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| Helmet Head |
 Trina writes, "Imagine a little girl only 4-years-old at the time, riding her purple bike, with matching purple and pink streamers flowing out the sides of her handlebars. She sails down the driveway and "splat" you could hear the sound of skin hitting the pavement. A wailing scream coming from her mouth as if she broke a bone. You run over to pick her up and her forehead starts to swell immediately. You rush her into the house, assessing the damage and discovering there was no blood, just a large goose egg growing at an enormous rate. Kayla, my daughter, was not wearing a helmet."
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This is the time of year I see hundreds of children getting out on their bicycles. I am all for the fun activity with the added health benefits. However what disturbs me is seeing a great deal of these children not wearing a helmet. Bicycle riders who wear helmets can dramatically reduce their risk of head injuries, and helmets are inexpensive.
The most common cause of death and serious disability in bicycle crashes are head injuries. In fact, head injuries account for 80% of bicycle-related deaths. The most common cause of accidents was the rider falling down, crashing into stationary objects such as parked cars, bumps, curbs and bicycle-motor vehicle collisions right in their own neighborhoods.
There are new helmets this year that are worth looking at if you want to purchase one or replace the one you already have. There have been some modest improvements for 2012. Wal-Mart and Target have reasonably vented helmets that meet the same impact standards and have more foam in them for about $7.00. For about $15.00 they have helmets that fit better and look better as well. Discounts are available on the Internet, such as, Helmets R Us. They have certified helmets starting at $5.00. Any helmet that you buy must have a sticker inside certifying and assuring impact performance even in the cheaper models.
Parents this is the time for you to be a role model for your child and wear your helmets too. Stress the importance of strapping on a helmet every time they mound two wheels. A bicycle helmet can save your life or someone you know.
Trina Kubitschek
Owner of CrossFit Station
Nutrition Counseling
Endurance Coaching
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Posted on Sep 10, 2012 10:26am.
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