Dr. Jeffrey Mjaanes was recently featured in the Chicago Sun-Times discussing concussions among young athletes.

Emergency room visits for concussions among young athletes ages 8-13 have more than doubled in the last 10 years. Sports medicine and pediatric sports medicine physician Dr. Jeffrey Mjaanes believes that a contributing factor to the increase in concussions is that today's middle- and high-school athletes are bigger, stronger and faster than their predecessors. In addition, increased concussion awareness may lead to parents more readily bringing these athletes to the emergency room for care.

Dr. Mjaanes warns against the pressure that young athletes face to get back on the field before they're ready, "Changing that mentality, as well as educating coaches, parents and even some medical professionals about the seriousness of concussions is the key to reducing players' risk of injury." Young athletes are thought to be at greater risk for long-term developmental and cognitive problems because their brains are still developing. The Illinois High School Association has taken steps to prevent long-term injuries by prohibiting athletes with symptoms of a concussion from returning to play until they are cleared by a medical professional.

To read the full article please visit: www.suntimes.com