Sports Injuries

Hard to believe, but another football season is upon us. Many of us look forward to watching our college and professional teams hit the fields and hit each other. Spectacular hits make for great football, but also cause football injuries--and sports injuries in general. A new study by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research found that an average of 12 high school and college football players die during practices and games every year.

Traumatic brain injuries in contact sports have become much more common. Many players, even as young as little league, are getting concussions that can result in serious brain trauma. Just recently, the NFL settled a lawsuit with retired players that establishes a fund for medical exams and underwrites research for concussion-related brain injuries. The settlement is awaiting court approval.

Obviously, wearing the appropriate safety gear at all times is one of the best ways to avoid injury when engaging in any sport. Other common sense measures such as observing proper hydration are also crucial to ensuring safe play. Sports bring people together, whether you are participating on the field or in the stands. Let's remember to make safety a goal.