Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

Get your head examined

Lia Whitmore has sustained several concussions in her career playing soccer so she now wears a head brace for protection. She is shown at practice Aug. 9, in Orlando, Fla.
Lia Whitmore has sustained several concussions in her career playing soccer so she now wears a head brace for protection. She is shown at practice Aug. 9, in Orlando, Fla.

Lia Whitmore has sustained several concussions in her career playing soccer so she now wears a head brace for protection.

School physical. Check. Immunization record. Check. Emergency contact. Check. Head examined. Huh?

Back to school means back to sports for many student athletes, but before they get their heads in the game, a greater number of them will be getting baseline concussion scans, which can improve treatment if they suffer a blow to the head.

Several recent high-profile sports-related head injuries, including the one sustained by former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow, have highlighted the importance of proper concussion management. As a result, more high schools, and now a leading sporting goods retailer, are stepping up to the plate to make sure athletes receive baseline testing in time for fall sports.

My son had this done when he started football and I think it's a great idea. Have you ever had a concussion?



Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.