BY KAREN BOSSICK

Did you know that you need not hit your head or be knocked out to have a concussion?

That there are preventative measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of getting a concussion?

Or, that there are measures you can take to recover more quickly if you do get a concussion?

Dr. Maria Maricich, who has been certified by the Centers for Disease Control as a physician addressing child and teen concussions,  will offer a free talk about concussions, or what neurologists call the "Russian Roulette" of sports,  at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Hailey Public Library.

Maricich says there are plenty of myths surrounding concussions, including the notion that the brain will heal on its own.

And, no, she says, you do not need to strike your head to suffer a concussion. Whiplash, for instance, can do more damage than an impact concussions.

One of the problems with concussions is the swelling that ensues, she said. And swelling, or inflammation, can be caused by toxins, poor nutrition, blood sugar imbalances, poor circulation, food sensitivities, viruses and allergies, which only exacerbate the damage caused by a concussion.

"The brain acts like a symphony. All parts must be working in harmony," she said. "If one part becomes a little slower or isn't producing like the other parts, we get poor brain function resulting in many potential problems."

Poor brain function leads to increased risk of injury which in turn leads to poor brain function. Conversely, better brain function means better productivity, better athletes and better moods."

Maricich says athletes and others can benefit from neurophysiological testing, an FDA-approved cutting-edge high-tech sports performance test that tests the physiological efficiency of the brain. Exercises can improve the function when areas of weakness are found .

"If we get the brain working, the reaction time is better. That means less fewer injuries, more effective athletes," she said. "What we're offering is prevention and preparedness."