Help prevent concussions, sports-related injuries

Concussions can be dangerous for anyone, but can be especially dangerous for youth – and the region’s health department is looking to help parents understand more about what they can do to prevent, recognize and manage these injuries.

“Research has shown that incidents of concussions are on the rise and often occur in youth who play sports.” Statistics indicate that certain sports have been found to put individuals at higher risk for concussions including, football, rugby, hockey, soccer and boxing,” states David Amot, a public health nurse with the health department, in a news release.

“Ten to 19-year olds are at greater risk for concussions because the teenage brain is still developing.” Mr. Amot adds. “Sometimes, youth may act without thinking about the consequences. Youth can also be easily influenced by their peers, often leading them to try things they shouldn’t be doing or are not fully capable of doing.”

To help reduce the risk of concussions, youth are encouraged to play fair and show respect to other players, play within the rules of the sport and within their ability, wear the right protective gear and ensure it fits properly and is well maintained, make sure there is nothing on the field or court that could cause a player to trip, and follow the sport organization’s concussion policy.

“Most people with a concussion can recover quickly and fully. However, for some people, symptoms can last for days, weeks or longer,” Mr. Amot states.

“Individuals who have had a concussion in the past are also at risk of having another and may take longer to recover. Repeat concussions are serious and may require the individual to alter their level of participation in a sport or stop playing the sport altogether.”

For more information, and to obtain a copy of the region’s concussion resources, call the Durham Health Connection Line at 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/sportsinjury.