MANCHESTER, NH — As athletes continue to push the limits of sports by playing longer, harder and faster, injuries have become inevitable. It is nearly impossible to watch a professional football or hockey game without hearing about a player out with a concussion or experiencing “concussion-like symptoms.” Concussions are one of the most common injuries for athletes of all levels; and for youth sports participants they can be especially dangerous.
Dr. Kevin Heaton, the Director of the Concussion Management Program at Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics, will be speaking to middle school-aged students and their parents at the 26th Annual “Stand By Me” event on Friday May 15th. The event is going to be held at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester.
Dr. Heaton will discuss the common signs and symptoms of a sports-related concussion and the importance of proper identification. He will explain the ImPACT Baseline Testing as a first step in concussion management and the immediate removal of athletes from play if they are suspected of having a head-injury. He will also break down the concussion management protocol at Access Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics and the use of both physical and academic restrictions in proper concussion management.
“Stand By Me” is a program for Ross A. Lurgio 7th grade students and their parents. Each year the event consists of a one-day workshop with a variety of information and empowering seminars that are designed to improve self esteem, increase communication with peers and parents, deal with conflict resolutions, learn about drug and alcohol awareness, internet safety, and time management.
For more information on Dr. Heaton or the Concussion Management Program, please visit www.accesssportsmed.com.