Cover story continued ... C hanging L egislation
The sport most often associated with concussions and CTE is football, but it is not the only sport that carries the risk of traumatic brain injury. When football is taken out of the equation, girls’soccer players report the next highest rate of concussions, followed by boys’wrestling. But despite the rise of state laws in recent years, enforcement and widespread data collection continue to be sparse, and these laws do not prevent concussions in the first place. Regardless of the existing evidence, opinions differ on concussion and CTE risks. Some athletes view CTE as an inherent risk of contact sports, just like you risk breaking an ankle or a wrist. Other athletes have chosen to forgo athletics altogether in order to avoid the potential development of CTE. Only time will tell what further evidence will yield and whether states will enact new legislation. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your child to decide if you are okay with assuming the risks of playing a contact sport. Howmuch of a risk are you willing to take?
adding water. A whole colony of these shrimp can thrive for a year or more with minimal care. L eopard G eckos The appeal of cold-blooded creatures may be less obvious than that of fluffy, cuddly mammals, but reptiles make cool pets. When shopping for one, consider looking at small lizards like leopard geckos. These docile reptiles are lowmaintenance compared to larger lizards, snakes, and turtles. Though they are delicate in infancy, they grow into resilient and hardy adults. G uinea P igs Often overlooked for their smaller cousins, these gentle rodents make great pets for kids. Guinea pigs rarely bite, and they interact with humans by squeaking and playing hide-and- seek. These rodents prefer to live in groups, so consider adopting two female Guinea pigs. In addition, long-haired Guinea pigs require daily grooming, which is great practice for those children yearning for a dog. concussions. Most laws also require athletes to be removed fromplay after a concussion and prevent them from returning until they have been cleared by medical staff. The idea behind these laws is not only to create awareness about the dangers of concussions, but also to prevent recurring head injuries. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health explored how effective those laws have been in reducing recurring concussions. It found that the laws had led to a noticeable, nationwide decline in repeated concussions among teenagers. The laws were passed between 2009 and 2014. Researchers found that, immediately after the laws went into effect, the number of concussions increased. They attributed this phenomenon to improved reporting of concussions. About two and a half years after each lawwas passed, the numbers of repeated concussions began to decline. In 2013–14, recurrent concussions accounted for 14 percent of the total number. In 2014–15, that number went down to 11 percent, and then down to 7 percent in 2015–16.
A lot has changed in the past 10 years when it comes to sports-related concussions. As evidence of the devastating effects of traumatic brain injuries grows, many people have demanded preventative steps. Some of the most tangible results of the public’s concern are the laws passed in all 50 states that try to address head injuries among young athletes. The youth sport laws that have been passed mostly require coaches, trainers, athletes, and parents to be educated about the effects of
Teach Your Kids Responsibility With Pets Which Furry or Speckled Friend Is Best for Your Child?
O lder D ogs and C ats Though the overwhelming cuteness of puppies and kittens is quite tempting, they don’t make good starter pets. These furry friends require a lot of patience and training if you want them to grow into well-adjusted pets. Instead, adopt an adult dog or cat from an animal shelter. Older animals tend to be more tolerant of children, and trained and socialized animals are easier for kids to take care of. But, even the gentlest dogs and cats require a lot of work, so they are better suited for older children. Caring for a pet can be an incredibly rewarding learning experience. Pets provide companionship, entertainment, and educational opportunities for kids who are ready to meet the challenge. Taking on the responsibility for an animal can teach your child to feel empathy for others, and that everlasting bond can provide immeasurable fulfillment for everyone in your family.
Pets are more than furry friends to cuddle with during a Netflix marathon or spunky critters to watch dash around woodchips and newspaper shavings. These creatures, no matter how small, can benefit the entire family. Just taking care of a pet is rewarding in and of itself, and all that responsibility can do wonders for your children. But, no matter what type, age, or temperament of pet you choose, you will need to devote time, money, patience, and commitment to that relationship. Although no pet is commitment- free, some are better than others for children who need to ease into their new role as a pet owner. B rine S hrimp These tiny crustaceans, better known as sea monkeys, are foolproof starter pets for kids who just aren’t ready for the full commitment other pets require. Usually available in kits, children need only add water, and soon, they’ll watch their tiny sea monkeys emerge, become active, and grow. Maintenance for these creatures involves once-a-week feeding and occasionally
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