Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/460636
RESEARCH SUGGESTS LESS than half of children ages 5 to 14 wear a helmet when biking. "When it comes to helmet safety, one of the most common mistakes I see is not wearing one at all," says Paula Pater, 3D Community Health Educator at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital. "Even when young children are properly outfitted, the older siblings and their parents often are not." HEADGEAR FOR THE HEADSTRONG As a mother and avid biker herself, Pater has plenty of experience dealing with reluctant helmet-wearers. She says the key to getting children to wear headgear is making it a family habit early on. "When your children are toddlers, get them accustomed to the fact that if they're on a pair of wheels, a helmet is a must," Pater says. "If your kids are older and think helmets are uncool, take them helmet shopping and let them pick their own. Graphics and decorative stickers can make helmets more appealing." WHEN, WHERE, HOW Remember to purchase the appropriate helmets for a given activity. Pater reminds parents that bike helmets are great for bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, and scooters, but are not designed for use with ATVs, motorized scooters, snowmobiles, other motorized vehicles, or winter sports, such as sledding, snowboarding, or skating. It's important to wear a helmet during these activities, but different types of helmets are designed for each type of activity. Even when bike helmets are appropriate, they're often ill-fitted. The brim should sit just above the eyebrows and be secure enough not to slide forward or back. If the helmet fits correctly, when you try to turn the helmet once it is secure your head should have to turn with the helmet. If the helmet freely moves, the circumference is too great. If you can slide more than one or two fingers under your chin, the chin strap is too loose. "If you open your mouth wide, you should feel the helmet pull down on your head," Pater says. "Experts recommend replacing a helmet after three years of average use, or if it shows signs of damage such as cracks or becomes too small. In addition, if the helmet is damaged during a crash, it should be replaced." Helping Kids Stay Safe and Healthy HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital is hosting the 37th annual Fit Kids Pediatric Health Fair on Wednesday, April 8, at the Indoor Sports Center in Eau Claire. More than 1,100 second graders from nearly two dozen area schools will be attending this year's fair. Staff from HSHS Sacred Heart and other local health experts will lead fun and interactive educational sessions, teaching the students about everything from helmet safety to dental health, nutrition, stress management, and bullying prevention. "This event helps connect kids and their families to quality information and local resources they can use to stay healthy," says Kelly Lauscher, 3D Community Health Educator at HSHS Sacred Heart. "We want to show kids that it can be fun to be healthy and active." Time to replace your old helmet? We offer bike helmets to the community at a reduced price as part of our 3D Community Health program. To learn more, call 715.717.4481. WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND BIKING, BLADING, BOARDING—HOWEVER YOUR FAMILY ROLLS, DON'T LET THEM WHEEL AWAY WITHOUT A HELMET. HELMET SAFETY