Head injuries continue to be the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children. Wearing a helmet while riding a bike, roller-blading or skateboarding can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent. “Riding your bike is like driving a car; there are rules to follow,” states Copley Hospital’s Wellness Center Manager, Linda Shaw, RN. “And rule number one is that everyone should wear a helmet - adults and children.”
Safety begins with a properly fitted helmet – one that is not too small or too big. Shaw offered the following “Eyes, Ears and Mouth” test when purchasing your helmet:
When putting on the helmet make sure its level.
Eyes – look up, you should see the rim on your helmet.
Ears – the straps should meet right under your ear lobes to form the letter Y.
Mouth – the strap should be loose enough that you can slide a finger between the strap and your skin, but tight enough when you open your mouth wide, you can feel the helmet pulling down on the top of your head.
Other rules include proper clothing and respecting the rules of the road, i.e. obey traffic signs, yield to people walking and ride in a single file. She suggests replacing loose fitting/baggy pants for something more snug, and recommends tucking in your shoelaces. Bright clothing is recommended to help pedestrians and vehicles easily see you. “And regardless of your sport, wearing headphones is not recommended,” she continued.
A common question Shaw often hears is when to replace a helmet. Shaw recommends replacing a helmet after a fall involving the helmet. She explains that a fall can damage the inner lining of the helmet and that the damage is not always visible. A helmet can also be damaged when throwing it or leaving it in a hot place. Even with the best care, most manufactures recommend replacing a helmet after 5 years.
Remember, head injury can mean brain injury. That’s why it’s so important to wear your helmet. “Wearing a helmet does not give you permission to be reckless, but it will provide some protection for your head and brain in the event you fall down,” explains Shaw.
Copley Hospital’s Wellness Center is offering children’s helmets at a reasonable price and will help fit the helmet properly. For more information on Copley Hospital’s bike helmet program, or to schedule a fitting appointment, contact the hospital’s Wellness Center at 888-8369.
Contact Information
Leah Hollenberger Senior Dirctor Development, Marketing & Public Relations Copley Hospital 802-888-8301 lhollenberger@chsi.org
