Injuries

            Injuries, we all acquire them as a result of our participation in activities.  Sometimes there is a point that we have to make a hard decision that it may be best to discontinue involvement in such undertakings.

            Everyone has a sport they love or activity that they enjoy doing.  However, there is generally a point in time that it is best to quit playing football, to prevent permanent brain damage, or whatever sport it is.  The upside is, even if you are not able to keep participating as actively as you have been, there is probably a chance you can still be involved by coaching younger players or going to games.

            This last Wednesday I injured my neck while dancing.  After 12 years of dance I am seriously considering quitting dance to prevent any further injury.  Even though I am very upset by this, I know that I am still choreographing a fan dance for a school performance and hopefully a liturgical dance on Easter at my church.

            This has reminded me a lot of the new concussion rules in my state.  Following a concussion, athletes must pass certain tests before being allowed to play again; after a certain amount of concussions, athletes are no longer allowed to return to playing.

            At the same time, athletes and coaches need to practice properly to try and prevent injury.  Warming up slowly and stretching before and after exercise can help to prevent injury and keep you from having to make these difficult decisions.  Always listen to your coaches and don’t goof off and follow the rules of your sport each and every time you practice and play.

            As athletes, sometimes we have to make difficult decisions.  The decisions may be whether to swing or not, but they may be to never swing again.  We have to learn when to decide what the best for our health is, even if this may mean giving up a sport that we love.

327