TO THE EDITOR:
The editorial calling for placing certified athletic trainers in every high school (“Problem comes to a head,” Feb. 1) fails to consider adequately the major cause of serious sports injuries in general and head injuries in particular — football.
It would be far more effective to change the culture and rules of high school football so that these young athletes do not believe that they have to play so close to the edge that serious and even life-threatening injuries can occur.
As serious and prevalent as sports injuries might be, the youth of North Carolina would benefit more if scarce resources were devoted to other health problems.
It is not prudent to spend vast additional sums to treat these injuries when we have a feasible, efficient option — prevention through changes in the game.
Lewis Margolis
Associate Professor
Maternal and Child Health
