According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated 117,285 children and adolescents visit U.S. emergency rooms each year to treat sport and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries including concussions.
The effects of these traumatic brain injuries can last a lifetime – increasing one’s risk for a whole list of diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
The Center for Disease Control has a new tool to help parents, coaches and school staff spot a concussion – the most common injury requiring medical care for kids in our country.
The Heads Up App is a program designed to do just that, as well as “…teach you about helmet safety and features information on selecting the right helmet for your child’s or teen’s activity, including information on what to look for and what to avoid.”
For more information on the free app, click here.
Image courtesy of the Center for Disease Control