GEYF CONCUSSION AWARENESS CARD Signs:                                                 Facial Muscle Impairment Ringing of Ears                               Generalized Fatigue Personality Changes                   Decreased Thinking Skill Dizziness                                          Vomiting Vision Impairments                     Anything Unusual Headache   Treatment: Rule Out Neck Injury Remove From Play Refer to appropriate Medical Staff as soon as possible Avoid Medications: They may mask or worsen condition

 

 

What parents and coaches need to know about

Youth Football and the Heat!! 

 

When football season starts in Bakersfield, local youth will be playing in very hot and often humid conditions. Coaches and parents should know that athletes need access to water. Water is the most important hydrating element you can provide. Players need to be able to drink whenever they want. An athlete must continue to hydrate so that they don’t get thirsty. If you are thirsty, you are already behind in water consumption and getting into a potentially problematic situation.

 

Remember, water is not a reward, it is essential…

 

 

 

Tips to manage asthma while playing:

• Always start the session with warm up exercises.

• Ensure the inhaler is taken beforehand.

• Ensure that you always have your inhaler handy with you.

• Try to avoid things that trigger asthma eg pollen, smoke.

• If asthma symptoms are seen while playing, ensure that you stop playing and take the reliever inhaler. Ensure that you start playing only when you feel better.

• Always end your football session with cool down exercises.

How to Identify an Asthma Emergency

Most asthma attacks start out slowly (over hours or days), building gradually before symptoms reach emergency status. But sometimes sudden attacks occur. Asthma symptoms can become life threatening, requiring immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or go directly to the emergency department of the nearest hospital if you experience:

• Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or tightness in the chest that does not respond to inhaled or oral medications

• Difficulty talking

• Rapid or shallow breathing

• Flared and enlarged nostrils

• Tightly-pulled skin in the neck area and/or around the rib cage with each breath

• A gray, dusky, or bluish skin color, beginning around the mouth or under the fingernails

• A peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) that falls 50 percent below your target PEFR or that falls into the danger zone as determined by your physician

Work with your doctor to develop a personalized asthma management plan that explains what to do when asthma symptoms worsen and learn to recognize the early signs of an attack. The sooner medications are started, the easier it is to reverse an episode.

 

How to Identify an Anaphylaxis Emergency

Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, can be caused by insect stings, latex, foods, and medications. An anaphylactic response occurs rapidly, often beginning within seconds or minutes of exposure to the allergen.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:

• Tingling sensation and/or itching

• Hives

• Swelling of throat and mouth

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking

• Difficulty breathing

• Abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting

• Sudden feeling of weakness (indicating a drop in blood pressure)

• Disorientation

• Collapse and unconsciousness

If you suspect anaphylaxis:

• Don’t delay - call emergency services or 9-1-1 and get treatment immediately.

• Help the patient lie down on his back and elevate the feet higher than the head. Try to keep him from moving unnecessarily.

• If prescribed by your physician, administer an EpiPen® or EpiPen® Jr. Auto-Injector.

• Keep the patient warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing and cover him with a blanket. Do not give the patient anything to drink.

What to Do Until Paramedics Arrive

So you’ve called 9-1-1 . . . now what?

• First, remain calm. Stay with the patient, offering support and encouragement that help is on the way.

• Follow the asthma management plan as prescribed by your physician (such as using a nebulizer or metered-dose inhaler in case of an emergency).

• If it is nighttime, turn on an outside light to help guide emergency personnel to your door.

• Have a written copy of the patient’s asthma management plan available, as well as a list of all medications currently being taken.

• If younger siblings are at home, make arrangements to have them stay with a neighbor or friend if necessary.

• Take a deep breath and try to stay calm.