Baseball and Head Injuries

Watching the M.L.B. playoffs and now World Series I challenge anyone who say that baseball is not a contact sport. The number of foul tips that rung the bell or or gave a mini concussion to catchers has been staggering. Umpires have also got a foul tip in the mask a time or two in the playoffs. However most of the time umpires get foul tips in the shoulder or legs. So it can be a physical sport not like hockey , football or rugby but when their are collisions at the bases they can be very physical. The nastiest collisions are at home plate were I have seen base runner or mostly catchers knocked cold or had a minor concussion.

  You have to know i have a passion for the sport. I think it promotes great team building just like hockey in this great country of Canada. I have played till I was 14 and coached kids between the ages of 10-13. The strategy of the game is something you have to appreciate. Reaction time in catching up to a 90 plus mph fastball is a special talent. Throwing a baseball 90 plus miles an hour is just as special a talent. When you have the ability to hit , hit for power, run, field and steal bases that is a special player.

 The batting helmet was a great invention. Their was only 1 death due to being beaned and his name was Ray Chapman in 1920. The beaning of a pitcher can be just as deadly and I hope a pitcher can wear a modified helmet while pitching in the next few years. This may not safe concussions but will save lives. When a pitch comes in 90 plus miles an hour it comes back at the fielder at 110-120 mph. So reaction time if the ball is hit that square for a pitcher is virtually nil. This game is great so let the baseball equipment and protection keep evolving. There is protection for the elbows and ankles with guards. The same regard should be given for head protection. One piece of equipment that is ever changing is the catcher’s mask traditional or hockey style.

  I always loved pitching mostly because I could never hit. I never thought for a second about a line drive coming back to hit me in the head. However when a player gets into higher competition they should aware of their equipment options and stay safe to enjoy the game as much as they can for as long as they can. Injuries are apart of the game but you should not be afraid of them and play at the highest level you can.

By Ty Stingel

October 27, 2013

 

The Languages of Family

Living in different family settings of different cultures family is said and perceived in many ways. Living in Canada or the United States our family setting usually gets children to be self sufficient. Being independent is a normal thing but not without the support of parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Family in French is la familie or Spanish la familia were families are usually big, more nurturing and multi generations live together and think nothing of it. Parents and grandparents can co-raise and tech the children. Respect between the generations is not an option but is required in my experience. A collective family to me has a certain appeal. Is this model perfect and the obvious answer is no. However their is a certain comfort in the love, responsibility, selflessness, nurturing and nature raising of a child. Devoted parents and not absentee parenting. Their lives are centered around faith the people I met but I respected their model of family and how much it meant to them. Quebec and Mexico mission trips and a Spanish church in Calgary helped mature my view of what family can be in different cultures.

 The languages of parenting as my parents were of love, servant hood, teaching, faith, education were cornerstones in my sisters lives. We were blessed to have parents who chose us as adoptive parents. Moreover adopting a disabled baby boy who was me. What greater love is that and have stuck by my side through the good, bad and ugly of life. So many families split up when a child is sick or has a disability and my parents were steadfast in their marriage in loving each other and us kids no matter what. So I felt their was always sacrifice which is apart of love for each other in regards to education, health issues, jobs and sharing new adventures as a family. Thank you mom and dad you are the best.

Sports, literary, bible colleges and disability organizations have shown me the discipline or dysfunction can be with the people I was associated with over the years. The life lessons of where a person sets boundaries, assignments, work or volunteering your life strategies and agendas are developed to be successful. Most of all my servant heart was being nurtured through out my adult life.

 A new language of family in the beginning stages through my birth mom and her family are being developed, Our ethics, values, love of family, friends, servant hood, education and work ethic align with how I was raised. Understanding where we are both coming from has taken love, patience,mercy acceptance, courage and a kind heart. That is what family does and this experience with my birth mom and her family is a year old and is a gift I was never expecting from God.

So I want to say thank you God for your word and teaching me about what family and love is all about. I am a work in progress Lord Jesus and want to teach me in a deeper way of what family is so I can share my experience with others.

Amen.

By Ty Stingel

October 20, 2013

 

Learning To Let People Get Closer

  I have always had trouble letting people get a little bit closer to me as ex girl friends and fiancées can attest. I am not the easiest guy to get to know as family and friends will tell you as well. Some people will accuse me of being aloof or distant. That is not the case I just don’t want to get hurt, felt pity for or someone viewing me as a project due to my brain injury, epilepsy condition or disability. Love and acceptance and treating me as a equal is all I ever wanted.

  What gets me the most angry is when people who are relative patronize me. I get this attitude in the market place and in the world I don’t need it from you is the thought. My perception that anyone who reads this has relatives, bosses and others who would do the same thing so I don’t think I am special. However I am getting in touch with these feelings for the first time in a long time. To make changes you must think and then act to invite people to be part of your world.

  Going back to the profession of writing and now blogging a person can open themselves up to criticism or praise and you better be able to handle both. Yes I am a big boy and can handle that type of scrutiny. Just saying I will be more vulnerable and let people in and yet trust my instincts so I don’t get played for what people can get out of generous old Ty. Life is a tightrope and you must stick to who you are without putting walls up.

 Writing this blog has freed me up to be who I am as a writer, person and have met cool people from all over the world. So yes my world has grown yet again like it does with High School, college/university and work. When you get hurt like I did in my last job you feel the feels dust yourself off and move on. I want to say I have not been a person full of excuses but someone that has challenged himself everyday no matter what people say.

 So in closing all I am saying like myself stay authentic in your relationships with family, friends, workmates. Do not let yourself be a victim inside relationships instead be a victor. Be kind, loving, firm when you need to be and set healthy boundaries. Most of be the best person you can be physically, spiritually, mentally, emotional you can and the rest will take care of itself. You will be blessed if you do.

By Ty Stingel

October 18, 2013

Head Injuries in Sport

  Our national pastime in Canada is hockey. Concussions were not going to be a high profile injury until a star player was injured. Then it happened Sidney Crosby had two concussions within days and was out for 11 months rehabbing and resting his head injury. Sid Crosby became the poster boy of concussion and took advantage of the best neurologists and specialists who deal with concussion and his employers the Pittsburgh Penguins were not in a rush to protect their investment. Who knew if Sid would ever be the same as concussion studies are ever evolving. Thank goodness for Sid Crosby, his agent Pat Brisson, Ray Shero the General Manager and the Pittsburgh ownership group to be trailblazers in how to treat a player with concussion issues.

 Being a baseball fan catchers seem to be in a position were concussions are the most prevalent. Foul tips are the most consistent play that ring the bells of catchers as the ball hits the mask at high rates of speed usually between 85-95 miles an hour. So technology of a well made mask can help diminish concussions for catchers. Hitters have helmets but their still is risk of getting hit if the pitcher is wild. So yes in baseball like most professional sports there is risk which the athlete excepts.

Soccer no matter men’s or women’s teams headers can produce concussions. Women are more prone to head injuries in this sport. So education and proper instruction of technique will always make the sport safer. The athlete is a human being not a piece of meat. Though owners of even professional soccer teams believe it but wouldn’t say it publicly. Soccer is the biggest sport is most of the world and a healthy educated athlete who is educated on concussions like other injuries will improve this sport.

Football is the most barbaric of sports and the high school, university, Canadian Football League and National Football League are at risk due to their lack of education and concern over education. Finances can’t overtake a players health. However the N.F.L. would beg to differ as they don’t want to acknowledge concussion, head, neck injuries and brain disease that affect current and former players.

So head injury in sports is not something to be afraid of in sport. Education and learning about the brain through neurology reports on athletes can help families of athletes and athletes to make decisions about their sports. You can have many parts of the body replaced but we are only given one brain and it’s each individuals job to take care of it. Un necessary death due to depression from head injury need not happen as long as the secrecy ceases for the risk in all sports. My dream is that all sports teams from minor sports, high school, university and pro teams have trainers who can diagnose and tell the athlete the truth and keep them safe. A life means more than the all mighty dollar. All these programs make money its about time to take care of the person with the invisible injury with devastating results. So I say again lets protect the athlete’s head and brain.

By Ty Stingel

October 17, 2013

 

Embracing Life

Embracing life is to accept who you are

When you are fighter you must fight

When you show courage you must not be full of fright

Be empowered to shine like a star.

Never be afraid to take on new challenges today

Hiking up a mountain to see a different point of view

Early in the morning under a heavy dew

So we can be flexible like a jar of clay.

So many people only see their life as it is now

Not what there lives can be

Never to be handcuffed by others expectations but now free

Be happy again and not full of doubt.

Embrace your talents and the passions you have ever imagined

Your life may never be the same again if you believe

What was stolen can now be retrieved

To show your personality that is fashioned

So now embrace your life’s journey again

Fight for who you want to be

No matter what others see

So embrace life with the support of family or friend.

By Ty Stingel

October 17, 2013

 

Making comment on my new email.

My new email for all my blog followers is t_stingel@yahoo.com since I was having issues with my Hotmail account thanks for your understanding. Have been working on a new book but I promise to bring new poems, stories and articles in the days and weeks to come.

Regards, Ty

Welcome Home

Well it is Thanksgiving and be should say welcome home

Put aside our differences instead of creating a perfect storm

Instead love one another like it is the norm

So give your parents a hug and kiss and say it’s good to home

So live in the moment and don’t bicker about the past

Live with each other in harmony and be thankful for what you got

You never know if you will be here again at this very spot

So make memories that are joyous and will last.

We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow and when our maker calls us home

So let’s take care of the present and say three precious words I love you

Be thankful for the turkey, the trimmings and ask what can I do

When you are at peace with God and the one’s you love you are never alone.

So welcome home you weary traveller God will say to us

My son or daughter you need not weep no more

You have run the race well as  He opens up the door

I am yours and you are mine he will say to us.

By Ty Stingel

October 13, 2013

Affects of My Last Concussion

I have been told I have a bit of an edge since my last concussion a couple of years ago. I get angry faster, I use curse words more readily and don’t have the filter in my private life. Publicly and when I am doing business I’m on my best behavior. This may make me a hypocrite but that is ok we all wear many masks. I am just making an attempt to take this one off and be honest about what concussions can do.

My last concussion happened while I was working for a marketing company as the job was meant for speed. I missed a step and I could feel my head hit the step as it hit each and every step down to the ground on my left side along with my left hand and ankle. All three parts of my body were a mess. Thank God for the home owner and his daughter who came out to see the commotion and assisted me with bandages and a towel to absorb the blood. The dad drove me to the hospital and I got immediate attention due to a head injury and concussion.

When I came back to consciousness at the bottom of the step. I remember saying I am sorry to the homeowner and his daughter several times. They said there is nothing to apologize for and they hope I would be ok. These were good people who didn’t know me from Adam yet they helped me out in my time of need and I will be forever grateful for that.

The symptoms for post concussion syndrome were intense for me this time. I was told to be off work for a month at least by the doctor. The headaches, sensitivity to bright light and being easily angered by little things that were nothing more than my symptoms still continuing. I have mentioned many time before in my blog that I am not a patient person. I felt horrible and useless and being away from family. I am grateful for my friends and church who were loving and kind to me at this time.

Their seems to be a lot of talk about concussions in the sporting world especially in hockey, football and wrestling. My heart goes out to these athletes and the affects of multiple concussions and how it can devastate a person and their families lives as these concussions can cause erratic behavior, depression, headaches, eye issue and suicide thoughts, attempts and at worst being successful in suicide and their family is left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

Just like some famous athletes I would like to have my brain tested Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or C.T.E. as it is known for short a brain disease to be looked at for research. I need to know I made a difference in helping someone beat the disease if I eventually get it like I have helped and encouraged my fellow man in life. How do I feel about the possibility of getting this disease, dementia or Alzheimer’s all possibilities can be scary but I  can educate myself, take care of my brain, body and leave the rest up to God. Their is a one in one chance I won’t make it out of this world alive so live life to the fullest.

Concussion is something that happened to me but I won’t be defeated by it. I have too many dreams to dream. Too many goals to achieve. Too many loved ones and friends to cheer on! So take care of yourselves my friends all that know someone with concussion history or yourself. There is life on the other side. Work through your emotions that have dealt with the denial, anger, bargaining of the injury and may you get to the other side and have acceptance and let go. Most of all do not be defined by your concussion or head injury be defined by the unique, talented person you are. To move beyond the greatest gift you can be given moving forward is love and understanding to go forward.

Now all I ask in return is you pay this message forward. Love on, befriend and encourage someone today.

Regards, Ty Stingel

October 11, 2013

The Human Brain, Cognitive Ability and Injury

The human brain is very complex and is not respected on how it runs every area of our lives. The average brain weighs 2.9- 3.3 lbs. The average newborn’s brain weighs 350-400 grams.  A woman’s brain size is 1130 cubic centimeters while a man’s is 1260 cubic centimeters.  There are 86 billion neurons in the brain 16 billion in the cerebral cortex and 69 billion in the cerebellum. The 4 distinct areas of the brain are the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes that run every decision of  that affects cognition for physical, intellectual ,creativity, emotions and spiritual nature of who we are.

When your cognition due to acquired brain injury is affected this can be harmful to your learning ability without guidance. Thank goodness for an informative, caring neurosurgeon  and parents to lead me into a cognitive repetitious learning style that worked for me. My parents and teachers patience is to be commended. I will be forever grateful for the people who helped me along the way to be a better person, student, worker, ESL instructor, writer and advocate.

The three main learning styles are auditory, visual and kinesetic. My style was and is auditory and visual which has worked for me. I have a nephew who is kinesetic a hand on learner and visual. No learning style is right or wrong it is just how God made us and the way we learn that is comfortable to the individual.

My studies have included courses in psychology, sociology, philosophy anthropology and linguistics that all revolve in cognitive behavior in one shape or form. This tested out that an individual with A.B.I. – Acquired Brain injury can push the brain to it’s cognitive limits. The goal was never to admire this accomplishment but to chase after the degree which I successful was able too do. I am not special but one of a long line of people with cognitive disabilities too make adjustments to achieve their goals.

The creative part of the brain I cherish very much. This is the area of the brain that has given me the ability to write books, short stories, journal entries and poems. Another area of the brain where I can do math problems. The ability to study languages and people groups. Nobody knew this would be possible years ago. Yes sometimes I have hard time finding my place in the world but I have found my voice through writing and advocacy.

My hear goes out to my fellow survivors of Acquired or Traumatic Brain Injury. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy a brain disease is something that athletes and military personnel seem to be concentrated on due to being in high profile positions which should be treated in life someday and the condition is looked at now post mortem. Anyone who has gone through brain injury surgeries and their loved ones must take a look at these studies to see if they have the disease hopefully in the future they the brain surgeons and neuro pathologists will have tests for living patients to see if they have the Tau protein brain disease and have a cure.

The documentary “League Denial” that I saw on PBS Frontline TV show had a profound affect on me. I love watching sports but never want them to suffer at the cost of game. Football is a great game but these players were not protected by the NFL and were lied to about the long term affects of concussions. I have had 4 concussions and have had my personality change somewhat. I can’t relate to the devastating affects of concussions in the double digits that have profoundly affected these players and families lives. My thanks to the writers and filmmakers that made the documentary possible. God bless Dr. Ann McKee and here colleagues as they tackle issues of brain disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s in the patients they see. 

So my encouragement and support goes out to the brain injured survivor’s, families and friends that support them. Keep up the good fight. Be excited about every day your given and the challenges you may face. If there is a will there is a way. May you all know you are not alone. Brain injury is a condition it does not have to define who you are. May God bless the caregivers of brain injury patients in the hospital as it is not an easy job. My mom had that job for over 20 years as a brain injury nurse and administrator. So keep all your great work.

Regards, Ty Stingel

October 9, 2013

Today

Today is a new day

full of plans and schemes

where you can achieve your dreams

and God can mold you like clay.

Yesterday is remembered but not to dwell on

Bad experienced are to be learned from

Not to be punished with till kingdom come

Today is the dawn of a new day looking towards the Son.

So today my friend work towards your plans

With intelligence and creativity with the opportunity given

The keys of success will not be handed to you so you must be driven

Go for what you want and take a stand.

So today is never guaranteed and is a gift

And when you live like there is no tomorrow

where you may have joy, struggle or sorrow

Where you seek growth in that day, encourage others and give them a lift.

Remember the memories of yesterday and create new ones today

Think of what can be and not the way things were

Life sometimes needs to be shaken and stirred

Whatever you do say I will have a great day!

By Ty Stingel

October 8, 2013