This is a sponsored post in partnership with The Motherhood on behalf of UPMC.
It’s soccer season! I always get a little excited for soccer season to get here. We have two little soccer players and they absolutely love the sport. Last year my husband even helped coach one of their teams. He really enjoyed it; however, with all of the renovations we have been doing, he decided to take this year off. We haven’t missed a game though!
Okay, for those of you that don’t know…I’m not your typical “mom of boys”. As a matter of fact, I’ve had so many people tell me that I don’t act like a mom of boys at all. What do I mean? Well, I’m very overprotective and have high anxiety. In other words…I worry…a LOT! I’m always worried that my boys are going to get hurt; therefore, I do whatever I can to protect them from being hurt. I’m getting better though! When they first started playing soccer I didn’t see it as a contact sport. They were little and would swarm the ball like bumble bees, and yeah, they fell down sometimes, but it was all good. Now that they are getting older and starting to do tournaments and so forth…boy are they getting competitive! And yes, there is a lot more contact at this point.
It’s okay though! I’m totally not freaking out! I’m the soccer mom on the sidelines encouraging my child and telling him (in my soccer-mom-get-your-butt-out-there-kid voice) to get in there and get that ball! haha!
But, being a soccer mom, I do know that there are times when concussions are going to occur. UPMC is the leading authority in comprehensive evaluation, treatment and research. They provide proven treatments and evidence-based rehabilitation therapies. This individualized approach to concussion and the ability to use a multidisciplinary team to return patients to normal lives has totally changed the course of the injury.
No two concussions are alike, and they may present with different symptoms. The most important thing is that concussions ARE treatable. Active treatment approaches are very effective, and patients can fully recover after having a concussion.
If you suspect concussion in your athlete, sit them out until they can be evaluated by a medical professional trained in concussion.
Check out this video for more details:
There are so many misconceptions about concussions and fear is often instilled in parents and even athletes—this doesn’t have to be. It’s important to remember that concussions ARE treatable. More info on how concussions are treatable can be found at ReThinkConcussions.com.
My husband has had a lot of concussions in his day, so much so that his memory is not the best and he gets very focused/distracted easily. It frustrates me at times that he forgets things, but I quickly remind myself that concussions are the real deal and can truly affect someone’s brain! 🙁
My kids all play sports, and we are so cognizant of concussion safety. They love what they do, but I don’t want them to impact their long term health.
This is such important information! I had no idea that concussions could actually damage the vertebrae as well. Thank you!
Since concussions seem to be happening more often these days – than ever before – this is timely information! I was like you when my son was little! I don’t know how people can be so casual about their kids lol. I sometimes wish I was more of a typical boy mom! Although I had one boy and one girl only a 14 months apart from each other! I am always on edge when it comes to their safety – even now as they are young adults!
I have watched documentaries on concussions so I try not to freak out. My son is also playing soccer and I cringe when he heads the ball.
It is very important that concussions and associated symptoms are treated seriously. It helps that more attention is being brought to the danger of repeated concussions and think parents as well as coaches need to come to an agreement on rules of play.
Concussions are completely treatable!! I love that you posted this during the prime season for head injuries…football season!!
In my line of work, we deal with a lot of concussion patients and it is certainly a very real concern for any athlete. New treatment options should always be looked into instead of the older school approach of leaving it.
I am lucky to have a daughter who enjoys inside stuff rather than full contact sports. Lucky this is not a worry for me in general, if I had boys or an athletic daughter I don’t think I would be able to stop worrying, I tend to be a worrier.
This is really important to discuss. Concussions can be treated, so it is important not to freak out. My son plays football.
Concussions can be so scary. I think this post is so important. Thanks for sharing!
I think it’s so important to understand how concussions can occur and what to look for with them. I feel like when my daughter was younger, we were way under-informed (and I was a teacher!!!) and it could have been such a dangerous situation.
It’s really nice to learn more about concussions. I know my boys will one day be interested in playing sports and it’s good to know what we’re dealing with. Thanks for all the information.
You always hear the word concussion but never really think of the severity of the condition. Every time I hear concussion I think of that movie Varsity Blues. It’s great that you’re bringing awareness to this condition.
I’m a soccer mom too and although soccer season always excites me, I still worry about concussions sometimes. But so glad that it can be treated.
When our kids play sports, it’s natural to worry! So good to create more awareness about concussions.
Concussions can definitely be scary, especially if you are not educated on them and what to watch for. It is hard with the contact sports, I remember a lot of girls played volleyball because it was a little less contact.
I’m glad you posted about this. This is so important and more people need to take it seriously and protect kids.
Concussions are deadly and most aren’t aware of it. Thanks for helping