Kariya Again Is Instructed to Take It Easy

Paul Kariya, suffering from post-concussion syndrome, has been told to avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of this month, team doctor Craig Milhouse said Sunday.

Kariya has been cleared to take long, slow walks and perhaps to play golf, but he cannot run, ride an exercise bike or lift weights. He was injured Feb. 1 when he was cross-checked in the face by Chicago defenseman Gary Suter.

“I don’t know if I would recommend he wear a helmet or not,” Milhouse joked about allowing Kariya to play golf. “I guess it depends if he’s playing with Gerald Ford or not.”

Adopting a more serious tone, Milhouse also said, “He’s feeling better, but he’s taking it easy.”

Kariya suffered a setback in his recovery two weeks ago after receiving clearance to ride an exercise bike at top effort. The headaches and dizziness, which had subsided for a time, returned immediately after the workout.

Milhouse also said he plans to maintain close contact with James Kelly, a Chicago neurologist who examined Kariya on March 25.