First few Article Sentences
Thirteen-year-old Anna slips from the uneven bars, slamming the mat headfirst. Dizzy and nauseous, she does not tell her coach for fear he will pull her from practice or worse, the upcoming competition.
She resumes practice shortly after, unaware she suffered a concussion. She falls again. This time the impact causes permanent brain damage. Within seconds, her dream to perform gymnastics, go to college and become a veterinarian shatters.
Although most concussions are reversible, they can cause life-changing injuries like Anna’s if not allowed to fully heal. Those of us entrusted with the health and wellbeing of children – and even young athletes themselves – need to take this injury seriously. Young, developing brains are more sensitive to the effects of concussions, placing them at greater risk of long-term brain damage. Fortunately, certain actions can help prevent or minimize this damage.