The Hidden Dangers in Sports: A Physician's Perspective on Trauma and Responsibility, an Opinion.
As a physician, my duty extends beyond treating ailments; it encompasses counseling patients on lifestyle choices that impact their well-being. Among the myriad activities that pose potential risks, sports like football, soccer, hockey, downhill skiing, boxing, and motorcycle riding are particularly concerning due to the substantial trauma they can inflict, especially on the human brain.
The human head is not designed to withstand repeated impacts, unlike the head of a woodpecker, which has evolved to absorb the shock of constant pecking.
One recent development emphasizing the dangers of sports-related trauma is the article on CNN discussing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in teenage football players. The piece, published on November 20, 2023, underscores the alarming presence of CTE, a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head injuries, in adolescents engaged in contact sports. This revelation raises serious concerns about the long-term consequences of exposing young minds to activities that involve repeated head impacts.
People interested in CTE can watch the movie Concussion with Will Smith in main role, a real life story about a pathologist who discovered the condition.
As a healthcare professional, I advocate for stricter measures to protect the health of children. Schools, as guardians of their students' well-being, should take responsibility by prohibiting dangerous activities on their premises, much like the bans on smoking and drug use. Legal action should be considered against schools that knowingly and willfully allow students to participate in such risky sports, especially if encouragement is involved.
The existing evidence on the risks of CTE in teenage athletes should serve as a wake-up call for parents, educators, and policymakers. Children are in their formative years, and their health and safety must be prioritized over the thrill of competitive sports. It is crucial to instigate a cultural shift, emphasizing the importance of non-contact sports and physical activities that promote overall well-being without exposing young individuals to unnecessary risks.
In conclusion, the dangers associated with certain sports, particularly in the context of brain trauma, cannot be ignored. As a society, we must reevaluate our priorities, urging schools to take an active role in safeguarding the health of their students. Legal consequences for institutions that knowingly jeopardize the well-being of young athletes could be a crucial step towards ensuring a safer, healthier future for the generations to come.