Welcome--The Brain Injury Assoc. (BIA) was founded in 1980 with the mission of improving the quality of life of those who have sustained brain injuries. Today it is a national network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates across the country. The association acts as a clearinghouse of community service information & resources, facilitating prevention awareness, hosting educational programs, encouraging research, & participating in legislative advocacy.

BIA locations in Indiana can be found through rehab centers, state offices, doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, or hospitals. People with brain injury, family, friends, guests & professionals are invited to the meetings. Attire is casual. (Check New Beginnings for North Central Indiana meeting updates.)

For the nearest Brain Injury Association contact:1-866-854-4246 or http://www.biausa.org/.

Meetings include: a chance to gather the latest info on brain injury, the occasion to talk/listen to persons with brain injury & care-givers, along with the opportunity to gain care-giving tips. Many of the BIA locations in varies counties have monthly guest speakers & discussions to provide info of local, state, or national opportunities for brain injured & care-givers. Some chapters of BIA include snacks & drinks. It is a time to establish unique friendships that can last years or even a lifetime. __________________________________________ *The State of Indiana has a Brain Injury Assoc. Office in Indianapolis with Brain Injury books/audio material. For info call: 3 17-356-7722 or call toll free 1-866-854-4246 www.biausa.org/Indiana

------------------------------------------------- What if the BIA had a penny for every time you did a “search” on the Internet? Money from Yahoo advertisers will go to the BIA of IN. without you spending a dime.

1.) You just go to the URL space (or search space) and type in: www.GoodSearch.com

2.) Next go to: the Charity of choice space & type in: Brain Injury Association of America. (Ss you begin to type the letters it may automatically complete the letters).

3.) Do this (steps 1 & 2) every time you want to do a search. Once you have done this a few times (2 or 3) as you begin to type this (www.goodsearch.com) into the url (or search space) the computer will automatically recall the site so you can just click & your at www.Goodsearch.com.

It is as easy as that! You Search--We give! Brain Injury Association of Indiana as your choice of charity! --- _________________________________________

Tips After A Brain Injury 1.) Get lots of rest. Don't rush back to daily activities such as work or school.

2.) Avoid doing anything that could cause another blow or jolt to the head. 3.) Ask your doctor when it's safe to drive a car, ride a bike, or use heavy equipment, because your ability to react may be slower with brain injury. 4.)Take only the drugs your doctor has approved, & don't drink alcohol until your doctor says that it is OK. 5.)Write things down, you will have a hard time remembering. 6.)You may need help to re-learn skills that were lost. Your doctor can help arrange for these services. ----------------------------------------- Go Ahead & Laugh It Up (Which Best Describes You) A.) I smile only when I feel like it. B.) I laugh only when there is a joke. C.) I laugh to myself-never out loud. D.) I laugh as often as possible when it is appropriate. E.) I laugh as much as possible even if a situation is serious., as long as it is appropriate. F.) I plain & simple like to laugh whenever, about whoever, wherever.

Humor about the Body 1.)The sound of laughter is more contagious than a cough or sneeze. 2.)Laughter sends oxygen enriched blood & nutrients throughout the body. 3.)Laughter stimulates both sides of the brain to enhance learning. 4.)Laughter keeps the brain alert & allows a person to retain more information.

5.) Laughter can burn calories--10 minutes of good laughter can burn as many calories as 1 hour of riding on a stationary bike! ##

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What happens when you become a member of BIA of USA!

The Brain Injury Assoc. of Indiana (BIA) is the only statewide organization in Indiana devoted exclusively to serving individuals with brain injuries, their families, & professionals who treat them. Tax Deductable donations range from Twenty Dollars ($20.00) to Five Hundred ($500.00 per year). BIA is a Membership provides benefits such as: 1.) A discount card for Hertz Rental Car Company, 2.) Access to the BIA library nearest you for brain injury books, videos, & information, 3.) Access to our 14 Support Groups throughout Indiana, 4.) Complimentary subscription to our Quarterly Newsletter, 5.) Complimentary subscription to the BIA quarterly magazine “TBI Challenge” with the latest info on brain injury. 6.) A copy of the 2007-2008 Resource Directory. 7.) Opportunity to serve on a BIA of Indiana committee for the state, 8.) Complimentary subscription to our monthly E-Newsletter, and 9.)Your donation will help fund your local BIA Annual Education Program/Conference. In Indiana contact or call: Brain Injury Association of America--Indiana 9531 Valparaiso Court-Suite AIndianapolis, IN 46268 317-356-7722 National Website: info@biai.org Emergancy Brain Injury HELPLINE: 866--854--4246 ------------------------------------------------