Thanks for sharing this, Cynthia.  I read the article with interest.  

One point that puzzled me was the recommendation that there should not be any decorations, paint or stickers on the helmet.  Do you or anyone else on the list know the reason behind this?  I do know that stickers helped increase the "cool" factor for my kids and lowered their resistance to wearing a helmet some years ago.  I wonder if the concern is in case such add-ons might obscure damage to a helmet such as a dent or crack?  I recently bought a new helmet and immediately added brightly coloured florescent stick-on strips to increase my visibility in traffic, day and night.

Even though I personally wear a helmet and advocate it for my family members, I am very aware that a helmet offers me relatively little protection, particularly in a collision with a motor vehicle.  I am convinced that mandating helmets is the wrong direction to go.  The evidence from many different jurisdictions strongly indicates that such laws decrease cycling as an activity, whether because of the nuisance factor, the cost, and/or the message that cycling is inherently dangerous.   We want to do just the opposite and encourage more people to cycle more often (the motto of Bike Winnipeg).  I would much rather that the resources required for such a bike helmet regulation be put into education (of all road users) and infrastructure.  We need to work even harder to convince the city and the province to provide bike lanes separated from motor-vehicle traffic.  But regardless, the more cyclists out there everyday, the more drivers will see cycling as a normal transportation activity requiring modifications to their daily driving practices. 

Happy cycling everyone,

Laura Donatelli 

From: cotfinowski@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2016 20:14:19 -0500
To: 
Subject: [At-network] bike helmet newsletter

Hello,
I am not sending this to take a side, but as a physiotherapist, I encourage people to wear a bike helmet.

I found an article in a newsletter written by Physiotherapy Works. I am not promoting their business but I thought the information was helpful.

If interested follow this link for photo, video and article. 
http://www.bmetrack.com/c/v?e=31CDEF&c=2F8D&t=1&l=E120A1F&email=MbDOnDULivW8prxRHw4jzanyCMcWseLxBJcAT8xErqg%3D&relid=

Otherwise, I have copied the essential elements that I thought were extremely helpful.
Sincerely,
Cyndi Otfinowski

Newsletter Disclaimer by Physiotherapy Works!
The information found within this newsletter is for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice from your own Doctor or any other health professional. Physiotherapy Works is not responsible or liable for any injuries that occur by performing any of the exercises given or diagnosis made by a user based on the information shown within our website or newsletter. Always consult your Medical Doctor, physiotherapist or other health professional if you are in any way concerned with your health and wellness.     
More Helmets, Fewer Injuries
No matter what your age or level of experience, whenever you ride a bike, in-line skate, ski, or engage in other activities during which your head is vulnerable to injury, a helmet should be worn. Wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85%. Helmets should be worn during every ride, no matter how short. Many accidents happen near home.

There are two basic types of helmets:

single-impact and multiple-impact. It’s important to select a helmet that fits you properly and that is appropriate to the activity you’re doing.

Single Impact (example: bicycle helmets) – designed to protect against ONE impact; Must be replaced after a crash or hard hit, even if it does not appear to have any damage

Multi Impact (example: hockey helmets) – designed to protect against more than one impact.
Multi Sport – does not mean multi impact but that the helmet is approved for more than one activity. Check the manufacturer’s label for the list of activities for which the helmet can be worn safely

Note: Always check the manufacturer’s label for an expiration date and replace as required. Hockey helmets expire 5 years from the date of manufacture.

During a fall or crash, a helmet absorbs much of the force of impact that would otherwise be directed to the head. Thick plastic foam (firm polystyrene) inside the hard outer shell of a helmet provides protection that cushions the blow.

A new helmet should be purchased after a crash. Even if the helmet appears fine, the interior may be damaged.

Children 5 to 14 years of age have the highest injury rate of all bicycle riders, and bike accidents are a leading cause of death for children.

Tips to help children understand the importance of wearing helmets:

Teach by example. Adults should always wear helmets when doing activities that have potential for collision. Be aware that your child is more likely to wear a helmet if he or she likes the way it looks.

Bike helmets save lives and prevent injuries, but in a few instances they are not appropriate:

Children should not wear helmets when they climb trees or play on playground equipment. A helmet may get stuck on a tree or piece of equipment and strangle a child.  Because a baby's neck muscles may not be strong enough to support a helmet, do not ride a bike at all with a child under the age of 1 year.

7 Tips to help you choose:

 1. Make sure there is a safety sticker inside (look for CSA, ASTM, CPSC or SNELL).
2. There should not be any decorations, paint or stickers on the helmet.
3. There should not be any cracks, dents or other damage.
4. Pads should touch the head at the front, sides, back and top.
5. No more than two fingers should fit between the wearer’s eyebrows and the helmet.
6. The V-strap must fit tightly under each earlobe.
7. Only one finger should fit under the chin strap.
The Right Fit is Crucial

Proper fit is just as important as choosing the right helmet. It should comfortably touch your head all the way around, and be snug enough to stay firmly in place. Your helmet should sit level on your head and ride as low as possible to protect the sides of your head.  Never wear a high ponytail with a helmet. And  Never wear a hat under a helmet.
Remember, head injuries can cause long-term disabilities and impairments. Wearing a helmet is an easy way to help prevent head injuries. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.


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