Schools
Point Boro Schools Hosting Concussion Forum
Point Pleasant Borough Schools will host a special forum explaining how concussions and cardiovascular health impact student athletes.
The event is scheduled for today, Wednesday Jan. 29, at 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Loren Donley Auditorium, Point Pleasant Borough High School.
The district is holding the panel to explain the risks student-athletes face beyond the muscular strains and pains of a sport, looking specifically at educating parents and students on concussions and cardiovascular conditions such as enlarged heart.
Here is the full release from Point Boro Schools:
Whether simply the exhilaration of competition, the roar of the crowd, the adoring fans, or the opportunities for awards and acclaim, the potential rewards that exist for student-athlete are plentiful. But with those copious rewards, a fair amount of risks also exist for student-athletes. Besides typical muscle injuries and strains, student-athletes are at risk of sustaining concussions as well as from suffering serious complications from the little known syndrome cardiomegaly, also known as enlarged heart or athletic heart syndrome, both conditions that although highly treatable, can cause serious problems and in some cases, death, without treatment.
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injuries. Concussions cause a temporary alteration in brain function, and are often the result of a blow to the head or a jolt. And according to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, risks for concussion are highest among high school athletes, affecting those with a prior history of concussions and female athletes most frequently.
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Cardiomegaly is the most common cause of sudden death among young athletes. Typically an inherited condition, cardiomegaly causes the heart muscle to thicken, making it harder to pump blood efficiently. The condition is easily treatable if detected.
In a proactive effort to educate parents and guardians of the Point Pleasant Borough School District’s student-athletes about concussions and cardiomegaly, the district will host, Play It Safe: Concussion & Cardiovascular Awareness Forum on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Point Pleasant Borough High School’s auditorium.
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Point Pleasant Borough Schools’ Athletic Director Christopher Ferrone will join local health professionals, who specialize in neurological and cardiac care, for a collaborative discussion about concussions and cardiomegaly. Guests in attendance at the forum will learn about the signs and symptoms associated with both conditions, as well as testing procedures, treatment and prevention tips, learning how to help ensure students are playing it safe both on and off the field. Attendees will also hear about the testing procedures and Return to Competition Protocols observed in the Point Pleasant Borough School District as well as information about pending federal legislation that will further promote safety among student-athletes.
Panelists Include:Christopher Ferrone Supervisor of Athletics, Point Pleasant Borough Schools
Dr.Thomas G. Sargent, DO Brielle Orthopedics
Kristine Keane, Psy.D Shore Neuropsychology & Behavioral Health
Elizabeth Jablonski, RN, BSN Director of Patient Care, Progressive Cardiac Care Unit, Community Medical Center
With an introduction by Superintendent of Point Pleasant Borough Schools, Vincent S. Smith
“Whether in the classroom or out on the field, maintaining the safety and well-being of our students is the Point Pleasant Borough School District’s single most important responsibility,” said Superintendent Smith. “In addition to general safety procedures, the district has a number of safety procedures and protocols in place specific to student-athletes. These include the regular training and certification of coaches, close proximity of life-saving devices at all games and practices, and a seven-step return to competition protocol among others.”
“This is a critical discussion that needs to take place now and I sincerely hope all parents attend this forum, regardless of whether their children are current student-athletes or if they are active outside of school,” he added.
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