NFL Athlete Uses His Heart to Save His Head

NFL Linebacker Chris Borland’s recent decision was a brave one; he walked away from a $3 million contract over the issue of concussions.

Last August, the 24-year old Borland was just starting out as a rookie linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. During his first training camp he suffered a concussion. But he continued to play through the day and through the rookie season. Even so, the issue of concussion kept bothering him and he began researching the data. He found plenty, enough to change his mind about a career in football.

Five Ways to Feel Better When You’ve Got the Flu

Okay, folks, it’s here. The flu is spreading across the country tsunami-style, wreaking havoc in the form of body aches, fever, sore throats, respiratory problems and generalized misery. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the annual flu map shows Texas as a state where the flu is already “widespread.”
Hopefully, you’ve gotten a flu vaccine. And maybe you’re washing your hands every time you return home from public places. But if the flu slipped in with the groceries or a neighbor, there are a few things you can do to feel better.

Can You Be a Game-changer for San Antonio’s Young Athletes? Absolutely!

It’s pretty much their nature – team sports and injuries go together. But the rise in concussion awareness is making us all more vigilant about the broader issue of sports safety.

Over the last few years, there have been numerous studies and research on sports-related head injuries in young athletes. The findings have led to big changes in schools and local sports initiatives. Safety is increasingly becoming a priority – and a popular one at that.

8 Painless, Effortless Steps to Better Health

Sometimes it seems our doctors ask a lot of us. They want us to lose weight, stop smoking, stop over-eating, start exercising and remember to take our medications properly. We all know these things aren’t easy. If they were, we’d begin immediately and do all of the above and more. We’d vow to avoid all junk food and never eat out again. We’d quit smoking and jump on the treadmill.

Obviously, that’s not the case. Anyone familiar with the series of articles I write knows that I advocate getting a concussion baseline exam as a no-risk, easy way to dramatically improve care of a concussed patient. But I also advocate for some no-risk, easy, “no brainers” for moving toward a healthier lifestyle. They require very little of your time. But they have big benefits.

Use Your Head – Rethink Your Reasons for Not Getting a Flu Shot

Less than a year ago, we lost a family member. He died from the flu.

My wife’s cousin, Rafa, was a great guy. He had a huge passion for life. That passion extended from his family to classic cars, to his motorcycle club and his “iron butt” status. He always greeted me with a big smile and a warm hug. He was not much older than I am. And he was taken from us way too early.

Flu season is approaching. And as it does, I’m once again urging all my readers to get the flu shot. I do this every day at the clinic. But this season, I’m not only encouraging my patients to get one, I’m asking that they reconsider the reasons they use for not getting one.