Time to introduce our newest blogger; Mike Hopper.  I will let him describe a little about himself…

I am currently a certified athletic trainer working in a physical therapy clinic and providing outreach coverage to high schools in the Metro-East St. Louis area.  I graduated this past December with my bachelor’s degree in athletic training.  People ask why I would choose a profession that is relatively low-paying and has the hours that athletic training often does.

For a long time, I would say that it’s just what I love, which is true.  I love being around athletes, I love watching sports, and I have taken an interest into the healthcare of these athletes.  But it goes back to high school for why I have become so passionate about this profession.

I suffered concussions in high school.  Not a single one was ever diagnosed or even evaluated by a health care professional, but knowing what I know now, I am certain I had at least 3 of them, probably more than that.  But even 4-5 years ago, we did not know very much about concussions.  I “got my bell rung” but that was just part of being a football player.  I can remember now two specific incidents where I am certain I had symptoms that went unreported.

The first one was in a football game on a kickoff.  I got hit from behind and my facemask actually got stuck in the ground.  I got up a bit dizzy and headed for the sideline—the opponent’s.  I realized it quickly enough, but I developed a headache later.  Again none of it reported.  Then my senior year I was a catcher on the baseball team and took a foul tip Continue reading →