Keeping Kids in the Game Safely

Now that your kids are back in school, many fall sports have started up again. All parents want their kids to be active and to enjoy participating in the activities they love but worry about safety on the playing field.

Whether your child plays football, baseball or soccer, all contact sports carry the risk of a head injury, even with the proper protective gear.

173610361According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 300,000 students a year in the U.S. suffer sports-related concussions, most of which are caused while playing football. Making sure your child is safe from injury doesn’t just start with the right helmet; it starts with awareness and education about what a concussion is, and how serious it can be.

Kids whose concussions go untreated can suffer health problems long into the future. Sometimes, they can have even more serious consequences.

“Concussions can have long-lasting effects, including recurring headaches, vertigo, foggy thinking and even some memory loss. In 2013, several student-athletes in this country died as a result of untreated, severe head injuries,” says Certified Athletic Trainer Robert Sefcik, executive director of Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program (JSMP). “Unfortunately, many concussions go unreported due to peer pressure, personal desire to continue to play or a belief that it’s not serious enough to report.”

Do you know the symptoms of concussion?

Some symptoms of concussion are noticeable right away but others may not be evident until later. Concussion symptoms can include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Balance issues
  • Irritability
  • Changes in personality
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Visual problems
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Difficulty concentrating

What can you do?

Fall SportsWhen in doubt, have it checked out, and follow the doctor’s orders! Even though Florida law requires that any child with a suspected head injury must be taken out off the field immediately and checked out by a doctor, it’s still important as a parent to watch for any changes in your child’s behavior or wellbeing once you get home.

Your child’s doctor may recommend that you keep him or her home from school for a few days. Or you may be asked to limit activity or access to video games, television or other types of visual or audio stimulation that keep the brain from resting and healing. Your child may have to sit out a few games or several until cleared to play again. Whether it’s one or all of the above, it’s important to do what’s suggested so that your child’s brain heals properly.

“Sometimes this may involve a day or two at home with limited stimulation, followed by a daily increase of time and work load,” says Sefcik. “But a student-athlete must be able to resume a normal school workload prior to return to sports.”

For more information on keeping kids in the game through injury prevention, visit STOP Sports Injuries, a resource for coaches, parents, physicians and the community.

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