Health Topics

• Make sure your child has a physical exam by his or her doctor before starting any sport. 
• Make sure your child wears all of the protective gear needed to safely participate in a sport. Your child’s coach can help. 
• Make sure your child knows the rules of the sport to keep safe. 
• Proper hydration is the key to prevent sports-related heat illness. Have your child drink liquids before or during all athletic activities.  
• Coaches and other adults assisting the team should know CPR and first aid to help out in an emergency.

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Is confused
• Has a headache
• Is vomiting
• Moves clumsily
• Can’t recall events just before or just after a hit or fall
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Is dazed 

If you suspect your child has a concussion:

• Pull him or her out of the game
• Get medical attention right away
• Keep your child out of sports-related activities until medically cleared by a healthcare professional 

Concussions take time to heal − don’t rush the recovery process.