New tool kit for concussion prevention available

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a multimedia educational tool kit to help protect teen athletes at risk for concussion, according to a Sept 22, 2005, news release from the CDC. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can range from mild to severe and can disrupt the normal function of the brain. More than 300,000 sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries occur in the United States each year.

The tool kit, titled "Heads Up: Concussion in High School Sports," offers information on prevention, identification of symptoms, and immediate steps to take when an athlete is showing signs of concussion. Tool kit contents include

Most RecentHealth Care Articles

* a videotape and DVD that features a high school football player who was permanently disabled as a result of a second concussion received during a game,

* a coaches' guide with information on preventing and managing concussions and implementing a concussion action plan,

* a wallet card and clipboard sticker for coaches,

* awareness posters targeting athletes,

* fact sheets for parents and athletes, and

* a CD-ROM with downloadable kit materials and other concussion-related resources.

The tool kit recommends that to prevent sports-related concussions, coaches, athletic directors, parents, and athletes should always use the right protective equipment, recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion, have a year-round concussion action plan, and keep athletes with known or suspected concussion from play until they can be evaluated and given permission to play by the appropriate medical personnel. Tool kits are available free of charge and can be ordered or downloaded online at http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi /Coaches_Tool_Kit.htm.

CDC Announces New Initiative to Help High School Coaches Recognize and Manage Concussions (news release, Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control end Prevention, Sept 22, 2005) http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc /media/pressrel/r050922.htm (accessed 3 Oct 2005).

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]