Skulls and Drills

Chicago – Dec 8, 2020

By Ranya Sharma

After surviving two life-threatening brain hemorrhages while working on Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke founded SameYou to raise awareness about brain injury and recovery. Carving a pathway to recovery and establishing a community of support, SameYou breaks down the walls and stigma associated with brain injury. SameYou is currently working on a telerehabilitation initiative to offer recovery care during COVID-19. By the name of N-ROL, it provides online group based neurorehabilitation services.

Learn more about their cause: https://www.sameyou.org/

Chicago – August 3, 2020 

By Emily Yang

Due to the Coronavirus, several people have decided that it is best for them to wear a mask or face shield when going to public places such as the grocery store. However, others are more stubborn or unwilling. There are many precautions that can be taken to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, which include standing six feet away from each other, using hand sanitizer, and social distancing. However, the best possible way to prevent transmitting the virus is to simply wear a mask. In the United States, it’s only recommended that you wear a mask by the Central for Disease Control (CDC), but for the sake of others and yourself, you should consider wearing one when going to public places. Even if you don’t experience any existing symptoms, you still could carry the virus and spread it to others. It may be uncomfortable, but our heroes or health care professionals are experiencing worse conditions in overcrowded hospitals. Further, masks are the new fashion trend, so not wearing one is so last season !

Since the coronavirus affects the respiratory system, it’s important to cover the nose and the mouth. A common misconception is that only covering the mouth is enough. The nose and the mouth should be covered as you inhale and exhale through both. Both are part of the respiratory system. If you are knowingly infected, it’s even more crucial to wear a mask. Cloth masks act as a barrier to prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people. If the person wearing a cloth mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice, there is a great chance that he or she won’t affect others because the virus and or bacteria is trapped within the mask. It is especially vital to have a mask on if space for social distancing is limited. Other masks could have different functions, but it’s still vital to wear one out in public.

Just like finding the perfect pair of shoes, you can have a preference for the kind of mask you want to wear. The three most common masks are surgical masks, N95 masks, and cloth masks. Surgical masks are loose-fitting and filter out large particles in the air. They are disposable and also protect the person wearing the mask from droplets, splashes, or sprays that might contain germs. The N95 mask is known to be more protective than a surgical mask. Not only does it filter out large particles, but it also filters out the smaller particles when the person wearing the mask inhales. As the name displays, the mask blocks 95% of very small particles. Just like the surgical mask, they are disposable as well. Lastly, cloth masks trap droplets that are released when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, or coughs. The CDC recommends cloth face masks for the public as they can be washed and reused.

Chicago – April 28, 2020 

By Ranya Sharma

“Coronavirus” is an umbrella term, referring to a group of viruses that affect birds and mammals. Out of hundreds of coronaviruses, only seven are known to affect humans. Out of these seven, four have symptoms similar to those of a cold. The other three are more severe and have higher risks.
 
The type of coronavirus which originated in Wuhan, China has been named SARS-CoV-2. Scientists have suspected that the outbreak originated through transmission from bats to humans in unsanitary markets. However, the story is shaky as greater research is being performed.
 
The virus primarily spreads through human contact. It is found in water droplets that form from breathing, and these droplets spread when we talk, cough, sneeze and breathe. The virus can enter one’s body as soon as they come in contact with one of these droplets.
 
The best protection one can have is to not touch their face and to wash their hands. Maintaining a distance of 6 feet from other people is also crucial. Not only does it reduce your chances to contract the virus, but it also reduces the chances of you spreading it. Many have the virus and are infectious, yet do not experience any symptoms.
 
During this time, communities are coming together. Through local food drives, to the shipment of resources to households, people are helping each other, although they may not be meeting face to face. Skulls and Drills is creating homemade cloth face masks. We are donating them to local hospitals and senior citizens in our community. As tensions are high and it seems like the whole world is holding their breath, waiting for updates, it is important to be more compassionate and kinder now than ever. Through kindness in the form of donations to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund or in the form of alleviating the conditions of those in poverty, any small act will make a difference.

Sources Used:
 
Healthline, No date, “Coronavirus Types and Which Type is Wreaking Havoc Worldwide, https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-types
 
David Levine, 4-1-2020, “These Are the Ways Coronavirus Spreads,” US News & World Report, https://health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/how-does-coronavirus- spread

Chicago – April 18, 2020 

By Rhea Sharma

Most brain surgeries occur for reasons like a possible brain tumor, or blood-vessel-related issues (hemorrhages or hematomas). Damage to brain dura (tissue), infections, or skull fractures are other, less common reasons for brain surgeries. 

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more common than the average person would expect, and if untreated, can have fatal consequences. By exploring some of the most common symptoms, causes, and treatment, we can begin to encourage more knowledge of the subject and subsequent community awareness. 

Mild traumatic brain injuries usually have rather temporary consequences, but should nevertheless be treated. Common physical symptoms to look out for include loss of consciousness, headaches, nausea, fatigue, speech problems, sleep irregularities, and dizziness. Other sensory and cognitive symptoms include blurred vision, ringing in ears, sensitivity, memory problems, and mood changes. Moderate to severe TBIs can include any of these symptoms, as well as other symptoms that may arise after an injury, including a persistent headache, seizures, pupil dilation, numbness, loss of coordination, large amounts of confusion, slurred speech, and even coma. While these symptoms can go unnoticed, it is important to contact a doctor immediately, following notable irregularities in your physical, sensory, or cognitive areas. 

TBIs are most often caused by a blow or injury to the head. These injuries are usually instances of falls, vehicle collisions, sports injuries, and violence. Care should be taken to avoid such instances through the preventative use of seat belts and airbags, helmets, and safe driving habits. 

In rare cases, TBIs can lead to debilitating complications. Instances of altered consciousness like coma or brain death can occur, and physical complications like seizures, fluid buildup, infections, or severe blood vessel damage can occur. Other complications include cognitive or behavioral irregularities. 

Typically, imaging tests are used in order to diagnose TBI severity and begin the treatment process. CT scans and MRIs help reveal evidence of bleeding in the brain, fractures, blood clots, or brain tissue swelling. Treatment is typically a combination of medication and surgery. Medication usually includes diuretics, which reduce the amount of fluids and reduce pressure, and anti-seizure drugs, which are used preventively, as brain injury puts people at high risk for seizures. Surgery is also used to minimize any additional damage to brain tissues. 

In conclusion, we can understand that while TBIs may seem like rare cases, it is important to remember that TBIs are a major cause of death and disability worldwide. It is crucial to stay informed on such medical conditions and understand their common symptoms in order to ensure a quick diagnosis. We hope to increase awareness at all levels, and we hope that this piece helped you stay informed.