Tips to protect children from skiing head injuries

Many families enjoy skiing or snowboarding together as part of their spring vacation, but parents should insist that their child wears a helmet and that head injuries be taken very seriously advises Dr. Katalenas, a pediatrician in Austin, Texas. “Protective headgear is essential to prevent serious injuries in fast-paced snow sports like downhill skiing or snowboarding,” says Dr. Katalenas. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises all children and adolescents to wear helmets in snow sports. In some states, all people under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet. Related head injuries like concussions, fractures and other skull injuries are becoming more common among children. They make up about one-fourth of injuries children and adolescents suffer when participating in snow sports, according to a recent study by the AAP. Children and adolescents ages 7 to 17 years have the greatest risk of injury. When choosing a helmet, select one designed for skiing and snowboarding. The helmet should be rated/labeled as ASTM F2040, CEN1077, Snell RS-98 or S-98.This indicates that the helmet meets the required safety features for that activity. Wearing a helmet designed for another sport, may not fully protect a child. Dr. Katalenas advises that the helmet should feel comfortable but snug on the head. It should not tilt forward or backwards. “When your child shakes their head from side to side or up and down, it should not move.” It is also important to teach children how to prevent injuries when skiing or snowboarding also makes a difference. Research shows that people who watch snow sport safety videos or are taught by an instructor have fewer injuries. For example, children can learn safer ways to fall if instructed properly. Source: PRWEB