Episode 182: “The Invisible Injury”: Concussion Prevention and Support for Kids and Adults with Melissa Biscardi
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:01 — 40.1MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | Deezer | RSS | More
In this episode, Dr. Lisa chats with Melissa Biscardi, registered nurse, manual osteopath, research trainee at the University of Toronto and a self-proclaimed brainiac who is obsessed with concussion rehabilitation, research and anything related to getting “go-getters” brains working and thriving. Melissa shares the most common ways kids and adults get concussions, along with how our changing hormones in perimenopause influence our risk and outcomes. Listen in to find out what to do if you or your little one has a suspected concussion to prevent long-term effects. Remember, “when in doubt, sit out”. A possible concussion is not something to take lightly.
Melissa Biscardi is a registered nurse, manual osteopath, research trainee at the University of Toronto and a self-proclaimed brainiac who is obsessed with concussion rehabilitation, research and anything related to getting “go-getters” brains working and thriving. She started in the healthcare field over 20 years ago and she feels she was born to heal but it took many twists and turns to find the right road. She completed a Bachelor of Science in nursing, master of science focused on concussion in women and is now doing her PhD looking at interventions to maximize concussion recovery. Melissa has a private practice in Toronto and also teaches virtually and now in person.
Her holistic approach to care is what sets her apart and helps her get her patients their lives back after concussion and other forms of brain-drain! Melissa created an app called the Brain Tool Kit app which is available on Android and iPhone and can be used for concussion recovery or just for brain-tickling. She has published in a number of scientific journals and co-authored 2 book chapters, as well as a big sister to 2 of the best little brothers a gal could have, mother to a 3-legged cat and the #1 daughter to 2 quirky parents. She loves to run and hike and explore the spectacular views and sounds that nature has to offer.
In today’s episode, we cover:
- The signs and symptoms you need to look for when you or your kids have a concussion
- including red flags of vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, weakness, numbness and increasing headache that need emergency care
- Some myths around concussion that you need to know
- The most common ways you and your kids can get a concussion
- Possible long term effects you can experience from a concussion
- The food that can help with your concussion recovery
- The importance of exercise to support your brain
- How your hormones and menstrual cycle can impact your recovery from a concussion
- What you should do if you suspect you or your kid has a concussion
You can connect with Melissa on Instagram @concussionrehabca or her website https://concussionrehab.ca/ for a free download of concussion red flags.
Today’s Mama Must-Have:
Dr. Lisa is a big fan of time to read after Stuart is in bed, even for 5 minutes
Melissa loves to start her day with movement in the morning
What Else is Happening?
Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing session for expecting parents looking to decrease fear and anxiety to support their natural instincts around labour and birth is this fall. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register
Join Dr. Lisa’s Facebook group Wild Woman Adventures Toronto if you want to get out in nature, connect with other women and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Activities include: sunrise/sunset SUP, tree-top trekking, a new moon workshop and more!
Thanks for joining us!
Email us or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
We’d love you to subscribe, leave us a review and a 5-star rating if you enjoyed this episode.
You can also support us by visiting our Patreon page.
Please tell your perimenopausal mama friends about us, too!
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.
Recent Comments