I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid, we never wore helmets when we went skiing. Well, I guess we also didn’t have car seats and seat belts weren’t mandatory, but now I’m just aging myself. Either way, it’s really all so crazy when you think about it. I’m actually surprised, but oh so happy, that I never got any serious injuries as a kid. It’s crazy to think that I would ski down the hill (almost straight down) without a helmet. Just crazy! I’m sooooo happy that now helmets are a necessity when skiing.
Whether skiing, skating, playing hockey or riding their bike or scooter, my kids are so used to wearing helmets themselves, that they automatically put it on before they get on their bike or lace up their skates. It’s just part of their uniform. So much so that whenever my kids spot someone without a helmet, they are the first to point it out. Nathan even remarks ‘that’s not safe!’
Head injury prevention is so important to me as a parent, especially since I have three VERY active boys. John and I talk to our boys about protecting their ‘noggin’ regularly. If my boys are not on their bikes or scooters, you will find them playing ice hockey. A place that is often too familiar with concussions.
This year, Kyle joined a GTHL league team. It was mandatory for all of their coaches to undergo concussion prevention and awareness training to ensure they are able to recognize potential concussions. Unfortunately, one of Kyle’s teammates, who is only 9, has already suffered from a concussion in hockey. Needless to say, his parents are extra vigilant with his safety.
In fact, according to the government of Canada, youth and seniors are the most susceptible to head injuries, resulting in more severe short and long-term effects as well as prolonged physical and mental recovery.
Sadly, concussions are quite common among youth, but awareness is very low. That’s why Scouts Canada and Hydro One partnered for the very first time to launch Head Safe – a program that gives youth and families the resources to prevent, identify and respond to head injuries. Here’s some information on how to help prevent head-related injuries:
“A properly fitted helmet helps protect your brain from absorbing the force from a crash or fall, dramatically decreasing the risk of serious injury. In order for helmets to protect you or your child properly, they must be correctly fitted and secured. To fit a helment use the 2V1 rule: the helmet should sit two fingers above the eyebrows, the straps should form a “V” under the ears, and only one finger should fit under the chin strap.”
Helmets aren’t one size fits all. There are different helmets for most activities, so check the manufacturer’s label inside your helmet to learn what activities it is recommended for.
If your child does suffer from a concussion or a head injury (or if you’re not sure), it’s important to seek out the help of a professional and follow the ‘Return to Play’ six-step approach to ease the transition back to normal activities. It’s also very important to immediately rest and limit physical and mentally straining activities, as it will impact the road to recovery and help prevent re-injury. If your child got injured because of someone else’s fault, contact a personal injury lawyer to help you seek compensation.
Scouts Canada and Hydro One are holding free Head Safe events in five Ontario communities: Ottawa and Peterborough on October 19 and Windsor and Woodstock on October 26 and Thunder Bay in late November. Designed for kids and their families, the events feature a variety of fun, hands-on activities and games with educational foundations like a concussion simulation obstacle course, head related first aid awareness and more. Plus, there’s a free BBQ lunch. You can register for the Head Safe community events at scouts.ca/playsafe
For additional information about Head Safe, as well as more information about prevention and responding to head injuries, visit Scouts.ca/PlaySafe.
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Scouts Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.
Such an important topic! I demand my kids wear a helmet when they hop on their bike, even when I’m not looking. Good to know there is a clinic close to home. Thanks for sharing.