NEW POST: Brain Health in Youth Contact Sports

A holistic strategy to be informed, not fearful

I played football throughout high school—helmet on, chinstrap tight, and heart pounding beneath my Scranton Prep jersey. Like many who’ve suited up under the Friday night lights, I walked off the field more than once seeing stars or feeling dazed. We called it "getting your bell rung."

Looking back, there’s no doubt I experienced several mild concussions—head injuries that never earned a formal diagnosis, but undoubtedly left their imprint.

Fast forward to today: we know better. We understand that even so-called “minor” head injuries—especially repeated ones—can have a profound impact on long-term brain health. And as a father of children who have played (and still play) competitive lacrosse, I now see the game through the lens of both a physician and a parent. Lacrosse is fast, beautiful, and intense—and like all high-contact sports, it carries real neurological risks.

This article is not about discouraging young athletes from the sports they love. It’s about equipping families with the tools to protect their children’s cognitive health—before and after injury. With the right preparation and a holistic plan, we can protect the brain while preserving the joy of competition.