Medical City Healthcare | Take Care | Fall 2018

Help your child avoid a concussion Sports injuries are a common safety concern for school-age athletes. And con- cussions, which affect tens of thousands of kids in the U.S. each year, are among the most serious. These brain injuries can be especially dangerous—even deadly—if a second concussion occurs before the first has enough time to heal. Safety first Fortunately, you can take the lead in reduc- ing the risk of concussions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these four tips: 1. Verify that your child’s school, league or district has a concussion policy. It’s im- portant to make sure coaches know how to recognize and deal with these injuries, which includes working with a health- care professional to determine when it’s safe for athletes to return to play. 2. Emphasize to your child the importance of following the rules of the game and the coach’s rules for safety. 3. Encourage your child to practice good sportsmanship. 4. Make sure your child wears appropri- ate protective equipment. Helmets are a must for riding activities, such as cycling or skateboarding, or collision sports, such as football or ice hockey. They help reduce the risk of a serious brain injury or skull fracture. Be aware, however, that helmets are not designed to prevent concussions. That’s why your child needs to avoid hits to the head as much as possible. Signs and symptoms Athletes who sustain a concussion may not realize it or may insist they’re fine. So it’s important to watch for signs and symptoms that may mean a concussion. Possible symptoms your child might report include: > > Headache > > Nausea or vomiting > > Balance or vision problems > > Sensitivity to light or noise Signs you might recognize in your child include: > > Dazed appearance > > Confusion or forgetfulness > > Clumsy movement > > Slow response when asked questions > > Change in mood, behavior or personality > > Loss of consciousness Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention IN THE BLEACHERS , you’re your child’s biggest fan and cheerleader. But before the season ever starts, you have another important sports-related role: safety monitor. DON’T WAIT. If you think your child might have a concussion, get medical help. Doctors can evaluate your child and determine what the next steps should be. To find a physician, call 844-671-4204 . CONCUSSION NEWS Read the latest concussion research at MedicalCityHealthcare.com/ TakeCare . 11 MedicalCityHealthcare.com