on Friday night but worked the second job for a half day on Saturday. This meant he was home on Friday night, Saturday afternoon/evening and all day on Sunday. There was some family time but there was also time when he was busy - working in the garage (he did woodworking), working in the yard or a combination of both. I was able to help a bit but mostly I could watch if I was home. What I remember most is going to dinner at my favorite pizzeria and visiting my father’s family on Sundays. He never got to see me play sports, didn't get to chaperone class trips or see me perform in variety shows at school. As I got older I decided that I was going to do everything I could not to miss out on my children's growing up.

When I heard Cat's in the Cradle for the first time there was an instant connection. This was the essence of my life and the antithesis to my plans. You can say that it became my anthem. I have had a number of opportunities to work in Manhattan, very good opportunities, but I turned down most because of the lost time at home. When the kids were about 8 and 10 I had no choice but to take a contract job in Manhattan. This was during softball/baseball season and I missed every one of their weekday practices and games. It so happens that many of the weekend games got rained out during that time. Until that time I was at every practice, game and school event that I could; definitely anything after work. I will never have that time back and I was happy when the contract ended.

For me it is a quality of life issue; I could make a lot of money and miss out on life or make enough money to life comfortably and make a life worth living. I think I made the right choice. My kids are in their 20's now but they still remember the times we played together or did other activities. For me, that is worth more than money, you cannot buy memories like that.

So, my advice for you first-time fathers or fathers-yet-to-be is to listen to Cat's in the Cradle and learn the lesson being taught. The boy in the song wanted to grow up to be like his father and, to the chagrin of the father, he did!

Harry Chapin - Cat's In The Cradle

Hey Mom, I Have a Headache (or maybe a concussion)

“It’s Just A Headache, Mom.” ~ Or, is it?

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and have no formal medical education or training. I am a layperson who did research and am presenting my findings here. This information should be used as a guide but should certainly not be used in place of professional evaluation and treatment.

To paraphrase Sigmund Freud, “sometimes a headache is just a headache.” Sometimes it’s not. Sometimes it is a sign of a concussion and though the headache goes away, the effects of the concussion can last forever. Have you ever gotten your “bell rung?” What did you do? Unless you were knocked out, you undoubtedly got up, shook away the cobwebs and resumed doing whatever it was you were doing. It’s only natural and we’ve all done it. There’s no blood, no broken bones, only a headache and you’ve had plenty of headaches before. This headache is different, this headache could be due to a concussion. Merriam-Webster defines a concussion as “a condition resulting from the stunning, damaging, or shattering effects of a hard blow ; especially : a jarring injury of the brain resulting in disturbance of cerebral function and sometimes marked by permanent damage”. If you continue to play after sustaining a concussion you are at a high risk of “second-impact syndrome” which can occur if you suffer a second concussion before the symptoms of the first one have subsided. Student athletes suffering an initial concussion are 3 to 6 times more likely to sustain a second one than an athlete who has never had one. Subsequent concussions are even more dangerous. High school athletes who suffer 3 or more concussions are at increased risk of experiencing loss of consciousness (8-fold greater risk), anterograde/post-traumatic amnesia/PTA (reduced ability to form new memories after a brain injury) (5.5-fold greater risk), and confusion (5.1-fold greater risk) after a subsequent concussion. If you hit your head and get a headache, leave the game. If the headache doesn’t go away, see a doctor.

Statistics

• Almost 50 percent of head injuries sustained in sports or recreational activities occur during bicycling, skateboarding, or skating incidents.

• Female soccer players the third most likely high school athletes to get concussions. They suffered more than 6 percent of the mild head injuries recorded in a study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Football ranked first with 63 percent of concussions, followed by wrestling at 10 percent. Research found incidents of head injuries in all 10 sports they studied.

Symptoms/prevention

The most common symptom of a concussion is a headache that just won’t go away. You may also experience migraine-like symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and/or noise along with the headache. Some of the physical signals of a concussion would be dizziness, trouble balancing, double or fuzzy vision. You may also feel tired all the time, have trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, confusion and feeling like you’re in a fog. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your parents right away!

What is a guaranteed, fool-proof way of preventing concussions? Short of living in a bubble, there is none! You can, however minimize your risks.

 Always wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, rock climbing, skiing, skating or skateboarding.

 Wear a seat belt when riding in a car.

 When playing any sport, wear appropriate protection equipment (such as helmets). It should fit properly and keep it well maintained. Most importantly - wear it at all times!

Diagnosis

The most common diagnosis methods currently being used include symptomatology, MRI and CAT scan. Symtomatology relies on the patients’ understanding of, and responding to, questions and the doctors’ interpretation of the answers – this is purely subjective. The MRI and CAT scan can show certain types of damage to the brain and are objective representations but typically do not tell the whole story. The CAT scan will show the doctor if there is bleeding or damage to the brain tissue or gray matter. The MRI is also good for identifying gray matter damage. Many times these scans will show minimal or no damage but don’t give a true indication of what damage may have occurred. There is a relatively new scan available called “Diffusion Tensor Imaging” or DTI. This scan shows the white matter of the brain. The white matter is the covering of the nerves in the brain – if these are damaged the signals cannot flow to the different areas of the brain and communication breaks down. It’s like the water pipes in your house, if the pipe gets dented the flow of water isn’t as efficient – if it breaks completely the flow of water stops. New technology, “Eye Tracker” , is being developed by a team lead by Dr. Jamshid Ghajar at The Brain Trauma Foundation and Weill Cornell Medical Center. “Eye Tracker” tracks eye movement to quickly assess the severity of damage to the brain. It uses cameras to record eye movement by taking a picture of the eye every 1/1000th of a second. It detects minute fluctuations in the eyes tracking capability. The goal is to one day have this technology portable, and affordable, enough to be on the sidelines for instant evaluation.

In the 1990’s, Drs. Mark Lovell and Joseph Maroon developed Windows-based software called ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) that measures attention span, working memory, sustained and selective attention time, response variability, non-verbal problem solving and reaction time. The test provides objective information about the extent of injury to the brain. Ideally it should be administered prior to participation in athletics so that a baseline reading can be recorded. This will provide better information to the doctor trying to evaluate the severity of the concussion and post-concussion recovery progress.

Short-term/long-term effects

What are the short-term and long-term effects of concussions? The short answer is – no one really knows for certain and everyone is different. We do know that concussions are cumulative and with each concussion the likelihood of another increases. Some long-term effects include loss of coordination, difficulty with memory, vision impairment and persistent headaches. These symptoms may lessen over time for some but for many they are a daily, and sometimes debilitating, reminder of their injuries.

Treatment

There isn’t much you can do for concussions. The best medicine is time. In the hours (or days) immediately following the concussion, the best treatment is to minimize or eliminate outside stimulation as much as possible. This means no television, no music, avoid crowds and loud noises and certainly no computer or video games! The brain needs time to rest and begin the healing process. When you begin exercise after a long period, your muscles get sore. When this happens you take two aspirin and rest as much as possible. The brain, an organ, is very much like your muscles – it needs a rest period to begin healing after an injury. This is, of course, after you have been to see your doctor.

You may heard that you must never allow someone with a concussion to go to sleep – they will never wake up. Don’t believe it. Unless you doctor has concerns and states otherwise, sleep is actually a good thing. Remember what you read earlier about minimizing stimulation? What better way than to sleep?

Further reading and viewing

CDC Videos:

“Keeping Quiet Can Keep You Out of the Game… a Mother’s Story" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO-ordcPWSU

“Keeping Quiet Can Keep You Out of the Game” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIqZDbk3M40

Journal of Athletic Training, Winter 2007-2008

Taken from “Sports Injury Facts”, all children’s hospital website, article “Coaches Learn More about Concussions during Sports”, September 2008, http://www.allkids.org/body.cfm?id=412&action=detail&aeproductid=Greystone_newsletter&aearticleid=173&AEArticleType=For Your Child

“Stunning statistics for girls soccer”, Chicago Sun-Times, September 8, 1999, by Becky Beaupre, Staff Reporter, http://qrc.depaul.edu/djabon/Articles/GirlsSoccer.htm

https://www.braintrauma.org/research-at-btf/concussion-diagnostics/