Have you ever grabbed food thinking you didn’t really want it, and then proceed to eat it, thinking with every bite that you would rather throw it away? Then hours after you were done, you felt uncomfortable, wondering why you ate it?
Why do cravings trump common sense?
The answer comes from the marvelous way our bodies compensate for toxins to keep us functional. When our bodies are digesting food, we are storing fats. When we create and store fats, our digestive system absorbs toxins from our blood stream and stores them in the fat. However, when we are not digesting, our bodies start gradually eliminating toxins, particularly when we start burning fats. This is a big deal because, as fats are consumed, the toxins are released again into the blood stream. These toxins disturb our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
This regulation of toxins allows our bodies to avoid overwhelming us with sudden jolts of toxic substances as we digest foods, yet detoxifies us steadily over a long period of time. Our bodies can release the toxins gradually over a long period of time, providing us relatively stable physical, emotional, and mental states, and avoid overloading our liver and kidneys with toxins while we are eating.
However, a problem arises when we consume foods with a lot of toxic substances. Our digestive systems efficiently pack away those substances into our fat while we digest, but, between meals, when we are not digesting, the toxic loading starts to release into our bloodstream and we begin to feel the side effects of these toxins, anxiety, nausea, anger fear, and often, physical pain.
If we feel uncomfortable, we can immediately stop these feelings by eating something! Think of caffeine addiction. Have you ever been living on a steady diet of coffee or soft drinks, and then stopped for a few days. If so, you have probably experienced the caffeine headache as you were detoxifying. You also undoubtedly discovered that one coffee or cola instantly eliminates the headache for several hours as the toxins are stored in fat. Just like Pavlov’s dogs, we get positive reinforcement for eating things that relieve discomfort and learn the opposite of what is true. Caffeine is the cause of the headaches, not the cure.
Similarly, fats and sugars put our bodies to work temporarily storing our toxins and relieving our symptoms, while, at the same time, adding to the overload of toxins. We eat to keep our digestive systems busy so we don’t feel the symptoms of toxic overload. Some foods, like fresh vegetables don’t create the needed digestive loading to eliminate this discomfort. In this way we often blame vegetables for causing our discomfort and falsely credit pastries, burgers and other heavy foods for curing us.
This addiction to foods is responsible for most deaths and chronic illness in the United States, whether hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, etc. The existence of these foods is not the problem. It is our body’s tendency to feel better when we eat these foods that is at the heart of the problem.
Now, the problem of detoxifying is that it is enormously uncomfortable. It is the cure of most chronic conditions in our society, but it is uncomfortable. It is so much more comfortable to eat a cupcake or drink a latte and have symptoms repressed than to eat fresh produce or drink water and live through the inevitable detoxification that will follow. It is a long process which requires patience and determination. The reward is manifold; mental clarity, emotional calmness, weight loss, freedom from pain, and increased energy and optimism.
For some this is easy. For others, this is more difficult than giving up smoking or alcohol. The Infratonic can ease the process. Applying the Infratonic to the upper chest brings a mental clarity and an emotional calmness as emotionally disturbing toxins are released into the system and eliminated. Applying to local areas of pain as they arise helps to relieve the pain and promote circulation to accelerate recovery. Often very old injuries or pains will re-emerge during cleansing, releasing the abnormal tissue and emotional trauma associated with the injury.
The trick is to “push” cleansing, to change your diet gradually so as to induce this cleansing at a comfortable or tolerable level. The comfort and clarity provided by the Infratonic allows you to proceed at a faster pace than you would do without it. Also, the knowledge you have learned from this article allows you to understand the detox process, which is very important so as not to assume that the problem causing foods are good for you because they relieve the symptoms.
Article Credit: Richard H. Lee
Photo Credit: http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/17402
In an autopsy report released on Monday, May 7th, it was revealed that the death of famous painter, Thomas Kinkade, resulted from an accidental drug and alcohol overdose.
While there was much debate among art critics through the years about whether Kinkade’s “paintings of light” qualified as art, there is no doubt that many people loved and embraced his images of charming cottages in idyllic settings imbued with soft, fairytale-like lighting. There were many people who were shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden and untimely death and mourned the loss of his life and his gift.
And yet, how many others have met with a similar fate? How many people continue to medicate their pain – whether physical and/or emotional – with a deadly cocktail of drugs and alcohol? Such a combination really is a time bomb. Ingesting the wrong amount of either can result in one having their life cut short far too soon. Such tragic deaths are brought immediately and directly to our attention, front and center, when it happens to a celebrity or high-profile person. But they are just the tip of the iceberg. No doubt, there are hundreds, if not thousands of “people next door” – ordinary citizens, who are not famous and that we never hear of who suffer such a fate. Losing someone (famous or not) to an accidental overdose leaves friends and families (and fans) reeling from shock and sorrow.
We may not be able to avoid some of the painful situations that come up in our lives, but we can certainly find healthier and more empowering methods of dealing with them than using drugs and alcohol. There are no shortages of horrific experiences that humans have suffered at the hands of another, and some things, though not horrific, still leave people feeling raw and vulnerable. It is understandable why people would want to numb their pain. But that never leads to a better place. The numbness eventually wears off and one is still left to deal with the feelings they have been trying to escape.
The pain of our emotions (anxiety, fear, worry, irritability, etc.) creates “noise” within our bodies. This noise disrupts our comfort (physical and emotional), resulting in symptoms which can range from mild to excruciating. That noise also interferes with the healing process and impacts our quality of life.
The opposite of anxiety is calmness. Calmness, which is a prime determinant of quality of life, can be achieved through a variety of techniques, including meditation, biofeedback, massage therapy, spending time in nature, progressive relaxation, and tranquil music, among other things. Reducing or eliminating internal noise improves calmness and quality of life, which then allows the harmonious cells to go to work accelerating healing.
Infratonic Therapy has the ability to quiet noise in the cellular system of the body, as well as the nervous system. And it provides healing with no side effects. Do you know someone who would like to experience a better quality of life?
Photo credit: glen.dahlman via Flickr
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that babies who are born suffering from withdrawal symptoms of prescription painkillers, due to their mothers’ use during pregnancy, has more than tripled in the U.S. during the period of 2000 to 2009. That translates to an estimated one infant born each hour with opioid withdrawal symptoms, or 13,500 babies per year.
Over that same period of time, women using opioid pain relievers (e.g. Oxycontin) during pregnancy nearly quintupled, and health-care costs, particularly relating to the care of drug-exposed infants being cared for in neonatal intensive care wards, increased from $190 million annually, to $720 million annually.
This study does not take into account whether the women using the opioids are doing so for medical reasons, as prescribed by their doctor, or whether they are addicted mothers who are using the opioids illicitly. However, it has been noted that the misuse of prescription drugs has risen in tandem with a significant increase in legitimate pain medication prescriptions.
The researchers of this study mined a database which contained information on millions of hospital discharges in thousands of hospitals in 44 states from 2000 to 2009. They discovered that infant opioid withdrawal appears to disproportionately affect children of low income families: 78% of mothers who gave birth to children who suffered symptoms of withdrawal were on Medicaid. An estimated 60-80% of babies exposed to chronic opioid use while in utero will develop neonatal abstinence syndrome, which is much like the symptoms that adults experience while going through drug withdrawal.
Drug exposed babies may experience common symptoms such as difficulty with feeding, difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. They are also three times as likely to have a low birth weight, which is linked to developmental problems.
We know that the number of men who use and/or abuse prescription pain medications is high in the U.S., but this trend of drug-dependent or drug-addicted mothers does bring to our attention an even more serious and significant issue which needs to be addressed and resolved. When we bear the responsibility of bringing a child into this world, don’t we owe it to them to give them every opportunity for a healthy life? It is impossible to imagine what a newborn must feel like to endure withdrawal symptoms immediately upon birth.
Infratonic Therapy has been found by many people to be extremely helpful in alleviating or eradicating many health issues and challenges, including inflammation and pain. Some people have also found it very helpful in assisting with the detox process. Infratonic Therapy could be very useful in helping women who are legitimately taking prescription pain relievers to alleviate their pain, as well as their dependence on prescription medications. Perhaps it would also be useful in accelerating the detox/recovery rate for those newborns who are born with neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Photo credit: http://www.freestockphotos.biz/stockphoto/7422
Wednesday, April 25th, is World Malaria Day. This day of recognition for this deadly disease was instituted by the World Health Assembly at its 60th session in May 2007. It is a day designated for recognizing the global effort to provide effective control and eventual eradication of malaria. The theme of World Malaria Day 2012 is Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria, which emphasizes continuing with the trend of gains by scaling up malaria interventions.
Malaria statistics according to the World Health Organization (WHO):
About 3.3 billion people – half of the world's population – are at risk of malaria. In 2010, there were about 216 million malaria cases (with an uncertainty range of 149 million to 274 million) and an estimated 655 000 malaria deaths (with an uncertainty range of 537 000 to 907 000). Increased prevention and control measures have led to a reduction in malaria mortality rates by more than 25% globally since 2000 and by 33% in the WHO African Region.
People living in the poorest countries are the most vulnerable to malaria. In 2010, 90% of all malaria deaths occurred in the WHO African Region, mostly among children under five years of age.
Facts about malaria:
What causes malaria?
Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and vomiting, and usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite. If not treated, malaria can quickly become life-threatening by disrupting the blood supply to vital organs. In many parts of the world, the parasites have developed resistance to a number of malaria medicines.
What interventions can be taken?
Key interventions to control malaria include: prompt and effective treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies; use of insecticidal nets by people at risk; and indoor residual spraying with insecticide to control the vector mosquitoes.
For a Fact Sheet with more information about malaria, visit: WHO Factsheet
For a year-round resource on eradicating malaria and to find ways that you can participate, visit worldmalariaday.org.
National Humor Month was founded in 1976 by Larry Wilde, an internationally known humorist and author. Larry is also the founder and director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, located in beautiful Carmel, California. The mission of the institute is to “heighten public awareness about the necessity of laughter as a tool for successful living.” Mr. Wilde notes “the act of laughing allows the body and mind to relax, to become more receptive to positive energy, to be refreshed!”
With negativity being broadcast in the news every day, one might think that there is nothing to laugh about. But in truth, we can observe good and wonderful things around us everywhere – things that cause us to feel lighter and more joyful. It is important to be aware of the lens through which you are viewing “reality.” Media organizations know that bad news sells – but it also taints our view of the world. Observe children at play. Oblivious to anything “bad” going on in the world, they fully immerse themselves in the act of play, experiencing joy and laughing freely. When was the last time you had a good belly-laugh? (I'll bet it wasn't while you were watching the news.)
Laughter is cathartic and therapeutic, and when shared, can form bonds and increase intimacy between people. Laughter triggers positive health changes, such as:
It lowers blood pressure, because the deep breathing sends oxygen-rich blood and nutrients throughout the body
It strengthens the immune system by increasing our natural “killer” cells (these destroy tumor cells and invaders of our bodies such as viruses), gamma interferon (a disease-fighting protein), T-cells (the “sentries” of our immune system), and B-cells (these produce disease fighting antibodies)
It triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals that promote an overall sense of well- being and can even temporarily relieve pain
It protects the heart, improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow
It gives the body a great workout by exercising the diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, facial, let and back muscles, even burning as many calories as a few minutes on the rowing machine or exercise cycle!
It improves brain function (better blood flow, more oxygen) which enhances learning, reduces stress and improves retention of information
(Taken from HealthNotes by Marla Lichtsinn, RN, MPA, FCN)
With all of those benefits, it seems important to find ways to bring more laughter into our lives. Try spending time with others who laugh easily. Watch comedies or skits that make you laugh. Try Laughter Yoga. Find whatever method you can to access that joyful, childlike part of yourself that doesn’t take itself or life so seriously.
Photo credit: free stock photos
"By now we know that genetically modified food makes up a substantial portion of our diet in the U.S., despite the lack of transparency in labeling. Food companies have been under scrutiny for years regarding lack of labeling for GMOs, and now, a coalition of family farmers and NGOs are working to put a proposition on California’s November ballot to require food companies to label products if they are “produced with genetic engineering.”
If this bill is passed by voters, it could well have a nationwide ripple effect, preventing food companies from going through one labeling process for California products and another for the rest of the country.
This isn’t the first time GMO labeling has been on a ballot. In 2002, Oregon attempted a similar vote, but grocery lobbyists and massive spending by major food companies trumped the proposition.
In 2004, California’s Mendocino County voted on a measure to ban the cultivation of genetically engineered crops there. Santa Cruz, Marin, and Trinity counties all followed soon after. Over the past several years there’s been less outcry over GMOs, with more activism geared toward finding alternatives to the industrial food system. The growth in popularity of farmers’ markets is just one example. Might as well do it yourself if the industry doesn’t want to take care of it, right?
Despite the lull in GMO outcry, recent developments have brought it back to the forefront. For example, Monsanto has sold genetically modified sweet corn seeds to many farmers. This will be the first genetically modified vegetable eaten directly by humans, as most GMO corn, canola, and soy products are either fed to animals or added to processed foods.
On top of that, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced his agency will allow GE alfalfa to be cultivated, despite companies like Stoneyfield Yogurt, Whole Foods, and Organic Valley fighting against it. This is a pretty big concern for some dairy farmers, too, as alfalfa can easily cross-pollinate with the feed fed to their cows. As a result, organic milk as we know it is could be at risk.
These are just some of the many factors that have led to Californians working toward the 800,000 signatures needed in order to get GMO labeling on the ballot. If it goes through (and we can only hope it does), it could be the beginning of a new level of transparency in the food industry in the United States."
Article copied from: http://www.the9billion.com/2012/03/15/the-push-for-genetically-modified-food-labeling-in-california/
To learn more about the Label GMOs Initiative or how you can ensure that the petition gets on the November ballot, click here.
April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism diagnoses have risen 78% over the past decade. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that as many as 1 in 88 children have been identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorders (a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges), making it likely that we all know at least one family directly affected by autism.
Whether it is true that the incidence of autism has risen so dramatically, or whether it is a matter that more physicians have recognized and diagnosed it more accurately, we do know that this is a growing challenge for a greater portion of the population. As to knowing what causes Autism Spectrum Disorders to occur, there does not seem to be a conclusive answer for that yet, but many researchers are working feverishly to find out – and new theories and possible causes are proposed frequently. Vaccines have been targeted as one of the most popular likely culprits for this fairly young disorder, and that certainly seems like a good candidate, though not everyone who gets vaccinated displays symptoms of autism.
We are seeing autism highlighted through entertainment now, with autistic characters portrayed in popular television series such as Parenthood and Touch, and in Tom Hanks’ latest film, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.” This is significant, because it brings the subject of this disorder to the mainstream audience, which helps with awareness.
You can read more about the disorder; the three different types, causes and risk factors, signs and symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment, at the CDC website.
If you are looking for support, tools or resources, there are some great organizations helping people living with the disorder in themselves or a loved one.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/
http://www.autismkey.com/
Photo Credit: Centers for Disease Control
Perhaps you have been noticing the increasing number of foods available that are labeled gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. While our ancestors consumed grains containing gluten with no apparent negative health effects, it is important to know that the grains that they ate were very different than those we consume today. And from an evolutionary standpoint, we have been around for almost 2 million years, while we have only been consuming grains for a few thousand years.
Over time, grains have gone from being a low-protein simple grain, to a high-protein, high-yield crop. With the birth of the agricultural revolution, grains have been stripped of their nutritional integrity, leaving them less digestible and more toxic to our bodies. Additionally, many of the grains we consume today in the United States have been genetically altered. The result of all of this is that we have a relatively new, highly cultivated version of grains that our bodies do not recognize in the same way and do not process well, which has led to many people experiencing an immune response to the gluten, resulting in health issues ranging in severity from mild and unpleasant to severe and life-threatening.
While this immune response tends to illicit a reaction in the digestive system for most people, any tissue in the body can be affected. It is believed that the grains we consume today are responsible for the development of many degenerative diseases afflicting humans today. The antibodies produced in reaction to these modern grains can attack the brain, bones, thyroid, pancreas, cause inflammation, and lead to destruction of the tissue. Some of the symptoms associated with these issues include migraines, depression, ADD/ADHD, brain fog, autism, epilepsy, diabetes, skin conditions, fatigue, hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid function), lupus, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, and a host of other chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Perhaps you can understand why many people are now eliminating gluten from their diet, including some high-profile celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zooey Deschanel, and Jenny McCarthy, who adopted a rigorous diet which included eliminating gluten, to help manage her son’s autism.
While the official USDA Food Pyramid Guide emphasizes a diet heavy in grain consumption, you may find that like many others, you feel better limiting or eliminating gluten from your diet.
If you are interested in reading a very thorough history of grains and gluten and a scientific explanation as to why it is so problematic for so many people, click here.
Photo Credit: CeliacDiseaseInfo.org
Meditation held a stigma for many years of being something only practiced by monks, yogis, serious martial artists, or hippies. Today, meditation is embraced by millions of people of all beliefs, backgrounds, race and age. Some doctors “prescribe” meditation to their stressed-out patients. It can be done virtually anywhere that is quiet, without any investment in special equipment.
When we are in a normal waking state, we are usually in beta brainwave range. This is the fastest brainwave state. In this state, our brain is engaged in mental activities (problem solving, worry, etc.).
When we are relaxed or in meditation we are generally in an alpha brainwave state. These brainwaves are slightly slower than beta.
The theta brainwaves are slower still and experienced in a deeply relaxed or meditative state (in more advanced practitioners). In this state, the hormone LTP (long-term potentiation) is released, which allows greater problem solving and memorization. Creative ideas are easily formulated in this state.
Delta brainwaves have the slowest frequency, and are experienced in deep, dreamless sleep and by experienced meditators, helping them access their unconscious mind.
All brainwaves are present at all times, though one brainwave state may predominate, depending on the activity level of the individual.
There is some disagreement about which brainwave state is the best to be in during meditation, but there is generally a consensus that meditation is always beneficial to anyone who practices it.
So what are the benefits of meditation? Neuroscientists have found that during meditation, brain activity shifts away from the stress-prone right frontal cortex, to the calmer left frontal cortex. The effect is that it helps you feel calmer and happier, and that effect can last throughout the day.
Additionally, among other things, mediation has been found to help:
- Regulate blood pressure
- Reduce anxiety
- Reduce tension
- Create relaxation
- Increase serotonin (which can help with depression and insomnia, and other issues)
- Enhance energy
- Assist in weight loss
- Create a sense of overall well-being
How does one begin to meditate?
You can try it on your own, join a group, or do guided meditations (my personal favorite).
If you want to try it on your own, begin by finding a comfortable place to sit in a quiet room (no distractions). If it is comfortable to do so, you may cross your legs, with your back straight (sitting in a chair or against a wall is helpful). Close your eyes and begin to breathe slowly and deeply. Focus on your breath and quiet your mind. You may find thoughts popping into your head, and that is normal. Be aware of the thought and then let it go, and go back to your breathing. You may feel like your mind is full of chatter each time you try to do this, but it does become easier over time. Start by doing just one minute sessions, and build up over time to whatever is comfortable for you.
You can also join a group to meditate with. MeetUp.com has lots of listings for a wide variety of gatherings, including spiritual and meditation groups. This could be a great way to get comfortable with this practice.
If you feel more comfortable doing a guided meditation, there are tons of resources available via CD’s or even on YouTube. This form of meditation can be a little easier for people who have difficulty turning of the mind chatter, but you will find that there are some guided meditations that you will love, and others that just annoy you. If you are able to hear samples before you purchase a CD, I would recommend doing so.
If you decide to try meditation, don’t worry about doing it right. Find what works for you, and make it a practice. The payoff will be worth it.
Photo credit: Clear Mind Meditation Techniques
Newswise — ITHACA, NY — Suppose your son or daughter has just been brought home from an athletic field with a concussion, complains of being tired and wants to go to sleep. Should you let that happen?
“There was a time when it was considered life-threatening to let someone suffering from a concussion to fall asleep,” said Chris Hummel, a certified athletic trainer and clinical associate professor in Ithaca College’s Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences. “But current research shows that sleeping is actually the best thing for a concussed player. Getting physical and mental rest helps an athlete recover from a concussion. But athletes should not be left alone the first night and should be seen by the sports medicine staff the next day.”
Concussion management, Hummel added, is very complicated and should only be undertaken by athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians and others with specialized concussion training. Still, it’s important for coaches, parents and athletes to know the difference between fact and fiction when applied to concussion basics.
FICTIONS:
•A normal CT scan rules out a concussion.
“A concussion results from a neuro-metabolic event brought on by the trauma,” Hummel said. “Simply put, there is an imbalance of the needed chemicals or fuel that helps the brain function when an athlete is concussed. That’s not a structural injury, so a CT scan won’t pick it up. CT scans can only view structural damage.”
•A player who has been knocked unconscious will suffer a worse concussion than a player who didn’t lose consciousness.
“A player doesn’t have to be knocked out to sustain a serious concussion,” Hummel said. “In some cases, individuals who are knocked out may suffer less severe trauma. In either case, the severity of the concussion might not be known for days or weeks.”
•Male athletes sustain more concussions than female ones.
“Male athletes sustain concussions at similar rates as female ones,” Hummel said. “However, recent studies have shown that symptoms might vary by gender, as males with concussions experience more physiological issues such as balance problems while females experience more psychosocial issues such as fatigue or low energy.”
•A grade-one concussion is less serious than one that’s a grade-three.
“We used to grade concussions during the initial diagnosis, but we no longer do that because we now know it’s difficult to accurately assess the severity of a concussion right away,” Hummel said. ”We have to wait and see how the symptoms resolve over time before we can determine how significant the concussion is or is not.”
•The harder someone is hit, the worse the concussion.
“It doesn’t always take a big hit to produce a concussion,” Hummel said. “Any contact to the head or body that causes rapid head movement can cause a concussion. It’s also important to point out that several lower impacts over time might be more serious than a single collision of great force. For example, offensive linemen in football, who experience contact on almost every play, could be more at risk for permanent brain damage than a wide receiver who absorbs a single hard hit once or twice a game.”
•Athletes can soldier through a concussion.
“No,” Hummel said. “Typically, it takes one to two weeks for concussion symptoms to resolve and for the brain to begin operating back at full capacity. Just because an athlete states his or her head has cleared, it’s no indication that he or she should go back into the game. It is not safe to go back on the field the same day after experiencing concussion-like symptoms.”
•Concussions are the same for adults and adolescents.
“Adolescent brains are still developing,” Hummel said. “The effects of a concussion on young athletes are more dynamic than on mature ones and may take longer to recover from.”
•Helmets prevent concussions.
“Helmets are designed to prevent skull fractures, not concussions,” Hummel said. “If a helmet is fitted properly, it might reduce the risk or severity of concussions, but no one helmet is capable of preventing a concussion, yet!”
FACTS:
•An athlete who has had one concussion is more likely to have another than an athlete who hasn’t been concussed.
“Once an athlete has experienced one concussion, the threshold for sustaining another concussion can be diminished. Also, if a player sustains another blow before he or she is fully recovered, the resultant symptoms can be worsened and result in a prolonged recovery. There is also a rare phenomenon called Second Impact Syndrome that can cause impaired brain blood flow or even death if an athlete suffers another trauma before fully recovering.”
•Concussions should be treated and managed on an individual basis.
“The brain is an incredibly complex organ, and so are the neurochemical processes that govern it,” Hummel said. “No two concussions are exactly alike anymore than the brains of any two individuals are identical. Concussion management begins by obtaining individual baseline (pre-injury) testing for each athlete. Once a concussion occurs you will then know what is ‘normal’ for that athlete. Once the athlete has become symptom-free and is back to his or her baseline test scores, a progressive return to play plan should be followed. This progression should consist of rest, light exercise, noncontact drills and then full practice before returning to game competition. Each level of recovery should take 24 hours. An athlete has to continue being symptom-free to proceed to the next level.”
•If you suspect a student-athlete of having a concussion, assume it’s a concussion.
“If an athlete describes having a headache or dizziness, shows signs of balance problems, or difficulty remembering, assume that player is concussed and have him or her evaluated by an athletic trainer or a physician trained in sports medicine,” Hummel said.
Image Credit: http://onsmd.com/condition_treatment/concussion/