This past month
CNN Health spoke about a new bill called the Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act. The legislation is designed to protect our youth from the dangers of sports-related head injuries. Helmet standards would be raised to help decrease the estimated 3.8 million sports related concussions that occur every year in the United States.
Jackie Theaker, LMOT, a licensed masters of occupational therapy at St. David's Round Rock Medical Center responds to the article below:
"I work with folks who have brain injury due to head injuries. Even a minor head injury can cause long term problems. I have seen quick a few people lose their jobs because they experience subtle differences in speed of thinking, get irritated easily and are unable to control their anger , are incapable of multi-tasking or recalling all the things they had promised to do. Those with more severe injuries may need caretakers for the remainder of their lives. Although, it will be an expense to replace helmets in the schools; I believe we should take a long term view. Millions will be saved if only a few head injuries are avoided and who can put a value on the ability to walk, think, or talk?"
What do you think about the new legislation? Let us know by leaving a comment below and on our
Facebook page.