Current Concepts in Concussion & Sports Nutrition for Athletes 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This presentation will cover current and researched concepts in concussion diagnosis, management and treatment.  Prevention strategies will also be addressed.  Nutritional concepts for the athlete post-concussion will be discussed.  Nutrition for the athlete will include how to prevent and treat dehydration, muscle cramping, sprain and strains as well as fatigue in the athlete. Suggestions for Peak performance strategies for strength and endurance sports will be provided from a nutrition angle.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Understand causes of a concussion, recognize risk factors, signs, and symptoms of a concussion, understand how to diagnose a concussion, and understand methods of concussion evaluations
2. Determine on the field if an athlete has been concussed and to know when an athlete should be removed from play
3. Perform a sideline exam and to know when to refer to a specialist
4. Evaluate an athlete for return to play and school while being able to recommend appropriate schedule for return to play and school
5. Recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration, implement prevention strategies for dehydration, and to properly rehydrate an athlete after fluid loss
6. Understand what causes muscle cramping while knowing how to test and treat for nutrient deficiencies relating to muscle cramping and recognizing how to use food to prevent future cramping
7. Understand causes of fatigue in athletes and evaluating hormone levels to see how they relate to fatigue
8. Develop nutritional strategies to maintain energy level through sports
9. Utilize proper meal plans and supplements for pre and post workouts for maximum performance 

FORMAT
The program content will be presented in lecture format.

OUTLINE

Current Concepts in Concussion:

• Pathology of concussion, including diagnose (both on and off the field) 
• Signs and symptoms that may be present including somatic, cognitive, and affective and sleep related symptoms 
• Appropriate follow-up after the diagnosis has been made and different assessment symptoms, including common signs for hospital admission 
• Management of concussion, ranging from monitoring to a specialist referral 
• Proper returning for the athlete to school and their sport through a series of steps
• Key recommendations for a quicker recovery after the brain has been issues

Sports Nutrition for Athletes:

• Signs and symptoms of dehydration; prevention methods and how to hydrate properly
• Evaluating food choices for prevention and recovery
• Addressing athlete fatigue by addressing food choices and timing as well as adrenal hormones and sex hormones
• Basic and useful strategies to address fatigue not only in athletes, but in their entire patient population
• Suggestions for researched strategies using food and nutrients to increase peak performance in both endurance and strength sports with a focus on pre- and post-workout plans

LODGING, DINING & TRANSPORTATION
For more information on hotels, restaurants and transportation in the surrounding area, please view our recommended listings here. 

CAMPUS
You can find a virtual tour of National University of Health Sciences campus here.