Atlanta vahcs center for visual and neurocognitive rehabilitation collaborates with boys and girls club of metro atlanta to conduct brain carnival | va atlanta health care | veterans affairs

Health Literacy is more than the ability to read health information. It is a vital, multifaceted part of healthy living and disease prevention. According to Health.gov, a person possesses

health literacy when they can locate relevant healthcare information, have an adequate level of understanding of that information, and be able to use the information when making

health-related decisions. Overall, health literacy plays an important role in both preventing health issues and seeking aid for oneself and others when health issues occur. The Concussion

Awareness Now coalition has reinforced the importance of raising awareness about the physical and cognitive symptoms of head injuries, supporting the need for programs aimed at improving

brain health literacy. In response to this need, the Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation (CVNR) partnered with the Lawrenceville Boys and Girls Club of Metro

Atlanta (BGCMA) for the second Brain Carnival. The event was held on October 10, 2024, for Kindergarten through 12th graders.  One aim of the CVNR is dissemination of evidence-based research

information and educational events to improve quality of life for Veterans and the broader community.  Collaborating with BGCMA on the Brain Carnival event has been a valuable opportunity

for CVNR to supply youth with fundamental brain health knowledge that may benefit their overall health in their future aspirations and daily life. The event presented basic science

information, and conducted learning activities focusing on the brain, brain health, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) prevention. Being able to understand the functionality of the brain, as

well as the causes and signs of TBI specifically, offers support for informed brain health-related decision-making.  “It is important to remember that making healthy choices can help promote

a healthy lifestyle, but understanding why something is considered healthy is what empowers you to make those healthy choices. The Brain Carnival promoted engagement through hands-on

learning, with the intent to provide a better understanding of the brain and inspire greater health consciousness. I am confident that we succeeded in our goal,”  said Alexandra Mayes, CVNR

and BGCMA staff member. The interactive activities included concussion simulation using concussion goggles, a “brain hat” craft, viewing preserved animal and human brains, and an online quiz

game with questions focusing on brain healthy habits and TBI. Youth took turns wearing the concussion goggles and attempted to do simple tasks, such as walking in a straight line or

throwing a bean bag at a target. The brain hats were constructed from a template that contained a map of the lobes of the brain, and each lobe contained short descriptions and pictures of

specific functions controlled by the part of the brain. Observation and handling of preserved human and animal brain specimens inspired curiosity and reinforced educational elements of the

event, as facilitators spent time highlighting specific parts of each brain and their functions. The use of Kahoot, an online quiz platform, allowed youth to self-evaluate their knowledge of

the brain. The kids enjoyed the competitiveness of the quiz activity and took considerable interest in which answers were correct.  The Brain Carnival fascinated the children and incited

conversation about possible concussion causes and TBI prevention strategies. A special thank you to all CVNR staff and volunteers that helped make this event a success! Dr. Amy Rodriguez,

Dr. Ashley Prichard, Connor Malloch, Mychaela Brown, Alexandra Mayes, Anna Ree, and Elizabeth Tibus. Learn more about the CVNR events and research opportunities at varrd.emory.edu