Helmets
reduce
the risk
of head
injuries
among
skiers
and
snowboarders
by 35
percent
Helmets
reduce
the risk
of head
injury
among
skiers
and
snowboarders
by 35%
with no
evidence
of an
increased
risk of
neck
injury,
states
an
article
in
CMAJ
(Canadian
Medical
Association
Journal)
 Some
suggest
that
helmets
may
increase
the risk
of neck
injury
in a
crash or
fall,
particularly
in
children
because
of their
greater
head to
body
ratio.
Skiing
and
snowboarding
are
popular
winter
activities.
Estimates
from
numerous
countries
indicate
that
head
injuries
account
for up
to 19%
and neck
injuries
up to 4%
of all
injuries
reported
by ski
patrols
and
emergency
departments.
Traumatic
brain
injury
is the
leading
cause of
death
and
serious
injury
among
skiers
and
snowboarders.
The
study,
an
analysis
of 12
studies
conducted
in
Europe,
Asia,
and
North
America,
found
that
helmet
use in
recreational
activities
is
beneficial.
However,
the
authors
were
unable
to
determine
the
design,
quality,
or fit
of the
helmets.
 "The
use of
helmets
significantly
protects
against
head
injuries
among
skiers
and
snowboarders,"
write
Brent
Hagel,
Alberta
Children's
Hospital,
and
coauthors.
"Risks
of head
injury
can be
reduced
by
35%...and
between
2 and 5
of every
10 head
injuries
among
helmet
users
could be
prevented."
"Based
on this
evidence,
we
encourage
helmet
use,"
conclude
the
authors. |
