Six things parents and athletes need to know about concussions

Istockphoto - Girls' soccer at the high school level has one of the highest rates of concussion. Playing sports has many benefits, from getting exercise to learning teamwork. But as awareness about the long-term consequences of concussion grows , parents and athletes are starting to wonder whether some sports are worth the risk. Before you throw in the towel, here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Concussions aren't just a problem for boys. In sports with similar rules for boys and girls such as soccer, basketball and baseball/softball, girls have a higher rate of concussion than boys. Cheerleading is one of the sports with the highest risk of concussion injury, especially during practice.