March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
To The Editor:
Since 1997, I’ve tackled the ongoing daily ups-and-downs of my own wholly life-altering traumatic brain injury, caused by Con Edison’s now so-called stray voltage. Much of the media’s limited focus when they cover the more “sensational” incidents emphasize “remarkable recoveries,” “exceptional care” and “vast support.”
The typical brain injury story actually is usually a very complex, erratic, gritty, and lasting one, with no less inspiring or heroic elements than the media models; each one is also replete with a dire need for a better understanding, support, respect, and covered or affordable services and therapies. Many of the injury’s symptoms are often recognized only by its survivors or the most sensitive care providers, who themselves are likely to be baffled by the overwhelmingly and even contradictory array of systemic challenges.
Professionals and the public at large need to more carefully educate themselves about these injuries so as to improve prevention and care for this devastating, yet often preventable, menace that, statistic show, hurts more lives than any other health threat, and for which everyone is at risk.
Improved awareness and care may begin by obtaining information from organizations like the Brain Injury Association of America and by encouraging more in-depth representation in the media.
Phil Vanaria
Mom and Pops as important as housing
To The Editor:
Re: “Progress Report: Affordable Housing” (news, Feb. 26, 2015):
But where is the move to save affordable small businesses, which make neighborhoods livable? All the attention goes to affordable housing and transit, and the city becomes a workplace, an entertainment place and a bedroom community. Something like that. You could say it better and hope you will.
Bette
After court win, Hopper-Gibbons still needs your help
To The Editor:
Re: “Hopper-Gibbons Supporters Prevail in Court” (news, Feb. 26, 2015):
We are glad that we won at this Appellate court hearing. Please help us by writing letters of support to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, to ensure that this building is properly restored to its original four story height, to match the rooflines of the neighboring houses on either side. The Dept. of Buildings ordered the owner/developer to tear down his secretively and illegally built addition, and restore the building to its 1847 and 2001 condition.
Julie Finch
Friends of Hopper-Gibbons Under-ground Railroad Site & Lamartine Place Historic District
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