The Concussion Blog

Hello everyone, my name is Dustin Fink.  I am an athletic trainer and I have created a blog about concussions…  Wait, what?

It has been a long time since I have gotten to this blogging thing, perhaps I needed to reintroduce myself.  As devout readers – that you all are – you have noticed a sharp decline in the publishing prowess of The Concussion Blog.  Thank you for your concern and information over the past few months, it means a lot to me.

I am writing today to simply keep you all in “the loop” when it comes to this space going forward.  The simple answer is that it will remain what it was; a spot for information about the issue of concussion and the issues surrounding concussions.  With a much more active family (three kids getting to the “we go everywhere” age), a welcome increase in responsibility in my main job as an athletic trainer, and simply being more selfish with my time you all can expect decreased frequency of posts from me.  However, there will be spurts of information, commentary and editorials from time to time.

There is plenty to be talked about in this “concussion world” as we currently know it; I plan on doing just that going forward.  Recently I have tried to delve into other parts of this entire Pandora’s Box – attempting to get research published, commenting on research, discussions about being educational partners, lining up speaking engagements, etc.  So, I have not strayed away from this issue, in fact, I feel I have become more aware of things happening in this arena.

If you have followed me on Twitter (@concussionblog) you would have noticed I am not far away.  It seems 140 or less is a bit easier to keep up with.  Thank you for being a follower, supporter and reader.

One thing I have had hammered home to me, very recently, is that people do care what is shared here and appreciate both the candor and experience this space brings.  This ranges from: those affected by concussions, medical professionals, athletic trainers (also a medical professional), press/journalists, students and even the professional sports leagues and players themselves.  It is truly an honor.  Because of this I am going to ramp back up starting this month.

There are exciting things coming to TCB, some exclusive and some in partnerships.  What I am most excited about is being the place that people can comment or even post about things that may cause disagreement or consternation.  Being comfortable allows us to be content and that leads us to my favorite proverb/saying – currently – “If you do what you’ve always done, you will be what you’ve always been.” – Mick Buttz.  If this means rocking the boat and questioning people to create further thought and get away from “group think” then sign me up.

Going forward you can expect some of the following (and much more):

• NFL Concussion Reporting
• Educational Opportunities
• Critical Commentary on Research
• Guest Blogging/Posting from Critical Thinkers
• Guest Journalism
• Partnerships in Communication with vastly different “circles”
• My continuation of keeping sports – I don’t dislike any sport!
• My main theme: THE INJURY IS NOT THE MAIN ISSUE, RATHER THE MISMANAGEMENT OF THE INJURY IS
• My skeptical eye on prevention in the way of equipment
• My soap box about getting medical professionals to the adolescents – athletic trainers
• My promotion of new and “outside the box” ways of limiting exposure and management of concussion

We are an outlet for those that would like to get information out not only about concussions but for athletic training.  Feel free to drop a line and bounce ideas off of me.  There is plenty lined up for the next month, but I can always add more!  And buckle up for what is surely going to be a much talked about June-July here on The Concussion Blog!

Thank you again for continuing to visit The Concussion Blog!