Football is one of the most popular sports in Ohio and the rest of the United States. it is also one of the most dangerous sports to pursue. For example, according to CNN, of the 91 brains of former NFL players donated to science, 87 showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. CTE is usually linked to concussions and multiple instances of head trauma.

Professional athletes are not the only ones at risk. In 2014, high school injuries related to football totaled more than 500,000 cases. The injuries included muscle sprains and strains, as well as concussions. If you have been keeping an eye on the news, you have probably also heard of high school athletes collapsing after practice or a game, due to heart failure or heat stroke.

Despite the dangers of the sport, experts still think it is a great game for children. However, it is important to have an athletic trainer on site and paramedics at the ready. This may be wishful thinking, however, as statistics show that only 35% of high schools have a full-time athletic trainer and only 70% have some access to one.

Note also that for parents of injured teenagers, the horror of the injury on the field may not stop there. Many enter hospitals expecting a safe space for their children to heal and recover, but medical errors may prevent this, especially during football season when doctors might be slammed with patients. As a result, wait times may be long and what might begin as a simple injury could escalate into something worse.

For this reason, it is important to remain vigilant. Volunteer all possible information and do not be afraid to ask questions about the diagnosis and prescription medications. While preventing medical errors is not your responsibility, after a catastrophic injury on the field, it is in your best interest to prevent any additional problems if you can.

This article provides educational information regarding the health risks of football and should not be interpreted as legal advice.