Source: today.com | Repost Duerson Fund 4/10/2023 –
Contact sports, concussions, caffeine. These brain experts and parents share the activities that could increase the risk of harm or injury to kids’ brains.
The brain develops faster in childhood than any other part of life. That’s why it’s so important to take measures to protect your kid’s noggin and promote healthy brain growth to ensure they reach their full potential.
Children’s brains are especially vulnerable to injuries, infections and toxins, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Certain activities or behaviors can increase the risk of harm or injury to the brain, or even death. But even habits that may seem more benign can impact brain development and cause long-term problems, experts say.
A neurologist and psychiatrist who are also parents share which activities they would avoid in order to reduce the risk of harm or injury and keep their kids’ brains healthy.
Contact sports — or anything — without a helmet
Kids participating in most contact sports or any activity involving wheels should wear a helmet, the doctors emphasize. This includes football, hockey, baseball, lacrosse; riding bicycles, scooters or horses; skateboarding, rollerskating, skiing and snowboarding.