According to family members, the former defensive back for the Chicago Bears sent a text message before his suicide requesting that his brain matter be tested for a degenerative brain disease. Dave Duerson committed suicide last week in his Miami home after shooting himself in the chest. Now his brain will be tested for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
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Hypothermic treatment used for Florida spinal cord injury patient
Last week, a Miami state champion gymnast fell directly on his head after practicing a double flip for his upcoming tryouts with Cirque du Soleil. The 20-year-old man was immediately taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital. He had dislocated two vertebrae from the fall, and the spinal cord injury left him unable to move his legs or hands. He was able to slightly move his arms.
Continue readingNephew of Dalai Lama hit and killed by SUV during walk in Florida
The family of the man who was struck and killed by a vehicle during a Walk for Tibet event last week has finally spoken out about the tragedy. Jigme Norbu, the nephew of the Dalai Lama was killed on a Florida highway on Feb. 14 while participating in a 300-mile walk to raise awareness of Tibet’s fight for independence. Family and friends remembered the man as a “freedom fighter” and “a patriot.”
Continue readingNBA player suggests uniform policy for handling concussions
In previous posts we have discussed the overall need for more awareness of the long-term effects of concussions, especially for sports players who frequently suffer head injuries. We have focused on the prevalence of head injuries sustained during football practices and games, and how the NFL made the decision last year to crackdown and penalize individuals for giving hard hits to other players.
Continue readingFlorida cities install red-light cameras to prevent accidents
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety revealed results last week from a study that analyzed the impact red-light cameras had on the number of accidents that occurred at busy intersections. The study was conducted from 2004 through 2008 in 14 of some of the nation’s largest cities. Each city installed a number of red-light enforcement cameras at intersections to track if the presence of the cameras would reduce the number of accidents caused by drivers
Continue readingMan prevents fatal hit-and-run driver from fleeing scene in Miami
Accidents involving cars and pedestrians often result in serious injury or death. A pedestrian has no protection, and even if a vehicle is traveling at a slow pace, an individual could suffer life-threatening injuries. Although some accidents are unavoidable, many could have easily been prevented with careful driving. Drivers are responsible for following traffic laws to ensure that the roads are safe for others.
Continue readingStudy suggests cancer drug might also treat spinal cord injuries
A new study published in Science Express highlights the effect the cancer drug Taxol may possibly have on those suffering from spinal cord injuries. The study was published on Jan. 27 and suggests that low doses of Taxol have helped stimulate the growth of nerve cells in rats with spinal cord injuries. Researchers are conducting more work on the study in hopes to find a treatment for similar injuries in humans.
Continue readingWorker falls, impaled on railing at construction site in Florida
Construction workers have a dangerous profession. They work with heavy machinery and equipment, and one mistake or overlook could be life-threatening. The federal government regulates work sites in order to protect workers from injuries or death, and to ensure that companies have maintained a safe environment for their employees. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates construction sites and provides specific guidelines that companies must follow in order to be in compliance with safety
Continue reading14-Year-Old Dies in Hialeah Accident, 3 Other Teens Injured
Six teenagers were walking home from Miami Springs High when one was killed and three others were injured after being hit by an SUV. The fatal accident occurred on Jan. 20 near West Ninth Street and First Avenue. According to Hialeah police, the driver of the Ford Expedition had suffered from a medical incident, causing the 42-year-old to lose control of his vehicle.
Continue readingBicycling Deaths Remain High in Florida, But Who is at Fault?
In 2008, Florida reported the most bicycle deaths in the nation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 125 deaths in bicycle accidents. Currently, Broward County reports on average 500 bicycle crashes each year resulting in eight to 11 fatalities. But why are these numbers so high, and who is at fault?
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