I. What advice would you give the patient about playing sports safely?
The advice that I would give a patient about playing sports safely is to properly protect your head and brain, this means to wear proper protective equipments, and to not ignore any symptoms of head injury or concussions. I would also advise to listen to your body and it's needs especially if they feel any kind of pain or discomfort. I would also talk about the importance of recovery and balance in order to not overtrain the body which can lead to injuries. Lastly, I would advise my patient to take their mental health seriously, sports is very challenging and cause a lot of stress, so if a you notice that your mental health is not going well, I would tell a patient to tell someone, who's close to them and that they can trust or a professional.
II. What questions would you have for the patient regarding playing sports?
Questions I would have for a patient in regards to playing sports would be:
Have you ever had a concussion or head injury?
Are you currently experiencing any pain?
How do you feel about playing this sport?
How are you currently feeling about your life?
Have you ever felt anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed related to sports?
Do you know the rules around concussion reporting?
Are you getting enough rest between practices?
Do you know the symptoms of a concussion, if so, do you you know the rules around concussion reporting?