Sports are a valued pastime, but playing them safely is part of the game. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nationally from 2001 through 2009 there were an estimated 173,285 emergency room visits by children ages 19 and under for traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, due to recreation and sports activities. The highest rates of injuries are among boys between ages 10 and 19. Children tend to experience more severe brain injuries and take longer to recover compared to adults and yet many times concussions in children are not diagnosed, or misdiagnosed. The best ways to prevent brain injuries including concussions are:
Any child suspected of having sustained a concussion should be immediately removed from play and NOT returned to play on the same day.
Wearing a helmet for any wheeled sport can reduce the risk of severe brain injury by 85%. Anytime a helmet is in a crash it should be replaced by a new helmet. Although the law mandates helmet use for children, it is very important that anyone over the age of 17 wear helmets during wheeled activities to set a good example to children and to emphasize the importance of keeping your brain safe. Individuals under the age of 17 are required to wear a helmet while:
Individuals under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet while skiing; Though not mandated by law individuals participating in the following sports should always wear a helmet:
Always wear a helmet designed for the sport you are playing; a football helmet for football, a bike helmet for biking, a ski helmet for skiing.
In order for a helmet to work properly it must fit properly:
Look for approval stickers on helmets from:
For more information visit www.sportsconcussion.com
This site is funded by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
