Editorial: Positive steps on concussion

Hawke's Bay Today News Editor James Ford. Photo / File

Thankfully, as a nation our approach to head injuries, particularly concussions, has changed dramatically.

It appears we are finally ridding ourselves of the notion that the more times you dust yourself off and continue after a heavy hit, the tougher you are.

The more your team mates will respect you and the more you will be lauded among your peers for another battling performance.

Finally, the shambling wrecks left confused and unable to articulate their thoughts following a sterling career have forced us to make changes.

ACC figures show that in the 12 months to June 2017 there were 484 traumatic brain injury claims lodged by people in Hawke's Bay. There have since been another 195 claims to the end of October.

It's an astonishing statistic that makes one wonder how many go untreated.

Brain Injury Association Hawke's Bay chairman Brett Morris summed up the traditional Kiwi approach perfectly from his own experience.

"I went back on the pitch and indeed discharged myself from hospital afterwards. I had a kind of, 'it'll be all right, just take a concrete pill and harden up' attitude."

Last week the Havelock North Function Centre played its part by hosting Geneva Healthcare's first ever BrainStorm: Heads Together For Concussion Conference.

It is a major step in the right direction.

Although we will never be able to completely eliminate the risk of playing any contact sport, we are addressing a subject that affects so many.

Hopefully our children will grow up with a wider knowledge and offer support to those who sensibly choose to sit the next match out to recover.
It's time to dump the 'she'll be right' attitude.