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

2. 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.

3. The Catastrophic cost of Concussions
By: Conlon McOsker

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. pictures
Boston University CTE Center Brain tissue affected By Tau protein (photograph) retrieved from

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Sources
Head Case - Complete Concussion Managements. (n.d.). Retrieved 4/10/2016, from
Mayo Clinic Staff (4/2/2014). Concussion Retrieved 4/10/2016, from conditions/concussion/basics/definition/CON
Zemper, ED (2003) A Two-Year Prospective Study of Cerebral Concussion in American Football. Research in Sports Medicine 2003, 11(3)
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) , X
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,
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) X
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): doi: /jama

14. Celeste Cantu