Spinal cord injury is one of the most devastating injuries that can occur because if its potential to leave a person totally disabled.

Every year thousands of people injure themselves jumping into pools head first because they don’t realize the depth of the water is not sufficient to withstand a close impact. The projectile force that a head can be exposed to can literally crush the cervical spine, causing permanent damage to the spinal cord.

The cervical spine begins at the base of the skull and is made up of seven vertebrae and eight pairs of cervical nerves. It protects the spinal cord, supports the skull, and allows head movement. Serious injury to this area typically paralyzes a person, and often injures vital respiratory nerves.

Location often determines the severity of a spinal cord injury. For example, an injury at the neck or cervical spine level may result in paralysis in both the arms and legs, and the use of a respirator to breathe. An injury to the lower spine, may only affect the legs other parts of the body below the injury site.

Spinal cord injuries should always be taken seriously, and if you think someone has suffered one, it’s important you don’t try to move them – keep them still until medical professionals arrive.

Signs of a serious spinal cord injury might include:

• Fading in and out of consciousness
• Extreme back pain or pressure in the neck, head or back
• Weakness, loss of coordination or paralysis in any part of the body
• Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet or toes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Difficulty with balance and walking
• Impaired breathing after injury

From a medical perspective, repairing spinal injuries has had limited success. Many times, the damaged nerves cannot be repaired, and patients are left with diminished motor function and sensation. This is why significant research is being done in the field of regenerative medicine. The use of stem cells, right now, seems to be the most promising treatment for the future, but we’re still many years away from fully integrating spinal cord nerves.

This is why prevention is key. When you’re young, you think you’re invincible. But it doesn’t matter what physical activity you choose to do, you always have to acknowledge that your body has limitations. You have to be aware of your surroundings, and whenever possible, think of using protective gear.

Dear Yvonne,
I want to explore more of my sexuality and fulfill some fantasies, but I get nervous about it. How do you overcome that? 
                  —Donna

Dear Donna,
First, educate yourself. Knowledge is power and the more you know about what you plan to explore, the more confident you’ll feel. Books, videos, expert reassurances, and hearing other’s stories can also bolster your sense of assuredness in pursuing your passions.

Second, realize that you need to be patient with yourself. Your nervousness will subside with time, especially as you gain experience and feel savvier with what you’re doing.

Finally, make sure that, when necessary, you’re exploring your sexuality with a person(s) who provide you with physical and emotional safety. You don’t need anybody judging you or adding to the performance pressure you’re putting on yourself.

Dr. Yvonne Kristín Fulbright is a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc. She is the author of several books including, “Touch Me There! A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots.”

A three-year-old Rhett Lamb boy has fallen asleep for the first time in his life.  This after, doctors performed an experimental surgery to fix his rare brain condition called chiari malformation.

The condition puts pressure on his brain stem.  The surgery allowed doctors to remove pieces of bone from the Florida boy’s skull and spine to relieve the pressure off his brain stem.

The surgery appeared to have worked, Rhett’s father, David said Thursday.

“Last night, we didn’t wake up,” David Lamb said. “It was amazing.”