Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 2007)
TOPIC: 'Wearing a helmet most likely saved my life'
 
by chryss cada

An avid biker, Karen Larson has always snapped on her bicycle helmet before every ride.

“Somewhere in the back of your mind you know it’s supposed to protect your head —but you don’t think that this will be the time you’ll really need it,” says the 50-year-old who works with special education students at Cache la Poudre Elementary School.

But a recent sunny spring day turned out to be the day she did need it. Larson was on a ride in Rist Canyon with friends when she lost control and crashed. She broke her collarbone in the accident and sustained severe road rash over much of her body. 

“I know how lucky I am to go through something like that and not have much more severe injuries,” says Larson, who has shown curious students her battered helmet.  “Wearing a helmet most likely saved my life.”

Four S's of Safety
 Remember the “Four S’s” when putting on a helmet:

• Straight – The helmet should be straight and level with the ground.
• Strap – The straps should form a “V” around the ears.
• Snug – The helmet should be snug. Only one finger should fit between the
  helmet and your head.
• Snap – The helmet should be snapped.

Source: Safe Kids Larimer County

Click for Correct Helmet Fit
 

Like Larson’s, most bicycle accidents involve the head — and if the rider isn’t wearing a helmet, that means head injuries.

“We stress that it’s your brain under that helmet and your brain is important,” says Janet Werst, injury prevention coordinator for Poudre Valley Health System. Through the Safe Kids program, Werst schedules helmet safety talks for third-graders. “The front of the brain is most at risk in bicycle accidents. The front of the brain controls memory, movement and emotions — things that are important to protect.”

Each year, 800 people die in bicycle accidents in this country, usually from head injuries. Bike helmets decrease the risk of brain injury by 88 percent. In Larimer County, no bicycle-related deaths were reported between 2000 and 2004.

However, bike-related injuries were among the top three reasons for trauma visits to local emergency rooms during this time.

With the summer full of activities ahead, Dr. John Bender of Miramont Family Medicine stresses the importance of helmets for all members of the family.  

“For biking and Rollerblading, helmets are, of course, an absolute must,” he says. “But there are other sports like horseback riding that people might not think of. Basically with any activity where you could fall, you should wear a helmet.”