A concussion is a brain injury caused by a strong bump or blow to the head. The impact from the blow or bump shakes the head, causing the brain to hit the skull leading to fracturing or bruising of the brain. Concussions cause persistent headaches, loss of memory, loss of balance, blurred vision, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
Therefore, it is important for people, especially sportsmen and athletes, across the world to know how they can minimize their chances of suffering brain damage. If you are active in the field, (please) read on and you will be able to reduce your chances of suffering a concussion. Additionally, this is also a concussion protocol for both children and adults as we can all suffer a concussion.
- Wear a helmet
When taking part in sporting activities like cycling and playing football, it is advisable that you wear a helmet. Due to the impacts associated with some sporting activities, a helmet is the best protective gear that will protect your head from the impacts. Basically, a helmet will reduce your chances of getting a concussion.
- Have a supervisor when playing
To ensure that you and your teammates or opponents don’t get physical and endanger each other’s safety, ensure that you have a supervisor around when in the field. When you have a professional monitor your activities, chances of concussions happening will be very low. However, ensure that the supervisor is certified and knowledgeable about the game and its rules.
- Play appropriately
Some players suffer concussions because they do not know the right playing techniques for their game. Therefore, before you go bumping into everything and everyone, get the technique right and this might just minimize your chances or bumping or hurting your head.
- Keep your environs safe
Your home and your workplace should be safe for you as well. If you have stairs, (please) be careful when going up and down and if you have kids in the house, you can buy stairs gates to ensure that the kids are safe from falling off the stairs.
The floors should be clear of debris and dry at all times. The bathroom should also have anti-slip flooring to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe during showers. Similarly, ensure that you clean up spills and that the furniture in your home or office is well arranged.
- Exercise regularly
As we advance in age, our ability to balance declines. Luckily, with good diet and regular exercise, you can improve your ability to balance. Therefore, exercise at least 5 days in a week for about 30 minutes every day for good results.
- Do not drink, do drugs or text and drive
With drugs or alcohol in the system, your vision is impaired and so is your balance. Therefore, when you drink, ensure that you have someone sober to drive. In addition to this, ensure that you buckle your seat belt whenever you are driving. Be sure to stay alert and not use your cell phone to talk or text.
BIO
Terry is a brain injury therapist. She is also a web content writer with head and brain injuries as her area of focus. For more on concussion protocol for both adults and children, visit her website.
