" Football players experience repeated head trauma throughout their careers, which results in short and long-term effects to their cognitive function, physical and mental health."
It is not new news that individuals who participates in athletics and receive concussions suffer consequences later on in life, but even individuals who do not suffer concussions experience more late-life cognitive difficulties and worse physical and mental health than other former athletes and non-athletes. A diet high in fat can also facilitate these cognitive difficulties. "While the negative effects of repeated collisions can't be completely reversed, this study suggests that former athletes can alter their lifestyle behaviors to change the progression of cognitive decline," according to the article. The writers of the article further go on to state that after completion of competition, a change in diet and exercise can help improve mental and physical heatlh.
Researchers came up with a questionnaire and it was taken by former football and non-football athletes (or non-athletes) and it asked about current lifestyles and it showed that football players, especially ones that consumed more total and saturated fat and cholesterol reported more cognitive difficulties, than those who did not.
Football will always be around, and reduction in head injuries will always be the goal, but one thing that can be often neglected is the nutritional aspect of it. Low-fat, well-balanced diets are not only good for the active athlete but especially one that is not competing anymore.
I think its important that athlete's need to know that just because they are no longer playing football doesn't mean that they can slack on taking care of themselves. They still need to be healthy, they still need to take car of themselves. Not necessarily at the same level as they were in the NFL or whichever level they were participating at, but they do need to keep taking care of themselves.
ReplyDeleteIts also important that the athlete knows that just because they made it out of their football career without some current injury, doesn't mean they haven't created damage that will show its signs and symptoms later on in life. Head injuries are the most common topic right now, however arthritis and other musculoskeletal issues can arise because of their years playing football.
I believe the Athletic Trainer should inform the athlete's of the risks associated with the sport, along with doing their best to help prevent these injuries from occurring. Athlete's need to be informed on proper training and health techniques that are not only going to benefit them through their football career, but also to help them starve off injury later on in their life.