Although safety in sports is very important, it is something which some High School students tend to forget. A survey found that 54% of student athletes play while being injured. Playing while injured can increase your risk of aggravating your body even further, which in return can reduce your chances of playing.

If an athlete is injured, it’s rather important to make sure they take care, and manage the injury before further activity. For example, if an athlete is playing a game and manages to hit their head, they should get evaluated by the school’s sports trainer right away. After further examination and confirming that the athlete doesn’t have a concussion they can continue to play in the game. If athletes manage to hit their head on a hard surface and don’t get evaluated by a sports trainer they risk developing Second Impact syndrome. This occurs when a second blow to the head is induced before the brain is fully healed. In return, this can worsen concussion symptoms such as nausea, head aches, memory loss and much more.

Another risk is CTE a progressive brain disease linked to repeated blows to the head over time. This can cause memory issues and personality changes, which can often lead to aggression and suicidal thoughts.  As stated by Crystal, the athletic director at North Canyon High School,  “It’s important that they get evaluated because they only have one brain so once your brain is injured we need to shut you down from activity to make sure your injury doesn’t become worse or last longer.” This helps athletes understand the severity of injuries in sports. If you are an athlete and suspect a concussion or any other severe injury, check in with your doctor or schools sports trainer. Let’s make sports more safe and fun for everyone by taking care of our bodies and minds!