How to Prevent Concussions
Head trauma can lead to death or brain injuries that can affect your memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance, and coordination. Check out these tips on how to prevent concussions.
Up next in How to Deal with a Concussion (3 videos)
A head injury is nothing to fool around with. Learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent concussions with the information in these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- Helmet
- Seat belt
- Slip mats
- Appropriate footwear
- Good judgment
- Mouth guard (optional)
- Car seat (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Wear a helmet
Wear a helmet when playing sports like football, hockey, or lacrosse, or when participating in any recreational activity that puts you at risk for head injuries, like skiing or snowboarding, or riding a horse, motorcycle, or bicycle.
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Wearing a specially designed mouth guard during contact sports can also help prevent concussions.
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Step 2
Strap on a seat belt
Prevent concussions in motor vehicles. Always wear a seat belt to keep your upper-body stable in case of an accident.
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Place toddlers and infants in appropriately sized car seats.
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Step 3
Dive safely
Heading for a swim? Never dive into water that's less than 9 feet or 3 meters deep to avoid hitting your head against the bottom.
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Step 4
Clean the floor
Help turn homes into slip-free zones. Light rooms well, keep floors clear of hazards, and place rubber slip mats in showers and bathtubs to prevent unexpected falls. Seniors especially should wear thin, hard-soled, flat shoes -- high heels, sandals, and bouncy sneakers can impair balance.
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Step 5
Use your brain
Think about your actions. If you're concerned that an activity could cause a brain injury, take a moment and judge the risks before getting involved. Remember: the easiest way to prevent a concussion is to use your head!
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In 2010, the National Football League began requiring its teams to hang a poster on the dangers of concussions in locker rooms.
