Meet
Rowan Stringer
Rowan’s Story
On Friday May 3, 2013, Rowan was playing in a high school rugby tournament and in the last game of the day, she was tackled and removed from that game complaining of a headache. She had a game after school the following Monday (May 6) and was feeling great and ready to play.
During that game someone stepped on her head and the headache returned; however, she did not tell anyone of this return in symptoms. On Wednesday (May 8), she had yet another game, which would be her last. She was tackled to the field, which resulted in a loss of consciousness that she never recovered. Doctors tried to relieve the swelling in her brain but were unable to do so.
Concussion resources
Contact Sports
Sports like basketball, soccer, and rugby tend to have a lot of physical contact - it's just part of the game. So you're just supposed to tough it out, right? Wrong. Ignoring your body's messages can be dangerous. If you think that you, or a teammate, may have suffered a concussion, tell an adult - your coaches, parents, and teachers all want to help you become a better athlete... and stay a healthy one!
Would you recognize the symptoms?
Many signs and symptoms of a concussion are brushed off, and blamed on something else. Stressed? Must be the test coming up. Over tired? Definitely watching TV too late. Can't concentrate during class? You're just distracted by your next game!
Maybe.
But if you've had an incident on (or off) the court - talk to someone about it. Signs and symptoms may not develop until a day or two after an event.
Hit. Stop. Sit.
How is a concussion treated?
Do I need to go see a doctor?
How long will I take to get better?
When can I get back on the court?
Good questions. Get the answers.
Additional Resources
U10 Booklet
11-14 Booklet
11-14 Booklet
Keep your brain safe: Prevent concussions!
This booklet is designed specifically for youth 10 years old and under. With lots of illustrations and easy to understand explanations, this is a great booklet to read with your parents.
Ask lots of questions!
11-14 Booklet
11-14 Booklet
11-14 Booklet
Keep your brain safe: Recognize the signs and symptoms.
This booklet is designed specifically for youth between the ages of 11 and 14. Material is presented at an age appropriate level to help you understand how it happens, how to prevent it, and how to heal from it.
HIT. STOP. SIT.
15+ Booklet
11-14 Booklet
15+ Booklet
Keep your brain safe: Going back to a healthy, active life.
This comprehensive booklet is designed specifically for youth 15 years old and up. Learn how to prevent concussions, recognize the signs and symptoms, and how you can heal and return to normal activites.
If you have any questions, your parents, coaches, and teachers want to help.
Rowan's Law
Take Time to Heal
15+ Booklet
Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety), 2018, makes Ontario a national leader in concussion management and prevention by establishing mandatory requirements that call for:
- Mandatory review of concussion awareness resources to help prevent, identify and manage concussions
- Removal-from-sport and return-to-sport protocols
- A concussion code of conduct
Red Flags
Take Time to Heal
Take Time to Heal
- Neck pain or tenderness
- Double vision
- Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
- Severe or increasing headache
- Seizure or convulsion
- Loss of consciousness
- Deteriorating conscious state
- Vomiting
- Increasingly restless, agitated, or combative
Take Time to Heal
Take Time to Heal
Take Time to Heal
In some cases, concussions or repeat concussions can result in:
- swelling of the brain
- permanent brain damage
- death
It is important that you take time to heal if you have suffered a concussion.
It may take days, or weeks. Maybe months. Some people still suffer side effects a year later. Have a plan with your parents and your doctor - and STICK TO IT!
It doesn't mean your weak -
it means your smart.