The double sins of the state: greed, pride Public Health issues in Texas

Introduction Topics include the dangers of concussions, crumb rubber, as well as issues with the quality of life and the right to die. The audience will gain an understanding of issues in public health and known how to guard against the sins inflicted by the state.

The Catastrophic cost of Concussions By: Conlon McOsker

Background There is a large problem with youth concussions in this country and it is worse than previously thought This steadily growing problem endangers the youth athletes and the public safety of all those effected Concussions are a menace that need to be taken more seriously

Concussions The medical definition of a concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions 1 in 5 high school athletes will sustain a concussion per season According to a study by Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz, approximately 300,000 sport- related concussions occur annually in the United States

Concussion discussion Concussions are caused by head trauma, and the bruising of the brain. Once a concussion is sustained by an individual, they become more susceptible to another concussion, which creates a dangerous cycle. “The risk of sustaining a concussion is six times greater for individuals with a history of concussion than for individuals with no history. Further commentary on these and other results is presented.” (Zemper, 2003)

Short term effects The immediate effects of concussions vary on the severity of the injury, but could potentially include: Nausea Headaches Light sensitivity Decreased neurocognitive functioning vertigo

Possible Long Term Effects There are many studies currently ongoing about the effects of a history of concussions, and what has been found is that those who fall into this category are susceptible to: Brain matter atrophy, which as Dr. Kyle Womack states “…hippocampal volume loss appears greater among those with a history of concussions” CTE, which stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Early onset memory loss

The Sin This problem would be linked to pride. This pertains to pride because athletes tend to think that these terrible effects of concussions won’t apply to them. People have been ignoring this problem because they don’t want to think about the possibility of a debilitating disease affecting them.

pictures Boston University CTE Center Brain tissue affected By Tau protein (photograph) retrieved from http://www.bu.edu/cte/about/what-is-cte/

Counter claims The studies of the link between permanent brain damage and concussions have only been a relevant topic of discussion for a short time So although there are ongoing studies more thorough research would be necessary to make a definitive statement.

The endgame Further research is needed to prove conclusively how dangerous this problem is People need to be made aware of this problem, and just how great the impact is. With attention and research great strides can be made to minimize this public safety hazard

Sources Head Case - Complete Concussion Managements. (n.d.). Retrieved 4/10/2016, from http://www.headcasecompany.com/concussion_info/stats_on_concussions_sports Mayo Clinic Staff (4/2/2014). Concussion Retrieved 4/10/2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/concussion/basics/definition/CON-20019272 Zemper, ED (2003) A Two-Year Prospective Study of Cerebral Concussion in American Football. Research in Sports Medicine 2003, 11(3) 157-172 Broshek, D K ; De Marco, A P; Freeman, J R (2015) A review of post-concussion syndrome and psychological factors associated with concussion. Brain Injury 2015, 29(2) 228-237, 1362-301X Strain, J F; Womack, K B; Didehbani, N; Spence, Jeffrey S; Conover, H; Hart, J Jr; Kraut, M A; Cullum, C M (2015) Imaging Correlates of Memory and Concussion History in Retired National Football League Athletes. JAMA Neurology 2015, 72(7) 733, 2168-6149 McCrea, M ; Hammeke, T; Olsen, G; Leo, P; Guskiewicz, K, (2004) Unreported Concussion in High School Football Players: Implications for Prevention. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 2004; 14(1)13- 17. 1050-642X Kevin M. Guskiewicz, PhD, ATC; Michael McCrea, PhD; Stephen W. Marshall, PhD; Robert C. Cantu, MD; Christopher Randolph, PhD; William Barr, PhD; James A. Onate, PhD, ATC; James P. Kelly, MD (2003) Cumulative Effects Associated With Recurrent Concussion in Collegiate Football Players; The NCAA Concussion Study. JAMA. 2003;290(19):2549-2555. doi:10.1001/jama.290.19.2549.

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