DEAR ABBY: I'm worried about my 14-year-old granddaughter. She's a good soccer player and frequently "heads" the soccer ball. I think this could be harmful to her brain.
I have spoken to two coaches about it; they say I shouldn't worry. But I saw on the Internet that chronic traumatic brain injury has occurred in soccer and football players. What do you think? Should I pursue this concern? -- GRANDMA AND NURSE IN HOUSTON
DEAR GRANDMA: What do your granddaughter's parents have to say about this? Surely, she is not participating in a team sport without their written permission. That said, because everything one reads on the Internet isn't necessarily accurate, if you wish to pursue this, I'd recommend you start by talking to a licensed medical professional.