• The SAFEPLAY (Supporting Athletes, Families, and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth) Act is a recent effort by some federal lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara), to reduce the number of young athletes who need medical treatment for sports injuries. A press release from Capps’ office said that more than 3.5 million children receive treatment each year for sports-related injuries such as concussions, heat stroke, and even sudden cardiac arrest. The bill pushes for academic research, community education, and federal support for school districts. Areas of focus would include heat exposure, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) training, concussion response, and energy-drink consumption. “While it is important to encourage teamwork, competition, and fitness for youth, it is equally important to provide a safe atmosphere for kids to compete,” Capps said in the press release.
This article appears in Aug 7-14, 2014.
