Concussion Prevention - It's a No Brainer!

Ted Johnson, former New England Patriots linebacker, spoke at a State House rally yesterday in favor of a bill that would limit how soon a student athlete can return to play after suffering a concussion. Johnson called concussions “the invisible injury.’’

April 28, 2010 - Brain trauma in youth sports is a growing public health crisis. The CDC estimates that 16 to 38 million concussions occur in youth sports and recreational activities each year.  Boston University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, which recently received a $1million gift from the National Football League, has found that repetitive brain trauma in youth sports can lead to a brain disease that causes dementia.  Science shows that after a concussion, the brain needs time to recover to prevent further brain damage.  By educating parents, coaches, trainers and athletes on the signs and symptoms of concussion and proper response, we can protect our children from the short- and long-term damage caused by multiple, repetitive brain injuries.  Senator Steven A. Baddour hosted former New England Patriots Linebacker Ted Johnson, Boxing Legend "Irish" Micky Ward, Bruins Legend Bob Sweeney, former WWE Wrestler Chris "Chris Harvard" Nowinski of the Sports Legacy Institute, and student-athlete Michelle Pelton for a Concussion Prevention Lobby Day to raise awareness about SB796 An Act Relating to safety regulations for school athletic programs. Photo courtesy of the Boston Globe.  Click on the following to learn more: