In the news: the lingering effects

Two Ex-Jets Have Moved On, but Concussion Effects Linger

November 20, 2011

By: William C. Rhoden

ex-Jets and postconcussions

This article talks about two former Jets players that were forced to retire because of the number and severity of the concussions that they sustained. They live their lives now with families and other jobs but still experience some post-concussion symptoms. However they don't want to talk of how serious they are or how often they experience them. One of the guys has two children that are playing flag football right now and knowing the risks of the sport makes it hard for him to allow his children to play. Neither of the guys would change anything and happy to have played.

Hopefully this article shows coaches, athletes and parents just how serious concussions are. It is very important to monitor the athlete and have them inform the athletic trainer of any changes they notice. As athletic trainers, we need to encourage coaches to make sure they are teaching proper tackling techniques and doing as much as they can to prevent and educate on concussions. From the article, the guys talk about how equipment may not be able to handle the hits that are coming from the players nowadays because they are getting faster and stronger. Would improving the equipment help prevent concussions or just give the athletes the feeling that they can hit harder?

In the news: there is an app for that

A new app for counting calories

November 3, 2011

By: Anahad O'Connor

An app for that

Technology is changing everything today. Smartphones allow for the capability to download apps to do almost anything and one thing that is being worked on is a new app to help count calories. I feel as though athletes are always wanting to know how to count their calories and how to control what they eat and this new app may seem like a step in that direction. The article does point out that this new app wouldn't be able to tell what is in some foods, however that could be something that is needed to be put in before it is sent off. I think that this would be a useful tool for athletes to use if they owned a smartphone. I still feel that knowing how to count calories on your own, with the aid of internet resources and books, is a good skill to have. Especially as an athletic trainer we should be able to help guide athletes in counting their calories and maximize their knowledge on the topic. Technology is a good thing to use and be familiar with but I don't think it should be the only source of information.