The Wise Old Owl, Penny Panda, Fiona Fox, Gerald Giraffe and Marvin Monkey, along with members of the Pilot Club of Grenada, presented their BrainMinders Buddies Program at Elizabeth Jones Library. BrainMinders – Protecting Your Brain for Life is Pilot International’s signature program designed in 2001 to promote brain awareness and teach children how important it is to keep their brains healthy and injury free, thereby dramatically decreasing brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the U.S., and contributes to about 30 percent of all injury deaths. Approximately 40 percent of all bicycle-related deaths are due to head injuries, with ¾ of all bicycle-related injuries occurring among children ages 14 and under. The best defense against brain injury is providing prevention education to the general public, children, caregivers and professionals in the community.
The BrainMinders Buddies presentation uses puppets and a story book, and includes interaction with the children. BrainMinders Buddies stress injury prevention “Play Safe, Play Smart” through the story “Wise Old Owl and his Fuzzy, Funny, Smart and Sunny BrainMinders Buddies.” The BrainMinders Buddies and their focus on safety include the following: Wise Old Owl — the brain; Gerald Giraffe — helmet safety, ATV, trampoline safety; Penny Panda — car seat safety, button batteries, winter fun; Martin Monkey — playground safety, furniture tipping; and Fiona Fox — street wise, cell phone use, stranger danger.
Children received a BrainMinders Coloring Book with information and activities to share with parents and friends. A drawing was held with two children winning helmets.
Pilot Club of Grenada members are available for BrainMinders Buddies presentations to preschools, lower elementary classes, Head Start and other programs involving young children. Call Pam Davis (662) 417-6650, Jeanne Todd (662) 809-8667 or Suzanne Dungan (662) 229-8448 for questions, further information or to schedule a presentation.
