Here's What's Happening at East Polk Rotary
Hello Rotarians!
Although not officially Summer yet, our community is truly in the throes of summer. The community pools are open, school is out and everyone is looking forward to fireworks and the 4th of July. Last week was food pantry day and we raised $70 in cash in addition to the many bars of soap that members brought in. Also there was an announcement that Saturday August 16th is Root Beer Float Day at HyVee in Altoona, an effort to raise money for Special Olympics. Be thinking about your level of involvement again this year.
Carl Feilmann was our Rotarian of the Day and he introduced our own Steve Mather to present an update on concussions. There's been a great deal of press on the subject since several high profile NFL football players have committed suicide in recent years and others like former Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre have admitted to struggling with memory issues. Steve pointed out that coaches, staff and players at all levels are key to this conversation around traumatic brain injuries caused by concussions.
An estimated 3.8 million sports-related brain injuries occur in the U.S. at all age levels each year. Up to 23% of veterans have reported concussion-like experiences. So the problem is widespread and is now getting the attention it deserves but as some in the room pointed out, properly fitting sports equipment like helmets on high school athletes is still a compromise. Finally, Steve pointed out that current treatment options are symptom-based, not on how much time has elapsed since the injury occurred.
Tomorrow features Steve Pettit as Sargent at Arms and Marti Kline offering us a few laughs as Rotarian of the Day. If you saw Marti's email, please come prepared to share a funny, embarrassing moment or story that will give us something to chuckle over.
We'll see everyone in the AM!