Henry Mayo To Host Free Youth Sports Concussion Seminar

In 2012, an estimated 329,290 children (age 19 or younger) were treated in U.S. emergency departments for sports and recreation-related injuries that included a diagnosis of concussion or TBI (traumatic brain injury), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A brain injury can have serious ramifications so proper diagnosis and treatment of a concussion are essential for recovery. Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is offering a free Youth Sports Concussion Seminar on Monday, July 31, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Henry Mayo Center on the hospital campus, 23803 McBean Parkway in Valencia.  At the seminar parents, coaches and others involved in youth sports can learn how to recognize concussion symptoms and the steps to take if you suspect a child has incurred a concussion..

“Henry Mayo is committed to keeping our young athletes safe,” said Glenn Dabatos, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Henry Mayo. “Our goal is to educate the SCV on the dangers of traumatic brain injury and to provide information on the appropriate protocols. Our expert presenters at this seminar will provide the community accurate information on what steps to take if a child displays concussion-like symptoms.”

Presentations will be given by Andrew Blecher, MD, Sports Medicine, Southern California Orthopedic Institute, and Sarah Ehrsam, MA, ATC, head athletic trainer at College of the Canyons. Dr. Blecher is board certified in sports medicine. Ehrsam is an adjunct faculty member in the COC kinesiology department. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.