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Pinole Student Athletes Hear About The Dangers Of Concussions

PINOLE (KCBS) - An East Bay lawmaker was joined by some NFL representatives in Pinole Monday to talk to student athletes about the dangers of concussions.

An astonishing 400,000 concussions were reported in high school sports between 2008 and 2009, according to an independent government audit. Congressman George Miller, who chairs the Education and Labor Committee, was at Pinole Valley High School where he was joined by some NFL representatives and former players to talk about concussions.

KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:

"We have to get away from the old ways of doing business where somebody comes off the field and you say, "Suck it up, go back in,'" Miller said.

A key part of the education campaign revolves around a Concussion Awareness Poster that stresses the importance of recognizing a concussion and taking time to recover. Former 49er great Keena Turner wholeheartedly embraced this new movement.

"The information is out for all of us to pay attention to," he said.

The posters are expected to be placed in every high school locker in the country. Miller has also introduced the Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act.

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