While concussion is in no way a political issue, this week it found its way to the White House. As I write this, President Barack Obama is hosting the White House Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit, packing attendants that include representatives of professional sports organizations, coaches, parents, young athletes and researchers. The goal is to take concussion seriously as a youth health issue, and raise both awareness and funding for education and research.
2014 NBA Playoffs – Keeping Quiet About Concussions
Another day, another concussion headline. This time, the news involved Indiana Pacers forward, Paul George. He suffered a concussion Tuesday, during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. As a physician, the most striking element in this story is the fact that George denied his symptoms during the game and played on; despite having blacked out.
Concussions – A Women’s Health Issue
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, indicates that following a concussion, women may take longer to recover than men.
Previously, some studies have indicated that symptoms may be more severe in women who experience concussion. But the new study highlights the fact that there are likely gender differences.
A Five Question Concussion Quiz Every Parent Should Take
For parents, it is critical that they get as much information as possible about what a concussion is, how it is diagnosed and managed, and what to do following head injuries, particularly if their children are involved in sports.
To learn more, I’d like to direct parents to the following: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2013/Sports-Related-Concussions-in-Youth-Improving-the-Science-Changing-the-Culture.aspx
It’s a simple, five question quiz that provides the correct answers and the results. How well will you do? It doesn’t matter, because you can’t fail. You’ll come away with more knowledge – knowledge that could be life-saving for your child.
Five Things Every School Nurse Should Know About Concussions
School nurses are the unsung heroes in the academic world. They do everything from treat injuries to identify illnesses, and often, they’re only health professionals who see students on a regular basis. Because school nurses are a student’s first line defense following an injury, it’s important that they be aware of the facts regarding concussion.
Is Soccer Safter to Play than Football?
To varying degrees there are concussions in almost every sport. We’ve just been more focused on football. But as we recognize that this treatable injury occurs commonly, we need to have the same level of vigilance and recognition that is being applied in the football realm.
Helmets – Proof We’re Taking Concussions Seriously
It really strikes a chord with me that concussions are now part of almost every sport. The fact that people are wearing sport-specific protective gear means that there is an increase in awareness of the severity and frequency of head injuries.
What Every School Nurse Should Know About Concussions and Academics
Concussions are brain injuries and they do affect academic performance. Health care professionals, and particularly school nurses, should embrace the concept of “Return to learn” before “Return to play”.