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Exactly How Dangerous Is Football?

Exactly How Dangerous Is Football?
by D.O.C., OTD/C


Football! It's the most popular sport in the United States. It's a sport I excelled in as a child. I attended Miami Northwestern High School, the high school that produced the 4th most NFL products in the United States of America. My teammates and classmates included Vernon Carey (Miami Dolphins), Antonio Bryant (Dallas Cowboys), Vernand Morency (Green Bay Packers), Luke Leverson (Carolina Panthers) and Tory Cox (Tampa Bay Bucs). I also trained several NFL athletes such as New York Jets hall of famer Marvin Lewis, former Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee, Jacksonville Jaguar great Brandon Linder, former Kansas City Cheif wide receiver Marvin Minnis, and others. I have loyalties to Purdue University and Florida Atlantic University as I am an alumni of both schools. So I am entrenched in football as a former athlete and fan of the sport.



Marvin Jones

But recent events such as Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's concussion ordeal, as well as Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills near death experience has brought up a discussion and concern that has many parents contemplating whether or not to place their child in football programs, knowing the risks. As always, I will bring objective facts to towards the pros and cons regarding this physical sport.



Tuanigamanuolepola Tagovailoa

What is the QRS Complex?

The QRS complex represents the time required for the electrical stimulus to spread through the ventricles of the heart, read on an electrocardiogram (ECG)

What is Commotio Cordis?

 


ECG

This comes up because of the near-death experience of Buffalo Bills star Demar Hamlin. Commotio cordis is a rare phenomenon that can occur when chest wall trauma during the ascending limb of the T wave results in ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. The term commotio cordis translates to "agitation of the heart" in Latin. Commotio cordis occurs when you experience a trauma to your chest that can cause additional waves of electricity to pass through the heart muscle. The extra waves throw off your normal heart rhythm which can be deadly.

Why is football dangerous?

One reason football can potentially be dangerous is because of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, otherwise known as CTE. It is a deadly brain disease that can develop from the repetitive hits and tackles young football players experience.

Is football dangerous for adults?


Any sport (or any event for that matter) can be dangerous for adults. From boxing to basketball, the chance of injury is present within any mode of physical activity. One can sustain a concussion in a car accident. That does not mean we should not drive. Football can be as safe as it can be if all the safeguards are taken, equipment in check and rules are followed. The percentage of CTE for all people who have ever played football is actually low, provided the popularity of the sport.

 Is football dangerous for children?



Many parents start their children out at a very young age. However, because younger football players’ brains and bodies are not fully developed, they are more vulnerable to injuries, mainly to their brains. With more and more young people playing football, the risk of players becoming disabled is becoming greater and greater. Depression, behavior that is erratic, headaches, and Alzheimer’s disease (which does lead to death) are just some of the potential long-term effects of football.

-D.O.C., OTD/C

Visit us at www.onyxfitnesstherapy.com



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