Concussions are playing a significant role in society. Concussions are particularly fascinating because they affect each individual differently. While your brain is a key function in our everyday lives, it also serves as our main processor to determine logical solutions and resolve problems. When a concussion occurs, people are less likely to make decisions, putting them at risk of severe long-term problems. In Harrison High School, various students have a history of head injuries through sports or physical activity. 

While concussions are most commonly seen in sports that involve physical contact, they can also occur in other aspects of life that require risky behavior. Junior Ronan Rinaldi, experienced a concussion when he was in Elementary School. His concussion was due to him falling off of a chair and hitting his head at the Bronx Zoo. Although he was concussed in elementary school, he still experiences the effects of the injury. For example, he has more difficulty memorizing course material. Studies show that concussions truly do alter the brain in recognition of recurring situations. 

Concussions have an enormous effect on all groups no matter your age, physical health, or gender. Specifically, the National Football League has had various problems with head injuries because they are highly common in athletes. According to nfl.com, the total reported concussions, throughout the 2023 season, was 219. Health specialists have recommended certain precautions to reduce this number. For example, the “guardian cap”, an additional protective piece attached to the helmet is offered to players for their own safety. This item is fairly new in the league which makes it uncommon for players to utilize. However, each week continues to see an uptick in the total players wearing them.

Football is a brutal sport that can tear down the health of numerous players. A notable player who has experienced extreme brain trauma is former wide receiver Antonio Brown. A few years ago, Brown suffered a severe concussion on a hit to the head by Linebacker Vontaze Berfict. In the years following, he announced his diagnosis of CTE; the result of having chronic trauma to the brain. Unfortunately, one play changed the entire trajectory of his career. Reflecting back on this injury, he has openly stated his noticing aggression and mood swings in attitude. He personally believes that his CTE was a collection of hits leading up to the one displayed below. Head-to-head contact causes a person to lose alertness and awareness of the situation which can lead to being unconscious. 

Ronan Rinaldi and Antonio Brown are just two of many people to be affected by head injuries. Millions of injuries each year to the brain can result in serious repercussions or even death. It should be everyone’s number one priority to value their health and safety to maintain a life of spiritual happiness. When the brain is stalled, all parts of life are affected so it is necessary to take the proper precautions.