Want to live longer? Change your thoughts

The holidays are meant to be a joyous time shared with friends, family, and coworkers. However, many things can take a toll on your emotional health. Job loss or job insecurity, financial woes, loss of health or a loved one can cause depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Holidays of years past may bring back memories filled with past friends and family get togethers and traditions. If you have had a significant life change over the past year, you may be dreading the holiday season. Focusing on what you have and not what you don’t have is the start to successfully finding your way towards a healthy outlook this holiday season.

Hopefulness, enthusiasm and emotional balance are associated with a substantially reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.

As Dr Caroline Leaf, neuropsychiatrist points out: thoughts occupy mental real estate in our brains.

Inflammation, brought on by emotional stressors and negative thoughts, triggers the release of hormones and chemicals in the body-namely cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones and chemicals can also cause the body to produce inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines leading to production of more inflammatory molecules, such as C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.

Healthy life concept flat icons of jogging, gym, healthy food, metrics.

Inflammation and how it relates to heart disease

Inflammation can cause heart attacks by damaging the inner lining of the arteries. This can lead to the formation of plaque. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances can build up in the arteries and cause them to narrow. This narrowing of the arteries can reduce or block the flow of blood to the heart, leading to a heart attack.

Start With Gratitude

Studies show that gratitude, meditation, and prayer enhance immune system function and lowers inflammatory markers. Inflammation, along with smoking and poor lifestyle habits are some of the primary drivers of heart disease. Gratitude journals, where you list 5 things you are grateful for each day, is a powerful tool to combat negativity and increase feelings of well-being.

Decrease Inflammation by Increasing the Levels of These 4 Chemicals

The following are powerful feel-good, stress relieving messengers that can aid in reducing your risk of heart disease. You may note that many of the same activities overlap. For instance, you can increase serotonin, endorphins and dopamine by exercise.

Serotonin

Promotes feelings of belonging and well-being. Up to 95 percent of serotonin is synthesized from tryptophan in the mucosal lining of the gut. Serotonin plays a valuable role in not only mental health but is the precursor to melatonin, and plays a role in digestion, wound healing and even sleep (as the precursor to melatonin).

Loneliness and depressive moods are linked to an altered and limited diversity of the gut microbiome. Inflammation caused by stress can lower levels of serotonin. Taking care of the gut can result in decreased inflammation.

Enhance serotonin levels by:

Consuming mega 3 rich foods – decrease inflammation, probiotics and fermented foods can help maintain gut integrity.
Connect with loved ones
Practice self-care everyday
Exercise Spend time outdoors
Practice gratitude

Endorphins – Natural pain killers, AKA as the “runners high”

Released by the pituitary gland, endorphins are the body’s natural pain killers. They are released when you are under stress, experiencing pain, eating or exercising.

Enhance endorphin levels by:

30 minutes or more of moderate exercise
Meditation or prayer
Acupuncture
Get a massage
Having fun with friends or family
Some people take ice cold showers to trigger the release of endorphins afterwards

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is mostly manufactured in the brain. However other organs, such as the adrenal glands also manufacture some dopamine. Dubbed the “feel good” chemical, dopamine also plays a role in blood pressure regulation, cardiac output, and blood flow to organs.

Enhance dopamine levels by:

Getting plenty of sleep
Exercise
Meditation or prayer
Avoid stressful situations.
Listening to music
Singing

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is nicknamed the “cuddle” or “love” hormone. It is produced in the hypothalamus region of the brain. It promotes social interaction which can lead to feeling of well-being, cuddling, sex and even petting your dog or cat can produce oxytocin.

Enhance oxycontin levels by

Physical affection
Showing love and affection
Spending time with loved ones and friends
Petting your dog or cat or favorite animal

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Are They Telling Us Everything? Probably Not

If it weren’t for the fact there was so much conflicting information before the Covid-19 pandemic, it would be easier to believe the CDC, WHO, Chinese health authorities and other health professionals that White Lung Syndrome is really nothing to worry about. It wasn’t too long ago that a few months before Covid 19 was declared a pandemic we were told the same thing. And who can forget the infamous 2 weeks to flatten the curve?

The information on where, what, and how these outbreaks of M. pneumonia are occurring has been limited. We will continue to monitor this outbreak and bring reports periodically.

Be prepared, not scared

For now, we can get medically prepared. Check and refill (as needed) your stock of pain and fever relievers, nebulizer treatments and other supplies. One valuable supplement that can help keep your immune system in top shape are probiotics. Probiotics are even beneficial if you do get sick. For instance, they can treat antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Probiotics to curb antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is a bacterial pneumonia, and azithromycin is one of the antibiotics used to treat M. pneumoniae. Whether you or a member of your family are given an antibiotic, one common side effect is antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Probiotics are sometimes prescribed at the same time as antibiotic therapy are initiated to treat antibiotic associated diarrhea. Young children are more at risk for dehydration because of their smaller body size than teens and adults. Dehydration can be life threatening and lead to further complications.

A study titled “Role of Probiotics in Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children: A Short-Term Pilot Project” concluded M. pneumoniae can be successfully treated with azithromycin; however, antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common adverse effect. This study determined the effects of probiotics (live Clostridium butyricum plus Bifidobacterium infantis) prevented AAD in children with mycoplasma pneumonia when co-administered with intravenous azithromycin. The probiotics also helped reconstruct the gut microbiota, especially the restoration of bacterial diversity, which is important to overall health.

Use probiotics with caution and under the guidance of your care provider

While it has been well documented that probiotics and probiotic rich foods enhance immune system function, there can be some drawback to their use. In the immune compromise population, beneficial bacteria can take over and turn pathogenic. Young children especially need to be monitored if given any probiotics. In addition to probiotics in supplement form, adding probiotic rich foods offer powerful immune boosting benefits to your diet.

Probiotics to prevent viral respiratory infections

Probiotics are powerful immune modulators. The gut-lung axis is poorly understood at this point, however there is undeniable evidence that probiotics, especially Lactobacilli modulate immune response via gut lung pathways. Even though the exact mechanism of action is still being researched, the following are some known benefits of probiotic supplementation.

Viral respiratory tract infection (RTI) is the most frequent cause of infectious illnesses including the common cold. Antibiotics don’t work on viral illnesses and there are limited medications available to treat viral respiratory infections.
Supplements with L. paracasei MCC1849 can provide protection against influenza virus.
Lactobacillus strains have a beneficial role in respiratory diseases including respiratory tract infections (RTIs), asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis (CF) and COPD.
The combination of oral L. paracase, L. casei CRL 431 and L. fermentium PCC also reduces rhinovirus-induced common and influenza-like infection. (mainly Lactobacilli) can decrease the risk of respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients by 8-fold.
Rhamnosus GG, L. gasseri TMC0356, L. plantarum IM76, L. plantarum CJLP133 and CJLP243 can effectively improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In clinical trials. L. gasseri KS-13, L. casei Shirota and L. acidophilus L-92 have been used to effectively prevent seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Common fermented foods, such as live culture yogurt, sauerkraut, miso and other foods are naturally probiotic rich. Check labels for the strain of probiotics the food carries.

Keep your immune system in top shape. Wash hands. Avoid being around sick people. Stay home and keep your child at home if you or your child are sick. In other words, use common sense.

This time of year is historically cold/flu season. Stock up on supplies you may need for all members of the family. Do you own a reliable thermometer? I am surprised how many people overlook thermometers as part of medical preparation!

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Pandemic 2.0 On the Horizon?

As we settle into cooler weather, holiday festivities and travel, there is a looming cloud that may quickly dampen our holiday spirit.

An outbreak, which started August of this year in China called “White Lung Syndrome” has overwhelmed hospitals and prompted Chinese health authorities to reinstate Covid era measures- masking, stay at home orders and limited travel. The World Health Organization had demanded health records from China on the white lung syndrome outbreak. China repeatedly denies that this is a bioengineered or novel virus and deny claims that their hospitals are overrun with pediatric patients with white lung syndrome. Current CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen echoed this sentiment “We do not believe this is a new or novel pathogen.”

ProMed tells a different story

ProMed, is a global network of medical professionals and organizations that share information about emerging health threats. It is managed by the International Society for Infectious Diseases (ISID) and is funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On November 21, 2023, children’s hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning and other places were overwhelmed with sick children, and schools and classes were on the verge of suspension. Parents questioned whether the authorities were covering up the epidemic.

ProMED Rapporteur Dan Silver concludes:

“This report suggests a widespread outbreak of an undiagnosed respiratory illness in several areas in China as Beijing and Liaoning are almost 800 km apart. It is not at all clear when this outbreak started as it would be unusual for so many children to be affected so quickly. The report does not say that any adults were affected suggesting some exposure at the schools. ProMED awaits more definitive information about the etiology and scope of this concerning illness in China”.

He goes on to state:

It is too early to project whether this could be another pandemic but as a wise influenza virologist once said to me, “The pandemic clock is ticking, we just do not know what time it is.”

The World On Alert

The WHO has been monitoring data from Chinese surveillance systems since August. This data had been showing an increase in respiratory illness in China. Since then, countries, including India, Thailand and Nepal, are on alert and have ramped up surveillance after Bejing and North China reported overwhelming cases of respiratory sickness among children.

In Ohio, an outbreak of 145 children have come down with White Lung Syndrome since August. Officials are denying that this outbreak has any connection to the China outbreak.

What is White Lung Syndrome?

White Lung Syndrome is not a diagnosis or disease, but rather a cluster of infections that can include (mycoplasma pneumonia, RSV, influenza, and adenovirus). The pneumonia presents as white patches on chest X-rays in affected children. Most of the cases are in younger children with the average age of 8. The term also includes respiratory illnesses such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, and silica-related conditions. Experts suspect that a new form of Mycoplasma pneumonia,(a bacterial pneumonia),also called walking pneumonia is the cause of the outbreak.

From the CDC:

It spreads primarily through droplets from an infected person who coughs and sneezes and can linger for a while in the nose and throat without producing symptoms. Only when the bacteria spread to the lungs, that symptoms and a pneumonia diagnosis may ensue.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae are bacteria that can cause illness by damaging the lining of the respiratory system (throat, lungs, windpipe). When someone infected with M. pneumoniae coughs or sneezes, they create small respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria. Other people can get infected if they breathe in those droplets.

Most people who spend a short amount of time with someone who is sick with M. pneumoniae do not get infected. However, the bacteria often spread between people who live together since they spend a lot of time together. other without being ill.

The most common type of infection is tracheobronchitis (chest cold). Common symptoms of a chest cold include:

Sore throat
Feeling tired
Fever
Slowly worsening cough that can last for weeks or months
Headache

Children younger than 5 years old who get Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection could have symptoms that are different from older children and adults. Instead, they may have the following cold-like symptoms:

Sneezing
Stuffy or runny nose
Sore throat
Watery eyes
Wheezing
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat mycoplasma pneumonia. Historically, Azithromycin has been the antibiotic of choice. (The Jase Case includes Azithromycin)

Something isn’t adding up.

According to Dr Sarah Park, a former CDC epidemic surveillance officer and is currently medical director of medical affairs at Karius, a California biotech company, “There is no indication of a novel virus causing these illnesses,” said Park. CDC director Dr Mandy Cohen echoes those same sentiments: “We do not believe this is a new or novel pathogen”.

However, ProMed paints a totally different picture of the outbreak.

To be honest, when I heard of the outbreak in China – “White Lung Syndrome” I really wasn’t too concerned. However, the contradictory information has me very concerned. We will be closely monitoring developments over the coming days and weeks.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

These Days are The Most Deadly for Heart Attacks

(Heart healthy hacks series)

According to the American Heart Association. the 3 deadliest days in the calendar year for cardiac deaths are: in first place, December 25^th, second is December 26^th and third deadliest is January 1^{st .}

There are several possible reasons for this phenomena- from the increased stress surrounding the holiday season to poor dietary habits and alcohol use. This time of year also can bring many mixed emotions of loved ones not with us anymore, along with monetary and declining health of ourselves or loved ones. However, with a little planning and self-care you can decrease the odds of becoming a statistic and enjoy the holiday season.

Things we can control over the holidays:

Our diet: It is very easy, with all the hustle and business during this time of year to neglect your diet and eat whatever sugary foods find their way into the breakroom or home. Your health will suffer if you don’t take charge and plan for success. This doesn’t mean depriving yourself of a holiday goodie, but it does mean using moderation and self-control.
Our attitude: I often hear people say they hate this time of year. They often state it is all the little things they have to do. We will delve into ways to set boundaries and time management skills in this post.
Our thoughts: As Dr Caroline Leaf, neuropsychiatrist points out: thoughts occupy mental real estate in our brains. Find out how we can change our thoughts, leading to less stress and a more peaceful holiday season.
Our activities and stress level: Filling our lives with activities we really don’t want to do or have little meaning sets you up for depression and a downward spiral of emotions. Manage stress through eliminating meaningless chores and responsibilities taken on during past years. This will free you up to experience a fulfilling life rooted in meaning and purpose.

5 Tips for heart healthy eating over the holidays

I reached out to fellow nurse Mary Yuter, founder of Heart to Soul Cardiac Wellness for some heart healthy snacks and tips to successfully navigate the holidays:

For cardiac health, here are 5 snack pointers:

1) Cayenne pepper in coffee or cacao. Cayenne pepper is a vasodilator and acts as a blood thinner.

2) Dark chocolate 70% and greater for the magnesium and antioxidant benefits. We are all deficient in magnesium, and the heart loves magnesium!

3) Eat a sliced clove (not bulb) of raw garlic to act as a blood thinner. Cut it into slices first and wait at least 15 seconds for a compound to turn from Allin to Allicin, the magic blood thinning property. Then enjoy! I do tell my clients to have garlic before flying-hey-it may get them an empty seat next to them on the plane!

4) A banana a day also keeps the heart doctor away due to the potassium that the heart also loves.

5) Fruits with pectin such as apples and pears are great for taking down cholesterol. Add cinnamon and you have blood glucose control!

Snack idea: Nature’s Carmel: a square of dark chocolate with a date (antimicrobial, antiparasitic) and a brazil nut (selenium and healthy fat)

A great trick to combat the holiday parties is to eat before you go to the party.
Bring a dish you will eat, and stick with that.
Allow yourself a treat, that’s it-not a diving board into the pool of the dessert table!
Remember-you are the boss of your taste buds and if your hips could weigh in, they would be yelling at your taste buds!

Mary goes on to state, “Be the positive example for others by your actions.”

In addition, limit or avoid alcohol altogether. Alcohol can cause depression, leading to overeating and poor food choices. Also check out the American Heart Association’s Heart-Happy Holiday Guide for more heart healthy tips and recipes.

With a little planning, you will be able to enter 2024 without having to shed those extra pounds and more importantly, decrease your chances of a cardiac event.

Note: Self-care also means staying on top of your prescription medications. Check out Jase Daily for your year’s supply of chronic medications.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Practice an Attitude of Gratitude for Even More Resiliency

Resiliency: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.

Change or misfortune can be physical, mental, or emotional. Our ability to recover and thrive from change or misfortune reflects on how resilient we are.

The past several years- pandemic, economic crisis, wars, and more- has truly tested our resilience. But if we truly look deep into ourselves, we can find we are tougher than we realize. At the very center of resilience is the unlikely action and attitude of gratitude.

Gratitude helps us take stressful and unexpected events and rewires our brain to find the positive. Even in the most devastating of life’s events, there is always something to be grateful for.

I recently heard a talk on gratitude and resiliency given by Utah State University extension during the height of the pandemic.

Here are a few points worth mentioning:

Practicing gratitude throughout the year improves overall health and well-being.
Builds connectivity in relationships. The practice of gratitude of people around them improves relationships around them as those receiving gratitude experience appreciation and love.
Increases positive emotions and decreases negative emotion.
Improves self-esteem. People who practice gratefulness tend to take better care of themselves, which results in healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors.

4 Practices towards resiliency through gratitude

The Greater Good Science Center, out of UC Berkley, recommend 4 practices:

Count your blessings- Find 3 good things that are happening in your life or 3 good things you are grateful for. These can be large or small things- a great job or a good cup of tea are two very different examples. Doing this through journaling or compiling a list of what you are grateful for daily improves mood and self-worth.
Mental subtraction- “You don’t know what you have until its gone”. This mental exercise, where you ask yourself if you didn’t have a certain something (home, job, pet) or someone in your life, what would your life be like? Imagine life without that person or thing. This is a very eye-opening exercise.
Savor- being mindfully engaged and aware of your feelings during positive events that can increase your feelings of happiness in the short and long run. Benefits include stronger relationships, improved mental and physical health, and finding more creative solutions to problems. Recognize how much pleasure you get from simple things in life. Be present in the moment and be thankful for a good conversation, petting your dog, enjoying a cup of cocoa, smelling the crisp air of autumn are all examples of savoring the moment. Think about what really makes you happy and dwell on that.
Saying thank you- expressing gratitude- can be especially important over the holiday season. Family dynamics may have changed, illness, loss of job or loved ones, and financial stresses can really take a toll on even the most resilient person. Focus on the abundance right in front of you. Acknowledge how you feel, don’t stuff your feelings. Whatever they are, they are valid. However, once you have acknowledged and reviewed your feelings, especially those that bring anxiety and stress, evaluate how you can accept, change, or acknowledge these feelings. Talking or writing down your feelings can bring solutions and/or acceptance and open opportunities you may not have thought of.

At Jase Medical, we asked our staff what they were grateful for this year. Here are a few responses:

Family and Friends, Health, Opportunities – Marlon T.
My health, family and friends – Anne C.
I am so thankful for my family and good health! – Marquelle C.
I’m grateful for all the men and women around the world who have given everything for freedom. – Jonny B.

This expression of gratitude says it all:

How cool is it that we get to experience feeling! Think about that for a moment. That you can hold a hand, wipe a tear, squeeze a cut, snuggle up in a soft sweatshirt, feel the sand between your toes or that you can touch your own skin and feel it! Being alive and here on earth is such an amazing gift. We are even able to feel emotions, ALL of them! We learn to grow from them or soar with the joy they can bring. It is so beautiful in every way. I am so grateful to be here on this earth at this time with my perfectly imperfect children that show me everyday how to be a better and stronger human. – Haley R.
I’m grateful for faith, family, and friends” – Shawn R.
I’m grateful to work for a company who’s #1 mission is to impact the world in a positive way by saving lives through medical preparation. – John T.
I’m grateful for good health, my family & my kitty cats! – Jane H.

And Erik sums up what it is like working with and for Jase:

Team: I’m thankful for the incredible team of employees I have the privilege of working with. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our shared goals inspire me daily.

Talent: The abundance of talent within our organization is awesome! I appreciate the opportunity to work with such skilled and creative individuals, and it continually motivates me.

Collaboration: Working together with all of you has been an amazing experience. The collaborative and supportive work environment we’ve created is something I’m thankful for every day.

– Erik

From the staff at Jase Medical,

Have a safe- and filled with gratitude- Thanksgiving and holiday season!

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Does Your Child Play Sports? Know the Signs of a Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Most symptoms resolve in a few days, but sometimes symptoms can persist for weeks or even longer. Common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury are headache, loss of memory (amnesia), and confusion.

The most common cause of concussions in children is sports-related activities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sports and recreational activities account for over 70% of all traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among children and adolescents. This includes activities such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, skateboarding, and bicycling. Other causes of concussions in children include falls, motor vehicle accidents, and physical abuse.

Sports Related Concussions – most common cause of concussions in youth

The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) published a clinical report titled, “Sports Related Concussion in Children Adolescents” where they outline definition, symptoms and treatment protocols currently being developed for sports related concussions.

Highlights of this paper include:

Sports-related concussions (SRC) are a major concern. A recent study that evaluated 3 national injury databases estimated that 1.1 million to 1.9 million recreational concussions and SRCs occur annually in the United States in children 18 years of age or younger.
SRC may be caused by a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or elsewhere on the body with an impulsive force transmitted to the head.
SRC typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurologic function that resolves spontaneously. However, in some cases, signs and symptoms may evolve over a number of minutes to hours.
SRC may result in neuropathologic changes, but the acute clinical signs and symptoms largely reflect a functional disturbance rather than a structural injury, and as such, no abnormality is seen on standard neuroimaging studies.
SRC results in a range of clinical signs and symptoms that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.
The clinical signs and symptoms cannot be explained by drug, alcohol, or medication use; other injuries (such as cervical injuries, peripheral vestibular dysfunction, etc); or other comorbidities (eg, psychological factors or coexisting medical conditions).

When a concussion is suspected:

If the concussion is suspected while playing sports, you should:

Remove the child from play
Keep the child out of play the day of the injury and until a medical provider
Children or teens who return to play too soon—while the brain is still healing—risk a greater chance of having a repeat concussion. Repeat or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.

Symptoms of concussion may not be obvious. It may take a day or 2 for symptoms to appear.

Most concussions resolve completely; however in some instances symptoms can last for 2 or more weeks. Seek immediate medical attention if:

If unconscious for any amount of time following blow to head, even if there are no signs of concussion, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Headache is worse or does not go away.
Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
Significant nausea or repeated vomiting
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Inability to wake up
Symptoms have worsened at any time
Symptoms have not gone away after 10-14 days
History of multiple concussions

Post concussion syndrome

Approximately 90% of concussion symptoms are temporary, with symptoms resolving within 10 to 14 days, but may linger for weeks. Post concussion syndrome occurs when symptoms persist past 3 months. Fifteen percent of concussion patients will suffer from post-concussion syndrome. There is no specific treatment for post-concussion syndrome, however symptoms can be managed by medication, stress reduction, avoiding alcohol, and staying on a sleep schedule.

Even though symptoms may last for an extended time, most experience complete healing and are symptom free.

Management of Concussion

Training for sports-related injuries for staff and support personnel should be mandatory. There are some instances where you may not be able to access medical attention for an extended period. Being prepared for any emergency is prudent. Know what to do if there isn’t immediate access to clinic or hospital services.

When a head injury occurs (concussion or other injury), suspect a neck injury, and treat it as if one has been sustained. This includes careful immobilization of neck and applying a cervical collar (which should be in your first aid kit). It is best to learn and practice this skill from a medically trained professional or take a course in basic first aid.

If no loss of consciousness:

Have the child rest, which means avoiding physical activities such as sports, strenuous work, etc.
Limit activities that require mental concentration-video games, schoolwork, reading, computer use or texting.
Monitor child for any changes in concentration, headaches, focus, or other changes in behavior.
Child may need to be on a modified or half day schedule while healing. Discuss this with their primary care provider. The stimulation from school and activities can overwhelm someone with a concussion.
Child will need a return to activities clearance before returning to sports.

Prevention

All players need to be fitted with protective sports equipment- helmets, mouth guards, etc.
Maintain and check protective sports equipment periodically. Discard and replace worn or old equipment.
Mandatory, periodic training on head injuries and concussion management to sports coaches, parents and those involved with sports activities on signs of a concussion and what to do if a concussion is suspected.
Limit contact during practice when appropriate.
Post signs and symptoms of a concussion and what to do if a concussion is suspected in public areas around the field of play and inside locker rooms.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

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Inflammation and how it relates to heart disease

Start With Gratitude

Decrease Inflammation by Increasing the Levels of These 4 Chemicals

Serotonin

Endorphins – Natural pain killers, AKA as the “runners high”

Dopamine

Oxytocin

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

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Be prepared, not scared

Probiotics to curb antibiotic associated diarrhea.

Use probiotics with caution and under the guidance of your care provider

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

ProMed tells a different story

ProMED Rapporteur Dan Silver concludes:

It is too early to project whether this could be another pandemic but as a wise influenza virologist once said to me, “The pandemic clock is ticking, we just do not know what time it is.”

The World On Alert

What is White Lung Syndrome?

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

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(Heart healthy hacks series)

Things we can control over the holidays:

5 Tips for heart healthy eating over the holidays

Mary goes on to state, “Be the positive example for others by your actions.”

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Here are a few points worth mentioning:

4 Practices towards resiliency through gratitude

The Greater Good Science Center, out of UC Berkley, recommend 4 practices:

At Jase Medical, we asked our staff what they were grateful for this year. Here are a few responses:

This expression of gratitude says it all:

And Erik sums up what it is like working with and for Jase:

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Sports Related Concussions – most common cause of concussions in youth

Highlights of this paper include:

When a concussion is suspected:

Symptoms of concussion may not be obvious. It may take a day or 2 for symptoms to appear.

Management of Concussion

If no loss of consciousness:

Prevention

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

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