VEDA Vestibular Balance Awaraness Initiative

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xHockeyProducts™ is committed to not only growing the sport of hockey in communities across the globe, but also making it safe for players of all ages and abilities. A prime example of this is The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) announcing its first partnership with a professional sports figure.

xHockeyProducts™ owner, former NHL Player, Stanley Cup finalist , and former captain of the New Jersey Devils, Bryce Salvador, has partnered with VEDA to educate, inform and advocate for the millions — 35% of adults and youths in the U.S. alone — whom at some point in their lives must deal with the devastating effects of inner ear and balance dysfunction. After a devastating head injury which caused vestibular damage, Bryce was able to find the vestibular rehab protocol that enabled him to resume his career after missing an entire season.

Bryce, along with the xHockeyProducts™ team, will participate in VEDA’s awareness and educational efforts as a media spokesperson, appear in PSA’s for concussion awareness and prevention in youth, serve as a sports celebrity ambassador for VEDA’s Balance Awareness Week, and participate in other projects with patients and vestibular professionals throughout the year.

THE VESTIBULAR CONNECTION - VEDA
Comprehensive educational campaign bridges gap between head injury, and balance/inner ear issues.

PORTLAND, OR - The Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) at vestibular.org/concussion is educating youth patients, parents, coaches, teachers and professionals working with youth about the disabling, and often lingering, effects of balance and inner ear issues resulting from youth concussion injuries. Highlighting the campaign is a video featuring retired NHL captain and veteran player, Bryce Salvador who suffered lingering vestibular issues.

“The effects of dizziness and imbalance from injury can go misdiagnosed or even disregarded and can last much longer than more well known concussion symptoms, which was my case,” says Salvador now a VEDA advocate and chair for VEDA’s Balance Awareness Week September 12-18th. “It was a year total before I was able to play again, but there is hope. I played arguably some of the best hockey of my career after going through vestibular rehabilitation.”

In addition to the video, resources available for download include written materials, info graphic and a teaching power point presentation. Other resources are available by contacting VEDA. “As kids go back to school and sports, it’s part of our mission to educate and create awareness about vestibular injuries and issues relating to head injuries. These materials help inform so kids can play safely and continue to enjoy the sports they love, “ says Cynthia Ryan, VEDA Executive Director.