It’s summer time which means more kids are playing outside.
But, that also means more accidents happen and there are more trips to the hospital.
“Whether it’s on the bikes, scooters rip sticks, skate boards, roller blades whatever it might be, we see a lot more injuries like that in the summer time,” said Katie Brideweser a Registered nurse and Certified Pediatric ER Nurse at Covenant Children’s.
Brideweser is specifically talking about the number of head trauma cases as a result of children not wearing a helmet. A problem, she said, is easily fixed.
“Wearing a helmet is the easiest way to prevent a head injury and it should be second nature for any child getting on a bike,” said Brideweser.
But, it can’t be any helmet. Parents need to make sure it fits properly.
“The easiest way to fit for a helmet is to measure the circumference of the child’s head with a tape measure. You’re going to want it in inches. You’re going to want that information when you go to actually purchase a helmet,” Brideweser said.
The next step is to make sure your child tries on the helmet. Then, use what Brideweser calls the rule of two’s.
“Two fingers above the eye brow, there should be two perfect v’s going under the chin and you should not be able to put more than 2 fingers between the chin and the chin strap,” said Brideweser.
The final test is to have your child shake their head yes and no.
If the helmet moves, the helmet is too big. If it doesn’t, then you have a good fit.
These steps may sound silly but in 2015 the CDC reported that 467,000 cyclists were injured and more than 1,000 were killed. Numbers that show the importance of taking every precaution possible.
But, don’t let those numbers stop you from letting your kids play outside.
“We very much want children out playing and out active and away from screens playing outside. And being on a bike is a great place to be but we want them to be safe,” said Mary Ann Murphy, Women’s Services Coordinator at Covenant Children’s.
To help keep your kids safe while they ride Covenant is teaming up with Kohl’s Cares to host Lids for Kids.
“We have 730 helmets that we are eager to put into the hands of children,” said Murphy.
The event and helmets are completely free. But, a child must be present to get a helmet. Lids for Kids is Saturday July 15th at Safety City and runs from 10am – Noon.
Murphy also said to feel free to bring your child’s bike along so they can ride in a safe environment with their new helmet.
