Daily HealthBeat Tip

Getting your bell rung

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

"Getting your bell rung" is more dangerous to an athlete than it sounds. It's a concussion. Left untreated, it can cause brain damage -- even death.

High school athletes are among those most likely to get a concussion. Brandon Schultz got hurt playing football in Washington state. He's 26 now.

"I'm finally in college, but each day is a challenge for me. I use aids to help me with simple everyday activities � things most people do without thinking � such as getting to class on time." (10 seconds)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Heads Up toolkit helps teen athletes, parents and coaches reduce risk, recognize danger signs, and act. The CDC's Dr. Julie Gilchrist says even a mild concussion should not be toughed out:

"Don't hide it. Report it. It's better to miss one game than the whole season." (Six seconds)

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: October 7, 2005

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