Project 1
Bracie Gray
Professor Hammet
English Composition II
ENG1213-20
February 28, 2024
Concussions in Athletes
“Down, Set, Hit!” The quarterback takes the snap. He drops back to make the pass. Boom! Everything goes black. As you regain consciousness, the faces around you are filled with concern, asking you questions that you cannot remember the answers to. Head trauma, brain swelling, and concussion are the last words any athlete wants to hear. However, those words are becoming more common in the world of sports today, especially in high school sports. Today, coaches and administrators are not appropriately trained to provide the appropriate care and education for athletes who are affected, which compounds the problem. Concussions have become a huge epidemic in the world of sports at all levels, from high school to professional; stricter rules are starting to be implemented on things like head-to-head contact and creating new protective gear to lessen the risks of concussions.
In order to put an end to the concussion crisis, it is essential that parents, coaches, and athletes are educated on the severity of concussions. By providing these individuals with the key information regarding the tell-tale signs, symptoms and long-term effects of concussions, they can become more aware and better equipped to recognize and respond to injuries. If they can gain the ability to identify and react to head injuries correctly, it could lessen the risk of concussions. Athletes can emphasize reporting symptoms and following recovery recommendations, and coaches can utilize safer training tactics. In addition, parents are a key aspect in promoting their child’s safety and making sure the appropriate medical attention is obtained when necessary. By taking action, such education can create an understanding for concussion prevention and care. It develops a collective awareness, therefore reducing the incidence and the severity of these traumatic brain injuries in sports.
One important way to lower the risk of concussions in athletes is through advancements in sporting gear. Helmets in particular have undergone significant improvements. In order to improve the distribution of impact forces in helmets, manufacturers have been using trained expert materials such as expanded polypropylene and thermoplastic urethane, which have higher absorbing qualities (Bartsch A; Benzel E;Miele V;Morr D;Prakash V;). Therefore, in order to reduce the rotational acceleration which is a primary contributor to the severity of concussions, helmet designs have emphasized om enhancing the coverage in helmets. These advancements highlight how technology can improve player safety and lower the number of concussions in various sports and leisure activities (Bartsch A;Benzel E;Miele V;Morr D;Prakash V;).
Another important part of reducing the risk of concussions in sports is practicing safe techniques and staying physically active. Athletes who are well-versed in their respective sports are better able to carry out moves safely, which lowers the risk of head injuries. First, collision force can be minimized by emphasizing correct form and technique. Athletes trained to maintain good body alignment and head placement can significantly decrease the force impacted on the skull upon impact in collision-prone sports such as football and rugby (Harmon KG;Clugston JR). Second, thorough training regimens can improve athletes’ sense of balance, strength, and agility. All of which are essential for preserving stability and balance. Athletes with better balance and coordination are less likely to fall or collide awkwardly, lowering the risk of brain injury.
Additionally, coaches and athletes must get instruction regarding the symptoms and indicators of concussions. It is possible to prevent future problems by immediately evaluating and providing proper medical care to players who may have suffered a head injury. A safer playing environment is achieved by introducing methods such as safe heading in soccer, correct tackling technique, and the addition of regulations to reduce unnecessary harsh play. In the end, concussion occurrence and severity can be significantly reduced using appropriate procedures, extreme training, and awareness, improving athletes’ long-term well-being.
One of the most important aspects of concussion prevention in sports is pre-participation screening, which is a vital tool for identifying athletes who are more susceptible to injury and for successfully putting preventative measures in place. Medical examinations, baseline tests, and assessments of the athlete’s past medical history and present health are usually part of these exams (Rowson & Duma, 2013). First off, medical exams performed as part of pre-participation testing can find any underlying illnesses or risk factors that could put an athlete at risk of concussions. Which includes neurological conditions, prior head trauma, and other medical conditions that could make a person more prone to head trauma. Equipped with this knowledge, medical personnel, and coaches can customize training plans and put specific techniques into place to reduce the risk for these individuals. Athletes’ usual cognitive and physical function is established using baseline testing, which includes neurocognitive exams and balance evaluations. (Rowson & Duma, 2013)These baseline measurements offer valid comparable data in the event of a suspected concussion, which helps medical professionals diagnose injuries accurately and assess the extent of the damage. The testing guarantees that athletes receive proper care tailored to a more knowledgeable and personalized manner.
Sideline concussion protocols, which offer a thorough and immediate response to suspected head injuries during sporting activities, are essential in lowering the risk of concussions. Following a head injury, these processes usually involve skilled medical professionals evaluating athletes while they are on the sidelines for concussion related symptoms and indicators. (Jacobi et al., 2023) These protocols stop players from playing if a concussion is suspected, decreasing their exposure to potentially harmful situations. Additionally, players should not return to the game unless they have undergone a comprehensive evaluation by medical personnel and have been certified medically fit, according to sideline concussion procedures (Jacobi et al., 2023). By preventing athletes from returning to play too soon lessens the chance that they will make the already existing concussion worse or suffer from another injury while still healing from the original injury. In addition, by emphasizing the long-term health and well-being of athletes over the stresses of competition, these protocols help coaches, athletes, and spectators understand the severity of concussions.
In order to avoid injuries, such as concussions, proper rest and recuperation are vital parts of sports training. Sufficient rest enables the body to heal and mend tissues harmed during physical activity, improving resilience and general performance (Stephen Broglio). Adequate rest is especially important for preventing concussions because it keeps athletes’ cognitive ability and reaction time intact, which are both compromised after a head injury (Stephen Broglio). In addition, getting enough sleep helps the brain recover from a concussion more quickly, lowering the chance of complications and accelerating the return to play.
In conclusion, the increasing number of concussions in sports, from high school to professional levels, shows the urgent need for solutions to this serious problem. Coaches, administrators, and sports organizations must take serious action in response to the alarmingly increasing number of traumatic brain injuries, which are frequently caused by inadequate training and protective gear. Athletes health and well being may suffer significant and long term effects from concussions, such as brain swelling and head trauma. As awareness increases, efforts to enforce stricter rules on head to head injuries and provide better headgear represent advances in reducing the dangers of concussions. However, to effectively stop this epidemic, providing appropriate training, education, and concussion care protocols for athletes is crucial as a first priority. We may aspire to make sports safer for players and secure their long term safety and performance by taking on these obstacles head on.
References
Bartsch A;Benzel E;Miele V;Morr D;Prakash V; (n.d.). Hybrid III anthropomorphic test device (ATD) response to head impacts and potential implications for athletic headgear testing. Accident; analysis and prevention. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22664692/
Harmon KG;Clugston JR;Dec K;Hainline B;Herring S;Kane SF;Kontos AP;Leddy JJ;McCrea M;Poddar SK;Putukian M;Wilson JC;Roberts WO; (n.d.). American Medical Society for Sports Medicine Position Statement on Concussion in sport. British journal of sports medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30705232/
Jacobi, J., Wasserman, E. B., D Mack, C., Heinzelmann, M., Cárdenas, J., Rehberg, R., Solomon, G., Sills, A., & Vargas, B. (2023, August). The National Football League Concussion Protocol: A Review. HSS journal : the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10331260/
Rowson, S., & Duma, S. M. (2013, January 9). Brain injury prediction: Assessing the combined probability of concussion using linear and rotational head acceleration - annals of biomedical engineering. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10439-012-0731-0
Stephen Broglio (n.d.). Return to play following sports-related concussion. Handbook of clinical neurology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30482346/
Project 2
Bracie Gray
English Composition
Professor Hammett
27 April 2024
Project 2 Rhetorical Analysis
Through the lenses of his acute grasp of human behavior and societal absurdities, Alfred
Hitchcock, who is well recognized for his mastery of suspense and psychological thrillers, would
surely find the current epidemic of concussions in sports absurd. Hitchcock frequently
investigated the deepest parts of the human brain in his films, exposing the complexity and
irrationalities beneath the surface of normal circumstances. From the perspective of Hitchcock's
film universe, the epidemic of sports concussions would probably seem puzzling and concerning
development. Tension in his stories usually stems from invisible dangers and the disintegration
of seemingly normal situations into chaotic situations. Hitchcock may find it bizarre that
recreational activities like athletics might cause widespread brain injuries—a twist that would be fit for one of his own stories (Davis,2019).
Alfred Hitchcock is known for his skillful application of narrative tools, tense, pace, and the deep examination of psychological tension in his films. These films frequently revolve around morally gray characters who are thrown into unexpected situations, reflecting the unpredictable nature of personal struggles that people encounter in real life. Hitchcock captivated audiences with tales of suspense and intrigue through careful attention to detail and the clever manipulation of audience expectations. In addition, he incorporated layers of complexity into his storytelling by exploring themes like guilt, paranoia, and moral ambiguity, which encouraged viewers to consider the complexities of human nature(Palmer, 2018). We can learn a lot about Hitchcock’s potential thoughts about concussions in sports by exploring his storytelling components, these include his skills at bargaining the complexities of relationships between individuals and the depths of the human mind. Hitchcock could be able to illuminate the moral, ethical and psychological aspects of this urgent social issue through his signature suspenseful manner and subtle character representations, pushing viewers to face the darker sides of human nature and sports competitiveness.
In Hitchcock’s cinematic universe, suspense often results from the contrast between routines and unexpected danger that lurks beneath the surface. Hitchcock would most likely be intrigued by the idea that something as seemingly harmless as playing sports could result in severe brain damage, which would inspire him to investigate the root causes and absurdities inside the athletic community (Sterritt, 2002). In addition, Hitchcock’s interest in the complexities of human psychology would prompt him to investigate the reasons ethical problems surrounding athletes’ willingness to take risks, especially in regard to their safety and well-being.
In addition, Hitchcock frequently portrayed common characters in his films as being thrown into unusual circumstances and struggling with existential and moral questions. “Hitchcock might portray athletes as unforeseen heroes in a high-stakes drama regarding concussions in sports, as they navigate the dangerous world of competitive sports while dealing with the fallout from their decisions” (Wood,2004). He could dig into the idea of moral responsibility, asking whether athletes are ultimately responsible for the harm they suffer or of they are just pieces in a bigger picture that is being manipulated by forces outside of their control. Hitchcock may also utilize his storytelling to emphasize how organizations shape sports culture and impact the choices made by players, coaches, and administrators.
Hitchcock is well known for his keen wit and sarcasm that attack modern issues and society conventions in his films. We might investigate how Hitchcock might question prevailing views about athleticism, heroism, and the monetization of athletes' bodies by speculating on his hypothetical critique of the pandemic of concussions in sports. Furthermore, Hitchcock's investigation of moral degradation and institutional corruption may shed light on the structural problems that underlie the high rate of concussions in sports and the insufficiency of player safety measures (Barlow, 2016).
In the world of Hitchcock's films, tension frequently results from the contrast between everyday activities and the unforeseen threat that always lies under the surface. “Hitchcock would certainly be intrigued by the idea that seemingly harmless activities like playing sports may cause serious brain damage, which would lead him to look into the underlying reasons and absurdities inside athletic culture” (Davis,2019). In addition, his curiosity with the intricacies of human psychology would prompt him to investigate the moral conundrums raised by athletes' propensity for taking chances, especially when it comes to their safety and wellbeing.
Furthermore, Hitchcock often depicted everyday people in his movies as being thrust into strange situations and grappling with existential and ethical issues. Hitchcock might portray sportsmen as unanticipated heroes in a high-stakes drama on concussions in sports, as they negotiate the hazardous world of competitive athletics while dealing with the fallout from their choices. He may explore the concept of moral responsibility, asking if athletes are really responsible for the pain they endure or if they are just tools used by outside forces(Davis,2019). Hitchcock may also utilize his narrative to emphasize how companies impact sports culture and players', coaches', and administrators' decisions.
In his films, Hitchcock frequently addressed contemporary themes and social norms with a sharp sense of humor and irony. “Contemplating his fictitious analysis of the epidemic of concussions in sports, we may picture Hitchcock questioning accepted notions of athleticism, bravery, and the monetization of athletes' bodies” (Mcgilligan,2014). In addition, his investigation into moral decay and institutional corruption may provide insight into the underlying issues that underlie the high incidence of concussions in sports and the insufficiency of player safety precautions.
In addition, Hitchcock's works are distinguished by their inventive use of cinematic techniques and painstaking attention to detail. He frequently used imagery and symbolism to add depth to his stories and increase their effect. Hitchcock may use visual imagery when examining the subject of concussions in sports to illustrate the psychological and physical effects that these injuries have on players (Kolker, 2004). Hitchcock could evoke a feeling of dread and apprehension in viewers by deftly adjusting camera angles, lighting, and editing to lure them into the mental anguish that athletes dealing with the aftereffects of head trauma go through.
Finally, Alfred Hitchcock's hypothetical viewpoint on the frequency of concussions in sports provides a fascinating lens through which to examine this pressing social issue. We are forced to address the moral, ethical, and psychological facets of this pervasive social issue and acknowledge the urgent need for meaningful change by scrutinizing Hitchcock's fictional point of view.
References
Barlow, R. (2016). Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light. University Press of Mississippi.
Davis, R. (2019). Hitchcock's Moral Gaze: Aesthetics, Film, and the Spectator's Response. Rowman & Littlefield.
Kolker, R. P. (2004). Alfred Hitchcock’s psycho: A casebook. Oxford University Press.
Mcgilligan, P. (2014). Alfred Hitchcock: A life in darkness and light. It Books.
Palmer, R. B. (2018). Hitchcock’s moral gaze: Hitchcock’s moral gaze P. State University of New York Press.
Sterritt, D. (2002). The films of Alfred Hitchcock. Cambridge Univ. Pr.
Wood, R. (2004). Hitchcock’s films revisited. Columbia University Press.
Reflective Essay
Bracie Gray
English Comp II
Professor Hammet
05/06/2024
Reflective Essay
Reflecting through my journey through my English course, I am surprised by the growth and development I’ve experienced in my writing skills. Before the class, I approached writing anxious, not sure of my ability to create arguments or analyze texts efficiently. However, as I progressed through the course, I gained confidence and accuracy in various aspects of writing, thanks to the guidance of Professor Hammett and the collaborative environment fostered through the peer workshops.
One of the most noticeable improvements in my writing is evident in the structure and consistency of my essays. Before this class, my essays lacked a clear thesis statement and often lacked structure. However, through the practice creating argumentative, comparative, critical, and rhetorical analysis essays, I learned the importance of outlining my ideas and crafting a strong thesis statement that serves as the backbone of my argument.
I refined my research skills throughout the course, learning to integrate evidence and sources seamlessly into my writing. In particular, the critical essay project challenges me to engage with scholarly sources and evaluate their credibility, enabling me to present well supported arguments to analyze multiple texts and synthesize their ideas,l fostering a deeper understanding of complex themes concepts.
The writing assignments in the course not only helped me refine my skills but also encouraged me to take risks and experiment with different writing styles and techniques. Through peer workshops and constructive feedback from my classmates, I gained valuable insights into my strengths and areas for improvement, allowing me to revise and refine my essays to meet the highest standards of academic writing.
Overall, my experience in this English course has been transformative, equipping me with the skills and confidence to tackle writing projects with ease and proficiency. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Professor Hammett and my peers, and I am excited to continue my writing journey.
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