The Concussion Epidemic

The Concussion Epidemic

Head impacts and concussions caused by contact sports are a quickly growing epidemic among young athletes. When an athlete comes off of the field vomiting and not knowing where he or she is, that is not a good thing. Some people, however, believe it is okay to send these players back on the field. But, playing in that one game might ruin the rest of your career.

People don’t understand or comprehend the intensity of a concussion; the long term effects could be devastating. Although concussions are relatively common, they should not be taken lightly. Any athlete who has symptoms or a possible concussion should immediately take precaution. Unless that athlete is cleared by a medical doctor, they shouldn’t participate in their particular sport until eligible by receiving clearance by a medical doctor.

What exactly is a concussion?

Concussions are one of the most common injuries in sports. Thousands of High School athletes suffer from concussions each year; most commonly found in soccer, football, and hockey. Concussions are a traumatic brain injury caused from a blow to the head, or body.  

Source:

http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/traumatic-brain-injury-concussion-overview

What happens after a concussion?

            Sports related concussions result in mental and physical symptoms including; forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Sensitivity to light, sleeping more than usual, or even having a hard time falling asleep are also symptoms. Symptoms can last days, weeks, or even months. Symptoms may also include changes in attitude, and behavior.

            Source:

http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/traumatic-brain-injury-concussion-overview

Simple Statistics

There are between an estimated 1.6 and 3.8 million sports-related concussions in the United States every year.

High school athletes sustain an estimated 136,000 to 300,000 concussions per year.

Read more: http://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/concussion-rates-high-school-sports#ixzz3EHKcVLi7

Will the Lady Lancers Rise?

It has been a tough start of the season for the Norton Girls Varsity Soccer Team. The team has put in a lot of hard work through the season and pre-season. The real question is when is all of their hard work going to pay off?

The Lancers graduated eleven Seniors last year which had a great impact on the team selection for the 2014 season. Currently there are seven seniors participating on the Varsity Soccer Team, about four of them are starters. It is safe to say that the Lady Lancers have a very inexperienced roster. Many of the underclassmen have the skill level, its just a matter of gelling together as a team. 

The Tri-Valley League is one of the toughest High School leagues in the area. The Lancers faced two of the toughest teams, Medway and Medfield, in the first two matches.  The girls have played extremely well against their opponents, its just a matter of getting the ball in the back of the net. It also makes it hard when some of their strongest players are facing injuries early in the season. The girls and coach are determined to rise turn things around.

The Lady Lancers have been working hard for what they want which is making it to the State Tournament. The Coach of the Lancers, Everette Clark, refers to his favorite saying- "What the mind believes, the body achieves" and he believes just that. He is keeping his faith in his girls and knows that they will rise and they will persevere. It is still early in the season for the Lancers and it is about time that their extremely hard work pays off.