Brain Injury Association of Arizona

12/20/2025

For some, the shorter days and colder temperatures can bring on symptoms of a type of depression. Learn more about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how to get help if you’re experiencing symptoms this season: samhsa.gov/mental-health/seasonal-affective-disorder

12/20/2025

Access to accounts that allow individuals with disabilities to save without losing government benefits will expand dramatically and people with the accounts will be able to save more than ever before.

12/19/2025

🧠⚕️ Understanding alternative therapies and potential risks

NFL player T.J. Watt recently shared that he underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung following a dry needling treatment, according to People.com. Dry needling is sometimes used to address muscle pain and tension, but—as with many therapeutic interventions—it can carry risks, particularly when performed near sensitive areas of the body.

At the Brain Injury Association of Arizona, we believe it’s important for individuals to have access to accurate, evidence-based information when considering alternative or complementary therapies. Treatments that involve the nervous system, muscles, or surrounding structures can affect overall brain and body health.

If you have questions about alternative therapies or would like help finding credible research and resources, BIAAZ is available to help.

🔗 Read the full article here:
https://people.com/tj-watt-undergoes-surgery-repair-partially-collapsed-lung-from-dry-needling-11868218?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_content=photo&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=693d3ef8ae9d8f00019689d1&fbclid=IwY2xjawOsSZxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYRE1FSmp1ZGM4aVZYbElSc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHg1zW_orxbsPapDOux0OxISmc9gpi0lvoJy9YVOej3UkvDXYj_54WPMsDJt__aem_5KIgYToFZm0PLRWn1MkaIw

12/18/2025

🧠💙 Standing with Jason Collins and all those affected by brain tumors

Former NBA player Jason Collins has shared that he is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. In his powerful personal story, Jason describes how quickly symptoms appeared — including changes in memory, focus, and cognition — and how those neurological changes led to his diagnosis.

At the Brain Injury Association of Arizona, we recognize how profoundly conditions that affect the brain can alter daily life, identity, and independence — not only for the individual, but for loved ones as well. Jason’s openness helps raise awareness about the realities of serious brain conditions and the importance of early evaluation when neurological symptoms appear.

We extend our heartfelt support and well wishes to Jason, his husband, and their family as he continues treatment. 💙

🔗 Read Jason’s full story here:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47266076/jason-collins-stage-4-glioblastoma

12/17/2025

🧠💼 New Issue of The Noggin: Returning to Work After Brain Injury

The latest issue of The Noggin — Volume 9, Issue 3 — focuses on one of the most common and challenging questions after brain injury:
How do I return to work?

This issue explores:
✔️ What returning to work can look like after a brain injury
✔️ Strategies and supports for survivors navigating employment
✔️ Guidance for employers on hiring, accommodating, and supporting employees with brain injuries

Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, vocational professional, or employer looking to build a more inclusive workplace, this issue offers practical insight and real-world perspective.

📖 Read the full issue here:
🔗 https://biaaz.org/the-noggin/the-noggin-volume-9-issue-3/

💬 Please share with anyone navigating work after brain injury — or employers who want to do better by their teams.

12/11/2025

Don’t miss the Faces of Valley Fever series on YouTube! Maritza Jimenez, board member of the Valley Fever Americas Foundation, shares why she serves—and why this cause is so personal to her.
Behind every case of Valley Fever is a story: a mother, a teacher, a director, a neighbor. Each journey is unique. Their voices raise awareness. Their experiences inspire hope.
Watch the Faces of Valley Fever series on YouTube by visiting https://tr.ee/FacesofValleyFever
Let’s spread the word together!
For more information, visit kernpublichealth.com

Don’t miss the Faces of Valley Fever series on YouTube! Maritza Jimenez, board member of the Valley Fever Americas Foundation, shares why she serves—and why this cause is so personal to her.

Behind every case of Valley Fever is a story: a mother, a teacher, a director, a neighbor. Each journey is unique. Their voices raise awareness. Their experiences inspire hope.

Watch the Faces of Valley Fever series on YouTube by visiting https://tr.ee/FacesofValleyFever

Let’s spread the word together!

For more information, visit kernpublichealth.com

12/09/2025

Living with a brain injury often means finding new ways to manage daily tasks. Assistive technology can help! Our upcoming webinar on December 11, Simple Tools, Big Possibilities: Assistive Technology to Help You Thrive after Brain Injury, will explore simple, everyday tools that support challenges commonly experienced after injury, such as difficulty with memory, focus, or staying organized.

Professionals register here: https://bit.ly/3KjRbl2
Survivors and caregivers register here: https://bit.ly/4n4VSwl

12/09/2025

With festive celebrations in full swing again this year, some brain injury survivors may be thinking about enjoying the occasional Christmas tipple. 🥂✨

But after a brain injury, alcohol tolerance can be greatly reduced, and many people find they can’t enjoy alcohol in the same way they once did.

To help survivors and their loved ones navigate the festive season safely, we’ve updated our tips for managing alcohol use after brain injury.

Read the full factsheet here: https://buff.ly/3OK1Ljw

12/09/2025

You never know what fun awaits you when you sign up to volunteer at the annual Run, Walk, & Roll. We have limited volunteer slots available. Sign up for Team Helping Hands Volunteer to help out. We can not take walk-in volunteers on the day of the event for safety reasons.

Get all the event information here: https://biaaz.org/run-walk-and-roll/

Sign up for Team Helping Hands here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112186/run-walk-and-roll-10k-5k-1-mile

12/09/2025

Sometimes, the greatest gift you can offer someone is your presence. Support and following-up can play a vital role in helping someone who is struggling with mental health or substance use challenges. Learn more: samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone

12/08/2025

From the comfort of your own couch or in the mud and muck of your favorite running trail, we are thrilled to invite you to join us VIRTUALLY for our annual Run, Walk, & Roll 2026.

Register today https://biaaz.org/run-walk-and-roll/

Not only will you be KEEPING THE GOOD TIMES ROLLING by funding social activities in 2026 for the Arizona brain injury community, but we will also send you the event shirt and a finisher's medal. Plus, there are prizes for the snazziest virtual participant outfit and the furthest from Phoenix to register. Don't wait- register today and join the fun on 3/21/2016 - virtually, of course!

Register online at BIAAZ.org/rwr today or call 888/500/9165!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjZ3opTtHz8

From the comfort of your own couch or in the mud and muck of your favorite running trail, we are thrilled to invite you to join us VIRTUALLY for our annual R...

12/08/2025

💙 REMINDER for our support group this week! 🤝

🖱️ Register online at https://biaaz.org/survivors-and-family/

❓📞 For more information or assistance registering, reach out to info@biaaz.org, call our Helpline at 888-500-9165 or text 520-310-3301