concussion
What is concussion? Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It is the result of a blow, thump or jolt to the head or to the body, causing the head to jolt back and forward such as a whiplash injury. The head moving rapidly shakes the brain which can result in chemical changes. Sometimes brain cells are stretched and damaged. Usually described as a ‘mild’ brain injury, evidence now shows the long term effects of concussion can be serious.
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Symptoms of concussion can include headache, confusion, poor co-ordination, memory loss, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and fatigue. In the past concussion has been treated as something that will pass with time. If severe doctors recommended “cocooning” remaining in a dark room and resting, plus treating headaches with over the counter medication. (Avoid ibuprofen as this can cause bleeding) All that has changed recently due to the research showing that concussion can result in long term neurological disease.
Diagnosing concussion involves observation of neurological responses such as vision, hearing , balance, reflexes) and cognitive aspects, such as memory and concentration. Imaging tests may also be recommended. This will rule out other head injuries. Research now suggest the best way to recover from concussion is to begin cardio exercise as soon as possible such as using an exercise bike or elliptical machine, but not running which can hurt the brain. Get the blood pumping! Follow this with something cognitively stimulating such as reading, games or puzzles but avoid screens if possible. Return to school or work gradually.
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Concussion can result in long term problems. Research on older professional sportsmen indicates that repeated concussion can result in permanent brain damage. Neurodegenerative diseases related to repeated concussion include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, slurred speech and significant memory problems, parkinsonism or the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (tremors, muscle stiffness and slow movement), sleep disturbance, smell and taste dysfunction are also common long term symptoms.
New research indicates concussion is a serious injury which needs professional diagnosis and treatment.
Bottle brush
During late winter and early spring our arum lilies bloom. I really like the sculptural appearance of the lilies and glossy, generously sized leaves. I bought the vase I put the lilies and leaves in just for this purpose. The only problem was the water gets murky towards the base after a few days and I couldn’t get anything long enough and slim enough to reach the inner base to give it a good scrub.
I invented a long vase scrubber! I don’t see a commercial application for it but it was just the thing to clean the vase. I used a rubber band to secure the bottle brush in a pair of long handled tongs and scrubbed the vase clean. Very satisfying.
This is a bottle brush of another kind. It is very attractive. The development from nobbly little boxes, actually called budding capsules, splitting open down the length of the bloom is wonderful to watch. These amazing flowers come in red, yellow, orange and pink. Endemic mostly to the coastal regions of Australia, although some grow in the centre, too, they are also available at any native plant nursery.
The name bottle brush is derived from the appearance of the flower. Bottle brushes (Callistemon genus) looks like a bottle brush! The entire genus is endemic to Australia but have been keenly been adopted by the rest of the world. They are drought tolerant and require little water once established.
other things
Continuing with Japanese/Chinese Brush Painting. First lesson was bamboo painted with ink, this week was flowers in water colour. I enjoy focusing on developing new techniques and working with other people trying to also master this way of painting.
PIERRE de RONSARD ROSES
The garden is amazing. The Pierre de Ronsard roses on an arch are covered in blooms. I was considering removing them earlier this year and am so glad I just cut them back.
SNAP PEAS
All winter I have been picking enough snap peas from one plant to serve two people every few days. I am drying two pea pods from the snap pea plant to plant some more peas for the next few months. To grow peas from the pods it is best to leave a few pods on the plant to dry and then leave them outside until really dry. Then split the pod open and harvest the dry peas. I like to soak them overnight before planting, but not everyone agrees with soaking. Make holes about 2.5 cm (1 “) deep. Plant two peas in every hole . Add liquid seaweed. Water regularly. They’ll germinate in about nine days.
A blogger I have followed for years always weighs her produce when she picks it and keeps a record of how much she has harvested. I think she likes to work out how much money she has saved growing rather than buying produce! Do you do this?
I have never thought to weigh what I grow to eat but that sounds like such a good idea! I love your homemade bottle brush for cleaning your vase, ingenious. The bottle brush plant looks very exotic and is very aptly named!
Hello!
I thought the snap peas had finished and they’ve had a new growth spurt and tiny pods are appearing. Exciting!
As you settle into the coziness of winter, with long nights and warm foods, we have arrived very quickly into summer. Long, dry, hot days with dreadful flooding in the Eastern States.
Deborah