One of the dangers of playing football
is concussions. This has been a growing problem in all ages of the game, from
the NFL to pee-wee. The (Centers for Disease Control) CDC estimates that 1.6
million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year. Which is why the NFL has
created rules to defend players against helmet to helmet contact. They made
that rule because the average pro-football players are 900-1500 times a year,
and a girl is seemed to be twice as likely to suffer a concussion. The most
likely place to suffer a concussion, in sports, is games. 78% of concussions
occur in practice.
Doctors are trying to help the
situation by making helmets “concussion-proof”. That’s what UW Health athletic
trainer and researcher Tim McGuine, PhD, ATC, and Pediatric and Sports Medicine
physician Alison Brooks, MD, MPH is trying to find out, too. Helmets used
nationwide are certified by the National Operating Committee on Standards for
Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). The NOCSAE which preform drop and impact tests to
make sure each helmet meet each safety standard. "The reality is all of the helmets work
extremely well for what they were designed for – to prevent skull fractures and
facial injuries," says Dr. Brooks.
However, not many people like the
production of new and improved helmets. The average helmet now costs anywhere
from $25 to $400. The more helmets cost the better usually. They have helmets
that even count the number of “HITS” you take. The helmet costs $1,000. Riddell
created the Riddell 360. It cannot prevent concussions but it sure can help. It
is one of the best helmets ever made. Researchers at Virginia Tech have rated
the Riddell 360 5 stars, it is one of only three.
I would like to end my statements
with saying that no helmet can prevent concussions, but they can help a lot.
