HSS will provide access to high quality preventative, surgical, rehabilitative and performance services to GCDS athletes in addition to their specialties in orthopedic surgery and the treatment of rheumatologic conditions. Once a week, an HSS physician will also be available on campus in the Athletic Training Room, and a physician from HSS will be present for game-day coverage at all home football games.

“Not only are we gaining access to elite orthopedic care, but the resources and technology of HSS are unparalleled,” says Patrick Curry, GCDS head athletic trainer. “This year our athletes will receive expert HSS movement analysis using FDA-endorsed 3D computer vision technology that will help our athletic trainers and coaches to prevent injuries. Athletes and coaches will also run through the HSS Sport Safety Program to establish proper warm up techniques, awareness of body position, and recognition of unsafe movements while playing sports.”

The lead HSS physicians for GCDS are Warren K. Young, MD, who is a team physician for Iona College and Concordia College; Samuel A. Taylor, MD, who currently serves as associate team physician for the New York Giants; and Karen M. Sutton, MD, who is head team physician for U.S. Women’s Lacrosse, chief medical officer for World Lacrosse, and team physician for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. In addition to a main campus in New York City, HSS has facilities in Westchester and Stamford among others.

“Young athletes are demanding peak performance from their bodies and we want to work with parents, coaches and training staff to ensure they maintain overall fitness to prevent injury while having fun,” said Dr. Sutton, sports medicine surgeon at HSS Stamford. “It’s important for young athletes to develop a foundation of strength beginning with their entire core, participate in exercise programs that promote flexibility, eat right and pay attention to pain.”

GCDS will also collaborate with HSS to offer informational workshops and presentations for students, parents, and coaches on key topics related to health and wellness such as nutrition, stress management, and injury prevention and recovery.

“We envision HSS as a helpful resource for our families,” notes GCDS Athletic Director Tim Helstein. “Their expertise benefits families with students of all ages and interests. We want everyone to be healthy, safe, and knowledgeable—whether they are playing in their first flag football game, rehearsing for the Middle School musical, training for a dance showcase, or playing competitive sports at the highest level.”

About GCDS

Greenwich Country Day School is a co-ed, independent Nursery - Grade 12 college preparatory day school in Greenwich, CT, that graduates ethical, confident learners and leaders with a strong sense of purpose--ready to embrace opportunities and challenges in a world of rapid change. The purposeful mission of academic excellence and character development is as relevant today as it was at the school’s founding in 1926. GCDS’s curriculum builds a solid background in the sciences and humanities while challenging students to develop critical knowledge and skills through inquiry, exploration, interdisciplinary studies, and real-world applications. The school’s pedagogy and curricula seek to bring forward multiple perspectives, disciplines, and voices as a means to deepen learning and develop empathy. Important lessons are learned not only in the classroom, but also on the playing fields, in the art room, on stage, and through extracurricular activities, such as the chess team, robotics club, and student publications. An extensive community service program and numerous leadership opportunities teach students to turn their initiative and generosity into meaningful action. GCDS is a joyful learning environment where curiosity and creativity are valued, resilience is cultivated, and the health and well-being of every student is essential. GCDS graduates are known as exceptionally well-prepared for success in higher education—and in life. www.gcds.net

Dr. Young writes that the study is strong as it compares concussion rates in a single football league with a high player participation rate. 

"Ultimately, the way to best improve sport safety will be multi-factorial. However, this study suggest rule changes may decrease concussion rates and improve the safety of the game. More studies like this and the epidemiology study that identified kickoffs as high risk for concussion would help to further our understanding and continue to make the game safer at all levels," added Dr. Young.

This article appeared in the December 2018 print issue.

Dr. Young, who did not treat Karius, noted that when it comes to concussions, it's always better to err on the side of caution.

"The player should be fully evaluated. Best practices should include a full neurological exam, which can take 10 minutes to do complete," said Dr. Young.

Read the full article at inverse.com.

Dr. Young, who did not treat Gronkowski, explained how athletes who suffer a concussion return to the field.

"Once his symptoms start improving, then he'll start adding on some cognitive and physical activity — some light aerobic activity, like the stationary bike, jogging, or agility exercises — to see if he can tolerate some of those," said Dr. Young. Additionally, he noted it is not a good sign if the athlete's symptoms worsen with increased physical activity.

Overall, Dr. Young explained that concussion symptoms typically resolve within 7 to 10 days.

If Gronkowski is not able to recover in time for the Super Bowl, which is in two weeks, Dr. Young said "that probably means he has significant enough symptoms that it was a clear, cut and dry case that should not be on the field".

Read the full article at boston.com