Young People and Concussions
Recently, Hockey Nova Scotia moved to decrease the probability of significant head injury in young people playing Canada’s game. This type of regulatory progress is to be applauded and needs to be paired with increased educational activities designed to inform youth, parents, coaches, educators and health providers about concussions. Even with the best available equipment and most appropriately designed rules pertaining to body contact in hockey and other sports, accidents can happen and brain injury can occur. Everyone needs to be informed about the signs and symptoms of concussions and be aware that even a seemingly inconsequential “whack on the head” can lead to life altering concussion. Benjamin Gray’s poignant story as reported by the Chronicle Herald (May 14, 2013), is an excellent example of how print media can participate in raising public awareness of this important issue, and Benjamin is to be applauded for his courage in sharing his personal and...