Free tool kit for recognizing and managing concussions.

There's a famous old adage that says, "you get what you pay for." But, as with most rules, there are exceptions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has produced a multimedia tool kit for helping high school coaches deal with concussions. And the price--absolutely free--should fit everyone's budget.

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According to the CDC, there are 300,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBI) related to sports and recreation every year. They can happen to any athlete at any time, though the risks increase where the collisions between players are common. In addition, a repeat concussion, which occurs before the brain recovers from the first concussion, can be particularly dangerous. This so-called "second impact syndrome" can result in brain swelling, permanent brain damage, and even death.

The free kit, which can be downloaded or ordered on line, is designed to help athletic personnel (coaches, administrators, and trainers) make good decisions regarding the health of athletes. The CDC suggests that players suspected of having sustained a concussion should be evaluated by a health care professional. And athletes must learn to report possible concussions, not hide them. As the tool kit says, "it's better to miss one game than the whole season."

The "Head's Up" kit includes a variety of elements, including both an informational DVD and video, a wallet card and clipboard sticker for coaches, a well-documented 20-page coaches' guide, large and attractive posters, separate and detailed fact sheets for athletes and their parents in both English and Spanish, and a CD-ROM with downloadable kit materials and additional concussion-related resources.

The kit also discusses the prevention of TBI, suggesting the use of the right protective equipment in practices and games, knowing the signs and symptoms of concussion, having a year-round concussion action plan, and sidelining athletes with concussions (known or suspected) until evaluation and clearance for play by appropriate medical personnel.

The CDC, which operates as part of the federal government's Department of Health and Human Services, consulted with many TBI experts as well as sports-related organizations in preparing this highly-informative kit. These organizations include the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Sports Medicine, Brain Injury Association of America, the Institute for Preventative Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers' Association, the National Safety Council, and the U. S. Department of Education, among others.

The CDC recently mailed the "Head's Up" concussion tool kit to thousands of high schools across the country. The available information is so important, however, that if you did not receive one or if you need an additional copy for your program, you should place your order immediately. The tool kit can be ordered free directly from the CDC Website at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi/Coaches_Tool_Kit.htm.