Helmets and concussion in sports?what's the big deal ...

I was a figure skater for many years and bumped my head more than once.? When my grandfather taught me to skate on the backyard rink I didn?t wear a helmet.? However, when my son learned how on the backyard rink he did have a helmet on.? What?s the big deal about wearing a helmet?? Why is concussion in sports such a hot topic? Let me tell you why those of us in public health are concerned about this issue.

Popular sports and recreation past times like skiing, tobogganing, hockey, skating, bicycling and soccer carry a degree of risk and can result in serious ? but preventable -?injuries.

Injury is the leading killer of Canadian children and youth from one to 19 years of age.? More than 40% of child and youth injuries treated in emergency departments are sport and recreation related. Head injuries were sustained during sports and recreational activities in 28% of children and youth who were admitted to Canadian hospitals with traumatic injuries.

We can?t bubble wrap our kids, so what do we do as parents?? Educate ourselves and take action.

What you should know about concussions:

Being physically active and participating in sports is a part of a healthy childhood.? But as parents, it is our responsibility to ensure their safety by getting the proper training, wearing the gear, and following the rules of play.? As a mother of an aspiring hockey player, that?s all I want for my child.

Share your experience:

For more tips and hints about injury prevention, or to share your experience, there are many ways you can talk to one of us directly:

• Leave us a comment
• Talk to us on Twitter:?@haltonparents
• Email us at?haltonparents@halton.ca
• Call the?HaltonParents line?for parenting information or to speak directly to a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.

About this guest blogger:

Nicholle Russell RN has been working in Public Health in the School Years Program for over 8 years.? She is passionate about youth engagement and creating opportunities for young people to become involved in and contribute to the community in which they live.? You may also find?her?at a rink near you? cheering on?her son?s team, or ice dancing to stay in shape.

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Source: http://haltonparents.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/helmets-and-concussion-in-sportswhats-the-big-deal/

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