How Did SHINE Start?
SHINE, the Student Head Injury Neuro Education program, started through the Christie lab at the University of Victoria. As concussions are largely under reported and therefore left untreated, particularly in young people, the aim of the SHINE program is to empower individuals to make smart decisions regarding the prevention, identification and treatment of concussions.
Why should we care about brain injuries?
Throughout the SHINE presentation, you will learn about the many ways brain injury affects individuals lives. A brain injury can impact someone’s ability to participate in the sports they love, maintain relationships with friends and family, succeed in their education or career, and engage in the activities that give their life meaning.
For many, it can be difficult to fully understand the impact of a brain injury unless they have experienced one themselves or know someone who has. Increasing awareness and education around brain injuries is imperative to reducing stigma and creating a more supportive community.
We can also see the impact of brain injuries through the stories of well-known athletes. For example, hockey player Sidney Crosby struggled with prolonged concussion symptoms that affected his ability to play the sport he loved and temporarily removed him from the game. Similarly, soccer player Abby Wambach, has spoken openly about the head injuries she experienced throughout her career and the long-term concerns surrounding brain health in sport.
When many people think of brain injuries, they may think of contact sports like hockey or football. While these sports do have a high risk of concussion, brain injuries can happen in many ways and to many different people. For example, Logan Parent, a 20-year-old bull rider, died by suicide following years of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head impacts and mental health struggles because of his concussions.
Stories like Logan’s remind us that brain injuries do not discriminate. They can happen to professional athletes, recreational athletes, workers, children, and anyone in everyday situations. This is why awareness, prevention, and support for people living with brain injuries are so important.
Brain injuries are known as “invisible injuries”. You can’t tell that someone has a brain injury by just looking at them. This can make it extremely difficult for people in their recovery, which is why everyone should receive education about brain injuries and their pervasive effects.
What is SHINE?
SHINE is a 60-minute interactive presentation focused on brain injury and concussion awareness. This program empowers participants to understand how to prevent, recognize, and respond to brain injuries in their communities.
Participants will learn about:
● Common causes of brain injury
● Signs and symptoms of concussion
● The impacts of a brain injury diagnosis
● Practical ways to stay safe and support others
There are four different levels of SHINE that VBIS offers:
● SHINE Start: Ages 7-11.
● SHINE Discover: Ages 11-14.
● SHINE Grow: Ages 14-18.
● SHINE Community: All Ages.
Bring SHINE to Your Community
Help spread awareness and understanding of brain injury by bringing a SHINE presentation to your school, sports team, community organization or workplace.
Interested in booking a presentation?
Contact us to get started.
Call us: (250) 598-9363
