Winter is an exciting time. It’s also a challenging time to stay active and many of us participate in winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hockey and snowmobiling.
The many organizations that support and recognize National Winter Sports TBI Awareness Month spend each January raising awareness of the health risks athletes face when they participate in winter sports, specifically traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions.
Because they can cause long-term and permanent health issues, concussions should be taken very seriously.
If you or a loved one participates in winter sports, you can take precautions to prevent head injuries during play by wearing a helmet and setting a no hits to the head policy.
If a concussion is suspected you should:
1. Remove the athlete from play.
2. Have the athlete evaluated by a health care professional.
3. Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion.
4. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional experienced in evaluating concussion says they are symptom-free and okay to return to play.
Remember to stay active but play it safe this winter!
