(W)holy, (W)holy, (W)holy: Health, Healing and Wholeness Article for August 2010

“Classrooms and labs! Loud boiling test tubes! Sing to the Lord, a new song!  Athlete and band!  Loud Cheering people!  Sing to the Lord a new song! He has done marvelous things, I too will praise him with a new song!”     Herbert F. Brokering (Lutheran Book of Worship, #558)

This quirky little hymn always makes me chuckle [inside] – at first glance it doesn’t seem to fit the image of your typical worship hymn, yet it joyfully reminds us that God can be, and is, praised in ordinary life, through ordinary circumstances, in ordinary settings!  It also brings to mind, early September, and the ushering in of yet another football season.

In a few short weeks, young men (and an occasional young woman) will don helmets and protective gear, as they begin football practice.  It becomes the responsibility of parents, coaches, athletic directors and trainers to see that all safety equipment functions, fits properly, and is worn consistently.  Because football is a contact sport, all those involved, need also to be aware of a rising concern regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBI is an injury to the brain when the head suddenly or violently hits an object, bouncing the fragile brain from one side of the skull to the other.  Similar injuries are seen in children who have been violently shaken (Shaken Baby Syndrome) and in troops involved in combat explosions, or in vehicular accidents.  Damage does not necessarily occur at the time of impact, but in the hours and days following the injury, as the injured brain bleeds or swells, and oxygen supply to tissue decreases.  Repeat head trauma, particularly during the healing phase, can slow recovery and even lead to permanent damage.

Below are signs for coaches and parents to watch for after an athlete suffers a blow to the head during practice or play.  The individual:

  • Loses consciousness – even briefly
  • Appears dazed or stunned
  • Is confused about assignment or position
  • Forgets instructions, or seems unsure about score or opponent
  • Moves clumsily
  • Answers questions slowly
  • Undergoes mood, behavior, or personality change, seems agitated
  • Has poor recall of events prior to, or after the injury.

Or if the athlete reports:

  • Headache or feeling of pressure in the head
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
  • Concentration or memory problems
  • Confusion
  • “Not feeling right” or “feeling down”  Source:  (http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/sports/recognize.html)

When injury occurs, remove the athlete from play for the remainder of the game, and have him/her evaluated by a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing and treating concussion.  Be sure to report any additional blows to the head that occurred prior to, or after, the injury.  The healthcare professional should be responsible for determining when/if it is okay for the athlete to resume playing.  Use this time to re-educate fellow athletes regarding safe play techniques, injury and its prevention.  Football is truly a team sport – and the team (parents, athletic staff, league and school officials, fellow athletes, and healthcare professionals) bears responsibility for insuring that the game is played safely!

Back to school blessings!

Debbie Best, Program Coordinator, Diakon Family Life Services

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