(Feb 22, 2017) Rep. William C. Kortz
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 22 – State Reps. Bill Kortz and Harry Readshaw, both D-Allegheny, in conjunction with the Baldwin Football Boosters, are cosponsoring a concussion prevention and management seminar at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 in the LGI Room at Baldwin High School, 4653 Clairton Road, Pittsburgh, 15236. The seminar will be offered by the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society and is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. "Concussions in sports have always been an issue," Readshaw said. "However, medical advances have been highlighting the dangers of concussions, which was brought to the forefront by the plight of Steelers Hall of Fame center ‘Iron Mike’ Webster, who suffered from dementia, depression and amnesia following his career. After he died at age 50, an autopsy revealed he was suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, which has since been discovered in the brains of more than 90 former NFL players." "Parents, players, coaches and all who treat athletes or are involved in youth contact sports should attend," Kortz said. "Concussions have been part of sports for so long, and considered just a part of the game, but we are starting to see the long-term effects. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help limit long-term effects. Brain injuries are common in football, hockey and even soccer due to heading the ball, but can also happen Read more