CANTON -- On Wednesday, Aug. 8, physical and occupational therapists from Canton-Potsdam Hospital will offer a free concussion baseline screening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Canton Physical Therapy department located at the EJ Noble building, 80 E. Main St.

CPH officials say they encourage all athletes between 12 and 18 years old to schedule an appointment for the free screening.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are nearly 3.8 million incidences of sports related concussions every year. It is estimated that 1 in 10 high school student-athletes will experience a concussion, and this number is higher for those participating in contact sports, CPH said.

“Concussion changes the way a person thinks, acts, sees and functions. In the past, there was a significant reliance on symptom reporting. Today, the emphasis has shifted to more objective information gathered prior to a concussion,” physical therapist Terri Simzer said in an event annoncement. “This preinjury baseline scoring can then be compared to post concussion scores, providing a more accurate assessment of how the athlete is functioning.”

Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s certified therapists will provide a comprehensive screening that provides the necessary baseline information at minimum time and at no charge to the participant and family. Each participant will move through three unique testing stations for balance, eye movements, and memory/concentration. All testing will be completed in less than one hour. Results of this baseline screen will not impact the athlete’s clearance to play sports, CPH said.

For more information, or for parents or guardians wishing to schedule a screening appointment for their child on August 8, contact Simzer at (315) 261-5494 or email tsimzer@cphospital.org.