Vertex Fitness to Offer Concussion Awareness Seminar

on Sept. 16 will host a concussion awareness seminar geared toward coaches, referees and administrative personnel to raise awareness of sports-related concussions.

Speakers will include Alexander R. Vaccaro, M.D., who is in his eighth season as the spine physician for the Philadelphia Eagles; Mark Asanovich, a 15-year veteran strength and conditioning coach in the NFL; and Ralph Cornwell, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Heath Promotion & Human Performance at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

In youth strength and conditioning programs, the musculature of the head and neck are often overlooked, said Vertex Fitness Owner Dwayne Wimmer and Assistant Manager Kelly McCauley. 

While sports-specific playing strategies—like how to properly tackle—are taught, the physical strength training of the neck and jaw muscles is another component, Wimmer said. Exercises are resistance-based and include things you can do at home with equipment you already have, he added.

"This just complements the state mandate [on youth-sports concussions] that's already out there," Wimmer said.

The three-hour seminar will be at the , at 1225 Montrose Ave. in Rosemont and will begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 16. Doors open at 8 a.m. The cost of the seminar is $25 in advance, or $35 at the door.

For more information, contact Vertex Fitness at 610-525-6604 or visit concussionawarenessseminar.com.