Wearing a helmet while bicycling is important, she says. In a serious bike accident, a helmet can greatly reduce the severity of a head injury. You might scrape your knees or break a bone, but they can heal. Brains are more fragile, she says. During school talks, Ms. Markey may be joined by a “V.I.P.” (Voice for Injury Prevention), some- one who has recovered from a serious injury. The V.I.P. speakers serve as examples of why it is important to take steps to be safe. Their talks might be the first job they take on after a brain injury. Students like to listen to them because they have powerful messages, Ms. Markey says. “Children really like the message that they have choices” to help prevent injury, she says. “They also learn how to help a friend so their injury can be prevented.” She is conscious of reducing her own risk of injury: She doesn’t text while driving. She always wears her seatbelt. She also keeps a positive attitude. “Having a good attitude can make you feel confident, make you feel good about the world, and you’ll want to do more”—so you will be more careful, she says. She tells kids to have fun, enjoy themselves, and participate in sports and activities. But always remember to “use your mind to protect your body.” —By Healthy Panther staff Eisenhower Science and Technology Leadership Academy 17 Illustration by Yoshigei Figueroa, Eisenhower Healthy Panther