Removing Concussions From the Game

By Donna Stark

A lot of our children are involved in a variety of sports and that's a good thing, because in addition to keeping your child fit and healthy, participation in youth sports also helps to develop important character traits and lifelong values. But plenty of risks come with this involvement. Risks that go beyond the normal scrapes and bruises most parents would expect as they watch their children scramble for a ball or chase an opponent down the field. And one of the biggest risks of all is the risk of sustaining a concussion.

Protecting Your Child

Fortunately, we now understand concussions a lot more than what we used to, and many trainers and coaches know exactly what to do if they suspect a player may have sustained one. But you can't leave your child's health entirely up to someone else. Both you and your child need to become just as proactive as the coaches when it comes to safety during the game. Here are some suggestions on how to do that.

• Protect the head - If the sport your child has chosen requires a helmet, there are sure to be plenty of rules governing its usage, so there is really no need to worry about official play. The real danger regarding helmets occurs if your child becomes careless when they step away from the organized sport and play on their own without one. Or if they run out of the house with a skateboard in hand to catch up with friends and don't bother to grab the helmet from the garage. It's vital that those moments are pointed out to your child and that the importance of wearing a helmet is explained and understood.
• Search for Safety - As a parent, it is up to you to search for the programs, coaches, and trainers that put safety first and teach their players proper playing techniques. It is also a good idea to have your child take a concussion baseline test performed by someone specifically trained in that field before the sports season begins.
• Teach the symptoms - If your child doesn't know what the symptoms of a concussion are, how will they be able to know when to ask for help? By teaching your child what to look for and giving permission to approach a coach or trainer, you are helping your child reduce the risk of any long-term consequences. 

Safety in Sports

Concussions aren't just a bang to the head that you rub some dirt on and continue along your merry way. They are serious and they can have a significant impact on your child's future health. So before the season even starts, take the proper safety precautions, then sit back and have fun while watching your child play!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Huntingdon Valley, Pa.