One of the trick questions I ask my patients after they tell me about the new bike that they received for a birthday or Christmas present is “what color is your helmet?”  If your child can answer right away this article is not for you-it is for the parents who start sinking into their chair after I ask the helmet question.

Every year about 700 people in the US die from bicycle crashes-most of them die from brain injuries.

Many more of them have brain damage that in a child, can cause learning disabilities, personality changes, or rob the child of the ability to think clearly.  Hospital ER studies show that a helmet can prevent most of these injuries a majority of the time.  So you don’t want your child riding a bike without a helmet even on your block, the sidewalk or a trail.  The fall is always the same distance to the pavement where ever you ride.

To get your child to wear a helmet-establish the helmet have it early when they get their first bike.  If they learn to wear helmets whenever they ride it will become a habit for a lifetime.  Wear one yourself-be a role model for your children.  They learn best by watching you.

Talk to your children about why you want them to protect their heads.  Let them know their bikes are not toys, but their first vehicle.  You love them and value them and their intelligence.

Encourage their friends to wear helmets.  Peer pressure can be used in a positive way if several families in the neighborhood start making helmet use a regular habit and the same time.

Let’s do everything we can to keep our children safe- protect their brains with the safety helmets!

By Elizabeth Melancon, MD

Pediatric Associates