Doctors Care

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• How to find balance.
• Backpack safety tips
• Winter sports season is closing fast

Protect their heads while they play

Here's a heads up about concussions

Used to be, “getting your bell rung” was a badge of honor for a young athlete. Experts now realize, though, the dangers of such injuries both in the short and the long term.

The Centers for Disease Control is so concerned that it's created the “Heads Up” campaign to warn coaches, parents and players of the dangers of head injuries – any head injuries. Even a slight bump, ding or collision that causes the head to whip can be dangerous, the CDC warns.

Although the risk is highest in games where collisions are common – think football and soccer – head injuries can happen in any sport. Younger players are not immune either. Every year, emergency rooms treat an estimated 135,000 concussions in children ages 5 to 18, the CDC estimates.

Concussions can be tricky because symptoms sometimes don't show up for hours or even days after the incident. If any signs of a concussion appear, parents should seek medical help immediately. Do not try to evaluate a concussion on your own – they can be very unpredictable.

It's even trickier to know when a child can return to play after a concussion. Coaches or parents should not decide – leave that to a doctor. Returning too soon increases the risk of another injury, and a second concussion often is more severe than the first. Coaches and parents should insist on written medical authorization before allowing a player to return.

You could get some resistance from a kid eager to get back on the field, but remind them that it's not about just one game. Tell them to think of the future as well.

Also teach prevention, such as making sure they always wear the right protective gear for their sport and that the gear always is properly fitted. Stress sportsmanship as well as proper technique in order to eliminate hard or illegal hits.

More information:

Signs for coaches or parents to look out for:

• Appears dazed or stunned

• Is confused about assignment or position

• Forgets an instruction

• Asks the same questions multiple times

• Is unsure of game, score or opponent

• Moves clumsily

• Answers questions slowly

• Loses consciousness (even briefly)

• Shows mood, behavior or personality changes

• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Signs for players to know:

• Headache or “pressure” in head

• Nausea or vomiting

• Balance problems or dizziness

• Double or blurry vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Sensitivity to noise

• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

• Concentration or memory problems

• Confusion

• Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Call 911 immediately if the player has:

• Headaches that worsen

• Seizures

• Neck pain

• Is very drowsy, can't be awakened

• Repeated vomiting

• Increasing confusion or irritability

• Weakness, numbness in arms and legs

• Unable to recognize people/places, less responsive than usual

Source: Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.