For safer bike-riding, teach helmet safety
Question: My husband and I are having a disagreement about bicycle helmets. He says our son only needs to wear one when he is riding on hard surfaces, like a road or bike path. I say he should wear one any time he rides. Who is right? Answer: Since I don’t like to get into the middle of a family dispute, I’ll answer your question indirectly. First, I’ll give you some general information on bike safety. Then, I think you’ll be able to answer the question yourself. If not, I’ll give you a few gentle hints!
About 250 children die annually in the United States due to bicycle accidents. In most of these accidents (75 percent), serious injury could have been avoided if a helmet had been worn. That’s because a well-fitted helmet can protect the head and brain from sustaining irreparable damage in an accident. Unfortunately, only about 20 percent of children always wear helmets when riding.
Even non-fatal bicycle accidents can have serious consequences. Depending on the severity of the head trauma, these injuries can lead to visual abnormalities, hearing and speech problems, learning disabilities, personality changes and even paralysis.
You’re probably beginning to get the drift of my message and have figured out who is right in your family discussion. But, just in case, I subtly suggest that the best way to protect your son is be sure he wears a proper helmet every time he rides. You can set a good example by making sure that you always wear a helmet if you are a bicycle or motorcycle rider.
Now that you have settled your argument about bike helmets, be sure that you purchase a properly fitted helmet and that it is worn correctly. First, make sure the helmet is approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Second, the helmet should be the correct size – yes they do come in sizes. One size does not fit all. Also, as your child grows, his helmet will need to be replaced to assure a proper fit.
The helmet should be worn level on the head, not tilted back. Wearing it level protects the face and forehead as well as the rest of the head. The helmet should fit snuggly when the straps are properly adjusted. The “Y” of the straps should be below your ear and be even on each side. When you shake your head, the helmet should not wiggle but move with your head. And of course, the helmet should be comfortable.
And, for my other readers who may be parents of younger children, it’s important to start the “helmet habit” early.
You should not wait until your child is riding a two-wheeler to get them trained in the use of this important piece of safety equipment. When you give your child that first tricycle or riding toy, a first helmet should be given along with it.
This will train him or her that riding and wearing a helmet always go together.
Instilling this important safety habit could be a real lifesaver as your child rides down the road of life.
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Family Medicine is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to begin readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org end
. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only.
It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions.
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