Schumer Pushes Concussion Legislation

Tragedy often sparks the conversation for change. The tragic death of Ridge Barden, the Phoenix High School football player has gotten the attention of u- senator Charles Schumer. The senator announced this week he is pushing for legislation to improve high school football helmet safety. The main concern, concussions. "A concussion by definition is a person who suffers head trauma and usually has one of the following symptoms, whether its loss of consciousness or brief loss of consciousness, change in mental status, amnesia." Experts say its difficult to prevent concussions but one of the most important steps to preventing further damage is knowledge. "They report them to me, I got hit and I'm feeling dizzy or I have a headache and we kind of do a test from there to see how severe the symptoms are. I also educated the coaches on what they need to look for, if they look confused, if they're sluggish, anything like that, they come and tell me right away so I can go and check them out." Experts agree that proper form may be one of the best ways to prevent injuries but there are other steps to prevent concussions. "They need to learn how to hit properly, they need to wear proper equipment, they need to know how to fit it. Sometimes high school equipment's not fitted well and that led to more concussion though I think starting there is the best place to start." Doctors and athletic trainers alike say Schumer's idea is welcomed.