You've hit your melon.
No, you're not checking for ripeness at the grocery store. You've bumped your head (your "melon") and might have a concussion. It's a good idea to get it checked since you can't tell how injured you are by glancing at your head in the mirror.
Concussion Awareness Now, a new coalition we co-founded with the Brain Injury Association of America and nearly 20 additional advocacy groups representing the elderly, veterans, victims of domestic violence and more, is raising awareness about how serious concussions can be and the importance of getting tested after a potential head injury. And to do that, we're introducing the Melons, a family spanning three generations encouraging everyone to "get it checked."
The Melons are meant to help people see and understand the concussions of everyday life. You could be trying out a new VR headset, but the cat decides to stroll underfoot. Maybe you're making the ultimate play in pickleball, and you end up hitting more than just the ball. With the help of the Melons, people will understand why it's important to protect the health of their own melon as they watch the fruit-faced family go about their day.
"Just like how you can’t decide a melon's ripeness by looking at it, we can't see the full impact of a concussion from the outside," said Dr. Beth McQuiston. "This invisible injury requires evaluation and care. Your brain plays a huge role in making you the person you are."Â