I write frequently about education, sports, parenting and public health; I've covered a range of topics including gun violence, sleep, concussions, bullying, school shootings, and gap years.
'His Entire Body Was Shutting Down.' New State Rankings Show Gaps in High School Athlete Safety
By mid-afternoon on August 1, 2017, the temperature in Stockton, Calif. was at least 105 degrees. Thirteen-year-old Jayden Galbert complained to his mother, Shynelle Jones, about the heat, but didn’t want to skip preseason football practice and hurt his chances of making the freshman football team. Instead, he showed up, pushed himself to participate, and then collapsed on the field.
This important first step can prevent heat stroke
Heat stroke is one of the top three causes of sudden death for athletes. But it’s 100% survivable when it’s recognized and treated right away.
Stressed out about teaching your teen to drive? Experts share 4 things to keep in mind.
Stressed out about teaching your teen to drive? Experts share 4 things to keep in mind.
More and More Americans Are Learning Basic First Aid for Gunshot Wounds
In the wake of several mass shootings, learning how to stanch bleeding is becoming increasing popular.
Is Tackle Football for Children Harming Their Brains?
In families and communities across America, it starts early, with kids as young as 5 signing up to play tackle football. That age-old tradition could change, though.
Why Does High School Still Start So Early?
The last students around the country are making their way back to school this week. But regardless of the virtues of starting a new school year in August or in September, one thing is still almost uniformly true: Most of the nation’s public middle schools and high schools still...
Why we still allow bullying to flourish in kids sports
In the cellphone video, a teenage boy stands at the front of the classroom as his football teammates laugh. The coach walks to the door and closes it. “We don’t want no witnesses,” he says, to more laughter ...
In an era of school shootings, how can we expect kids to focus on learning?
Somehow, they’re expected to compartmentalize the latest tragedy: to keep studying for tests and preparing for the college admission gantlet, while not losing their focus.
Should Your Athlete Play Year Round Sports? The Case for Sports Sampling
Fourteen-year-old Peach Salsbury of Alameda, California, plays on three basketball teams, with up to six games a week plus practices. “Basketball has become the center of her universe for everything,” her mom Sylvia says . . .
For Teen Athletes, One Sport Is Good But 2 Or More Is Better
When it comes to sports and teens, it seems that two is better than one.
A recent report commissioned by the Women’s Sports Foundation reinforced the many benefits of teens playing sports but also uncovered new information . . .
When PTSD Accompanies a Concussion
A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, can be linked to PTSD and may have similar symptoms.
Which High School and College-Level Sports Have the Most Concussions?
Brittni Souder, a board member of PINK Concussions, got her first diagnosed concussion when she passed out from an asthma attack at the finish line at a high school track meet and hit her head. She suffered several more concussions playing soccer in college . . .
What to Do if You Suspect You or Your Child Has a Concussion
Athletes aren’t the only ones who get concussions. Taking a hit to the head can happen off the playing field, too, as a result of car crashes, falls, or other scenarios. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls were the leading cause of all TBI-related emergency room (ER) visits in 2013 for kids under 14 and for adults 25 or older.
Regardless of how a brain injury happens, it’s important to know what symptoms to look for and how to proceed. Downplaying...
New Research Shows Concussion Laws Are Working
Not that long ago, youth athletes who suffered a head injury were often told to “shake it off” and get back in the game. Today, with growing concern about brain injury, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have passed concussion laws which have markedly reduced the number of repeat concussions . . .
Getting guns out of suicidal people's hands is a straightforward way ...
Getting guns out of suicidal people's hands is a st...