Injuries are a leading cause of death for Americans of all ages. But injury deaths are only part of the picture. Millions of Americans are injured each year and survive. For many, the injury causes temporary pain and inconvenience; but for others it leads to disability and profoundly affects their lives and the lives of their families.
The good news is that injuries, like diseases, are preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working hard to prevent and reduce the impact of injuries on the health of Americans through research and programs nationwide.
One of the ways CDC's Injury Center is doing this is through national efforts to prevent and respond to concussion among young athletes.
More than 38 million boys and girls participate in organized youth sports across the U.S., and concussions - caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull - are one of the most commonly reported injuries among kids and teens who participate in these activities.
Though they are sometimes described as "dings" or having one's "bell rung," even a seemingly mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. While most athletes who sustain a concussion will recover, some will continue to have problems that can affect the way they think, learn, feel and act.
Early identification of an athlete with concussion is critical, as athletes who to return to play too soon following initial injury are at risk for a repeat concussion. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first - usually within a short period of time (hours, days or weeks) - can slow recovery or increase the risk of having long-term problems. Though rarely, repeat concussions can sometimes lead to brain swelling, permanent brain damage and even death.
Youth sports coaches and parents are on the frontline in the effort to identify and respond to concussions, and they are eager to learn how to keep their athletes safe and healthy. That is why USA Football, the sport's national governing body, and the CDC are working together to equip youth sports coaches and parents across the country with the "Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports" tool kit. The tool kit explains how to prevent, recognize and respond to a concussion (in English and Spanish). It includes fact sheets, a clipboard and a magnet with key information - so it's right at their fingertips when needed.
To best protect athletes and prevent long-term problems, the "Heads Up" tool kit materials provide a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms of concussion as well as important steps to take when a concussion is suspected. Coaches and parents also need to:
*Insist that safety comes first;
*Ensure that athletes always wear the right protective equipment for their activity; and
*Make sure that their youth sports league or administrator has a concussion action plan in place.
It's important that coaches, parents and athletes learn to recognize and manage injuries - especially concussion - if kids are to be part of a safe, winning team. If a youth athlete thinks he has suffered a concussion, he should report it and take time to recover. "It's better to miss one game than the whole season."
