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Concussions seem to be the most common injury nowadays. Some could have an concussion right now and not know it. Even those who don't participate in sports may suffer concussions. "Concussions have many symptoms. Some of them are nausea, headache, dizziness, mental foggy, think and paying attention in class concentration, and bothered by lights and electronics can trigger," said Richard Guinan, Central York's sports and medicine teacher. Guinan said, concussions are different and can go away depending on the person's healing pattern. Concussions could last a few days, weeks, months or even a lifetime. For football players there are monitors built in some of the helmets. They measure the impact of a player's hit, when gets sent to the monitor that Guinan holds. Then tells if they need to be tested for a possible concussion. Guinan also said that athletes are required to take an impact test to determine whether they have had a concussion. You take it then they compare it to your score from when your normal to you with a concussion. Jen Elder, a Central York High School senior, who currently plays tennis, has had several concussions before. Q: How does it feel not having playing time while having a concussion? A: Not being able to play something you love is one of the worst feelings a person can have. I feel like I let my team down and I let myself down when I can't play. Q: Have you ever tried to lie about having one to play or never? A: Yes. I always wanted to be on the court so I would say I was fine, but in reality I wasn't. I couldn't function at my normal level. Q: Were you having trouble concentrating in school because of your concussions? A: I struggled at times. I would forget to do questions on tests. I am fortunate that I have recovered from my concussions. Q: How many concussions have you had? A: I have had four Q: What sports do you play? A: I played volleyball, basketball, and softball. After four concussions, I am only allowed to play tennis. Q: How do you feel about that now? Do you like tennis? A: I love tennis. In a weird way, everything has worked out. I will be playing tennis in college. Also, because I couldn't play many sports anymore I joined other activities. I was the lead in school musicals, still am student council secretary, and national honors society treasurer. So concussions can be a serious issue sometimes it works out for others at times it doesn't. Be careful on how you handle your head because you can really damage it to a point where you can't do anything anymore.
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