Kenowa Hills Public Schools, MI — Kenowa Hills sophomore Faith Swieringa carries a fingernail-size scar above her right eye. Lacrosse? Nope, cheerleading. She got it from being accidentally whacked during Homecoming week, requiring eight stitches. She’s sustained two concussions in competitive cheer, where blows from elbows, falls to the ground and knocks against other heads are not uncommon.
“With stunting (routines), we get hit in the head a lot,” Faith said during a recent workout in the Kenowa Hills High School weight room. “It’s a mess.”
She is hoping to reduce her chances of future concussions, thanks to neck-strengthening machines recently installed in her school. The school district and two community groups purchased four machines aimed at reducing the likelihood and severity of concussions among student athletes — and all other students who use them…Keep Reading >>>
New Machines Aim to Reduce Injuries, Respond to Growing Concerns about Concussion
