Concussion Management

Watching the exciting UEFA semi-finals, I was struck by a concussion and it's management during the game.
Check out the video here first:

It should also be noted that after a quick evaluation he was allowed back on the pitch and, eventually, several minutes later, subbed off.  Watching this left me with some questions.
1.  Does UEFA have specific rules regarding this?  For instance, if this were the NHL/NFL, etc., he would be out of the game immediately, right? Why isn't unconsciousness grounds for immediate removal from game play? Perhaps the rules are different?  Lastly, how does this align with the Zurich Protocol?
Of course, I had the benefit of TV and countless replays, while this medical staff was in a pivotal moment at a crucial match.  I would never question the decision made, as I was not present personally, but as a teacher, I have to understand to better explain why some injuries are managed differently from our position statements to the clinical world.  

Looking further into this, I found an interesting blog which seems to be neat resource for all things concussion.  You can check it out at http://theconcussionblog.com/

Spring Motivation

Each spring I get fired up, sign up for a few 10k's, maybe a sprint tri, and try to get going again.  I guess it's my way of breaking out of winter hibernation in Maine.  Last night I came across this video which was both emotional and inspiring.  Amazing stuff. 

Check out a Runners World Article on Ben here:


His personal blog/website: Ben Does Life            Hope you enjoy as much as I did!

History of Ironman...from a medical perspective.

I teach an online course each summer called The History of Athletic Training,  The premise behind it is that in order to better appreciate the present, we need to examine the past. It's easy to look at today and complain where we are at, but if you look a bit closer, and  further back, even a few decades, you can see we've come quite far in a number of areas.  In addition, it's nearing the start of triathlon season (yes!).  With those thoughts in mind, I devoured this article posted online a few weeks ago.

Check it out:  http://triathlon.competitor.com/2012/03/training/from-the-inside-triathlon-archives-iron-docs_49285

Some prevailing thoughts at the time (keep in mind this was the 80's):
1.   Glycogen runs out
2.   Electrolyte levels didn't change
Boy, has that changed over the years!

Triathletes have always fascinated me; the sacrifice of training in three separate disciplines certainly requires diligence and a level of self experimentation that is intriguing.  At any rate, if you are interested in working at one of these events, this article is a must read.