Brain injuries are considered a silent epidemic. This is more so as the injuries can easily go unnoticed since many individuals do not realize they have suffered a traumatic brain injury. You can’t see the injured brain, and it is easy to assume it is okay. The worst part is that the situation worsens, especially with repeat exposure to risks like strenuous activity, common with athletes. As an athlete, parent/guardian, coach, and referee, among other stakeholders, understanding the dangers and seeking immediate care from Kai Sports Medicine LLC can’t be emphasized enough.
High-profile sporting activities continue to put in place significant measures to ensure athletes’ safety. While you might not have extensive resources like national leagues, it is no excuse to slack on brain-related injuries. With a few straightforward measures, you can adopt a safer approach and prevent and manage concussions and other head-related concerns. Here are simple tips to get you started.
Awareness
Are you and the team aware of the common concussion symptoms? Concussion prevention and management in athletes is a team effort. Creating awareness, including recognizing the signs and ensuring everyone understands their role in concussion management, makes the process more productive. A teammate can, for example, notice changes and notify the coach or the relevant staff, making it easier to help someone who might have a concussion.
Safe sporting culture
Athletes are competitive. Some instances can get the better of them, which exposes them to more injury risks. As such, promoting a safer sports culture is critical in preventing and managing concussions. Let everyone know the value of their safety. This way, they won’t feel pressured, which could see them attempting to hide their injuries, only for the situation to worsen and become a life-threatening problem.
Ensure every athlete understands the rules of the game, meaning they can speak up about violations that expose them to injury risks. Steer them to be safer, not just for career advancement but also for everyone’s wellbeing.
Proper training
Vision and balance training goes a long way in enhancing brain health. It also helps athletes react a lot faster to a moving object, saving them in risky situations. Apart from building brain resilience, training such as neck exercises helps. Neck extension and flexion, for example, can improve the neck muscles. This enhances an athlete’s resistance rate during head impacts. Such practices can greatly prevent concussions. This emphasizes the need for practical training beyond the primary drills.
Right gear
Does the sport include the use of gear like a helmet? The right equipment offers the needed caution to prevent injuries. A helmet, for example, decentralizes the impact across the headgear, lessening the force that could result in brain injury. Don’t skim on the gear, and ensure every athlete gets the right fit for maximum protection.
Are you concerned that you might be concussed? Don’t let it slide; a concussion bruises nerves and blood vessels. This leads to a chemical change in your brain, and that temporary normal brain function loss could worsen if not addressed, and more so if you get another blow to the head. Consult Kai Sports Medicine LLC today for all head-related injuries.
