Josh loved to play soccer. While normally a quiet 9-year-old, his competitive nature came out in full force when he hit the field. During a regular season game, he collided with an opposing player on the field. Despite the concerns of his coach, he insisted on staying in the game.

Later that evening, Josh's mom noticed he was struggling to answer simple questions, and she knew the situation was more serious. A trip to the emergency room confirmed a mild concussion.

What is a concussion, and why is it so serious?

The Sports Concussion Institute defines it as a "complex pathophysiological process that affects the brain, typically induced by trauma to the brain. It can be caused either by a direct blow to the head or an indirect blow to the body, causing neurological impairment."

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions are estimated to occur each year.

In essence, a concussion is considered a brain injury. Under normal circumstances, the human brain floats within the skull surrounded by cerebral spinal fluid. This fluid acts as a shock absorber for minor impacts.

When the brain is forced to one side of the skull and makes contact with the hard surface of the skull as a result of a strong impact, a concussion has occurred. The danger of a concussion is that delicate neural pathways in the brain could be damaged by that impact, thus resulting in neurological damage or disturbances.

"When a brain injury has occurred, it's really best to err on the side of caution," advised Dr. David Hilmo, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and Director of Neurology at Orchard Park Rehab in Orem. "When a patient has experienced a head injury, he may not notice the onset of symptoms - but family members or friends may notice a change in behavior, confusion, change in personality, cloudy thinking or inability to respond to questions."

Hilmo explained that a patient will likely report a headache or feel dizzy. In fact, the CDC reports these are the two most common symptoms reported immediately following the incidence of a concussion by injured athletes. Although the patient may downplay the way he feels, it is important to see a physician to be sure the brain injury isn't more serious.

While it is difficult to anticipate and prevent brain injuries on the field, you can take measures to protect children during normal physical activities. Hilmo recommends helmets.

"Fortunately the use of helmets is becoming more in style with high-profile athletes in cycling, snowboarding and longboarding, so it is easier to convince your kids of the importance of wearing protective headgear," Hilmo said.

Watching people, both young and old, engage in daily physical activity is a good thing. But an important part of those activities is knowing what signs to look for in the event of a brain injury. Know the signs, seek immediate medical care and wear protective head gear when possible.

The post Seeing stars: The hidden danger of a concussion appeared first on FamilyToday.

Dolores used to love cooking Sunday lunch for her large family. With four adult children who had busy lives with families of their own, this weekly time together meant a lot to her. But as the pain in her back and legs increased, it was difficult for Dolores to move around. Eventually, her children took over the role of hosting Sunday lunch as well as helping her during the week, but Dolores still longed for the days of better health.

Osteoporosis comes without warning affecting millions of women each year. But it's not just the women who are affected, the pain, loss of energy and mobility affects every member of the family.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, "about half of all women over the age of 50 will have a fracture of the hip, wrist or vertebra (bone of the spine) during their lifetime" as a result of it.

Dr. Yun Ling, Internal Medicine Physician for Central Utah Clinic, explains that osteoporosis "is related to the sharp hormone level drop in estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones stimulate bone density. Once they decrease, your bones start to thin."

Because osteoporosis has no symptoms, Dr. Ling recommends five strategies to help prevent this debilitating condition.

1. Exercise

Dr. Ling suggests a combination of weight-bearing exercises accompanied by cardiovascular activities such as running or jogging.

2. Don't forget your calcium

Dr. Ling recommends a diet rich in dairy, green leafy vegetables and beans. Calcium supplements don't work as well as natural calcium found in food, so get as much calcium from your meals as possible.

And stay away from the soda! Dr. Ling warns against too much caffeine, as it can deplete the bone of calcium.

3. Pay attention to Vitamin D

Because of the real concern about skin cancer, people are lathering up with sun block, which prevents the body from absorbing much-needed Vitamin D. About 75 percent of the American population is deficient in Vitamin D. The good news is that supplements are a safe and effective alternative to sunlight. Start checking your Vitamin D levels around the age of 30.

4. Screen early

One of the most common risk factors for osteoporosis is genetics. If you have a history of osteoporosis in your family, go see a doctor for a screening right away. This can help guard against any further calcium depletion.

5. Take your meds

In moderate to severe cases of osteoporosis, many patients have found success with some types of medications, such as Fosamax, Reclast and Prolia. However Dr. Ying is aware that some patients experience side effects.

"Not everyone can take prescription medications. Some experience irritation of the esophagus," said Dr. Ling. "In that case, many switch to injections. For people with gastrointestinal problems, injections offer an effective option."

By keeping an active lifestyle, incorporating healthy foods into your diet, getting lots of Vitamin D, screening early for osteoporosis, and receiving proper treatment through medication, you can arm yourself with the strongest tools to build strong bones.

According to Healthywomen.org, there are as many as 8 million American women who already have osteoporosis, and 34 million have low bone density, thus putting them at risk of developing the disease. However by taking proactive measures now, you and your family can help delay or prevent the damage of osteoporosis.

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