Is competitive cheerleading a dangerous sport?

Healthy Parenting Pitched By Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Did you know that competitive cheerleading is considered one of the most dangerous sports in the U.S.? Journal of Pediatrics study published in 2012 found that cheerleading is the most dangerous sport for females because of the high risk for concussions and “catastrophic” injuries (injuries that result in long-term medical conditions, permanent disabilities or a shorter lifespan). Today’s show will provide safety prevention tips for parents and competitive cheerleaders. To educate our listeners, we invited Dr. Matthew Fazekas, a board-certified pediatrician who specializes in sports medicine at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.