To raise awareness about concussion and its related symptoms, Nipissing University nursing students Jacob Belanger and Selena Sciuk led a one-hour presentation to Grade 12 biology students in February to talk about how to identify a concussion, and what to do if you have one. As part of a pilot program called Brain Waves – a partnership between Nipissing’s nursing students and a national injury prevention charity called Parachute Canada – the pair addressed students at North Bay’s St. Joseph-Scollard Hall. They shared insight about symptoms, long-term effects, and standards for concussion treatment. “Concussion awareness is crucial in this population to ensure they are seeking proper assistance following head trauma to avoid long-lasting effects and complications,” Belanger says. Student athletes often carry a sense of pride in remaining physically healthy and uninjured, he says, which can lead to not reporting symptoms. Brain Waves was launched to inform high school students about the different parts of the brain and injury prevention. (North Bay Nugget, Feb. 27)