Friday's health and safety news from the world of sports:
- Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant changed his diet and extended his NFL career, according to the Seattle Times.
- The National Athletic Trainers' Association issued a statement this week in support of the NFL's crown of the helmet rule, The Plain Dealer reported.
- Seahawks fullback Derrick Coleman has overcome a hearing disability in pursuit of a roster spot, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
- Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina signed into law the state's Student Athlete Concussion bill, an expansion of the state's previous concussion law, according to GoUpstate.com.
- The Dryden, La., youth football program learned about the Heads Up Football program, the Shreveport Times reported.
- The Staten Island Advance featured the area's youth football programs, which are learning the Heads Up Football program this week.
- Perry County (Mo.) football players took concussion awareness classes, according to the Perryville Monitor.
- Las Cruces (N.M.) public schools are holding concussion awareness clinics, the Las Cruces Sun-News reported.
- The Carroll County (Ga.) Board of Education wants a review of the county's concussion policy for athletes, the Times-Georgian reported.
- The Lodi (Calif.) News-Sentinel looked at concussions in high school sports besides football.
- Philly.com's Sports Doc blog looked at the pros and cons of sports specialization for young athletes.
- ImPACT Applications, Inc., developer of the ImPACT concussion test, announced it has named Shift Concussion Management, Inc., in Guelph, Ontario, an "Ontario Center of Excellence." Shift Concussion is the only provider in Canada to obtain this unique designation.
- Jonathan Toews of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks told a Toronto sports radio station that the NHL needs tougher drug testing.
- MLive.com reported that while Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila has not been cleared to play from a concussion, he will wear a heavier mask when he returns.
-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor
