Pay attention to concussion risks

It sometimes takes tremendous tragedy to change ideas embedded in our culture. A prime example of this is the “warrior mentality” instilled in football players from when they first strap on Pee Wee league shoulder pads. This culture is now under the microscope, with increasing efforts to study the long-term effects of sports concussions and recent high-profile suicides of former players.

With the strongest spotlight focused on professional sports, it is easy to forget that young athletes run many of the same risks on the field as the pros. Fortunately, Illinois recently took much-needed steps to provide young athletes with new concussion protections. State law now requires that schools and park districts operating athletic programs must educate coaches, athletes and parents on the nature and risk of concussions, criteria for removal from and return to play, and the risks of not reporting head injuries.

This is an important step for protecting our young athletes on the field of play, and we hope the next generation of aspiring professionals will be raised in a culture in which the seriousness and danger of concussions are openly discussed and addressed. If you are involved in student sports programs in your community, be sure to understand and follow the requirements for protecting young athletes from concussions. Our youth should be playing games with each other, not with their health.

William N. Werner, M.D.

President

Illinois State Medical Society

Chicago