MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE LYNDA SCHLEGEL CULVER

​Get the Facts About Concussions
By State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland/Snyder)
With many student athletes gearing up for fall sports practice, students, parents and coaches are reminded about ways to prevent, recognize and manage concussions.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or from a fall or blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Concussions can have serious short-term and long-term impacts, especially on young people whose brains are still developing.
In 2011, the Safety in Youth Sports Act was signed into law in Pennsylvania, requiring all school entities to develop return-to-play policies for student athletes with concussions, as well as requiring related training for coaches. Visit www.health.pa.gov/topics/school/Pages/Concussion.aspx for more information.
Most importantly, if you think your child has a concussion, seek medical attention, discuss the injury with the coach and don’t allow the athlete to return to play without permission from a health care professional. Good luck to all our student athletes this year, and remember, safety first!