Concussion – It’s All in Your Head

Did you know that last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), emergency rooms around the country treated more than 170,000 sports-related brain injuries, including concussions involving young players? And that number doesn’t count the ones who didn’t go to an emergency room.

Concussions are far too common. They are a serious brain injury. We’re learning more all the time about the consequences of ignoring them. Just last week it was reported that one in three retired NFL players is expected to develop long-term cognitive problems earlier than the general population. They’re talking about problems like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

What’s the Inside Story on Shock-absorbing Helmets?

In a great article published last month in Forbes, Chris Smith took an in-depth look at the concussion helmet backstory. Specifically, Smith posed a question about whether better head protection could help solve the NFL’s concussion problem.

As all football fans are aware, head injuries in the NFL have prompted concern and criticism; also a law suit that ended up in a $765 million settlement on behalf of thousands of NFL players. The concussion crisis, as it’s now being called, has prompted a great deal of interest in the development, testing and manufacturing of football helmets designed to provide better protection for players.

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.

As Football Starts – Get Smart About Concussions

Looking at a recap of the numbers for the NFL’s preseason football games, it’s not the touchdowns or the rushing yards that grab my attention. It’s the number of concussions. So far this PRESEASON – the number of concussions among NFL players stands at 61.

That number was reached Sunday during the Houston/Denver game, when Wes Welker suffered a concussion – his third concussion in 10 months. By this time last year, the number of concussions stood at 40.

Seat Belts and Concussions – Same Path, Same Life-Saving Outcomes

There was a time when no one wore seat belts. We didn’t recognize their importance because the data wasn’t available. But as more studies proved their benefit in saving lives, laws started changing and so did people’s attitudes. Today, 85 percent of people use seat belts. The overwhelming amount of evidence became clear and we were smart enough to get the message. I see this same path unfolding when it comes to concussion awareness.

Change the Rules of the Game

It’s pretty clear after watching the World Cup, soccer may not be the game many people have perceived. It’s not all about the kicks and the legwork. There’s also a great deal of play involving the head.

Despite the fact that there is a concussion protocol within the World Cup organization, polices were ignored in some cases. Players suffering head injuries were not seen by doctors and not removed from play. One athlete who suffered a head injury continued to stay in the game until he had to be assisted off the field. Later, he admitted he didn’t remember much after being hit. Memory loss is a telling symptom of concussion.

Tell it to the Judge – Concussion News in the NFL

So why would a practicing physician who does not play pro football care about the latest news regarding concussions and the NFL?

First the headlines. This week, a federal judge approved compensation for thousands of former NFL players for concussion-related claims. In her ruling, the judge stated that while the lawsuit dragged on for years, “retired players’ physical and mental conditions continue to deteriorate.”

Concussion Awareness – Are You Receptive or Resistant?

There was a time when bumps to the head got little attention, particularly when they involved young athletes. Parents and coaches alike often considered them par for the course; a temporary condition in which seeing stars would pass with a few sips of water and a brief break from the game. After all, young athletes are incredibly resilient. No blood, no broken bones, no worries. Few understood the drama going on inside the young athlete’s brain or the danger it presented.

That’s changing. Concussion awareness is going global.