Sports have long been a big part of the Southington community, but injuries are also part of the game.
When it comes to injuries, one of the most dangerous facing local athletes are concussions, an issue that if not treated properly can have long-lasting and even lifelong effects that can be devastating to a growing teenager. The Southington High School athletic department is stepping up to make sure students know how to take care of themselves in the event they end up with a concussion.
Lee McLean-Houle, secretary with the athletic department, announced Tuesday that the school will host a special "Concussion Discussion" on Oct. 10, focusing on providing local residents with the information they need to avoid problems.
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The program will feature a discussion led by Dr. Carl Nissen, a certified sports medicine expert with the University of Connecticut Medical School in Farmington. Nissen will go through what to look for including symptoms, how to treat concussions and the best way to make a full recovery.
The program comes after the Board of Education had a discussion last school year, led by Southington Athletic Director Eric Swallow, regarding concussions in sports today.
Swallow said while dangerous, technological and medical advancements have minimized the way a concussion can impact a student.
"The primary objective is to provide the information to parents and students to assure the safety of all our athletes," he said.
The program will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the Southington High School auditorium.
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