An estimated 1.5 million head injuries occur each year in the U.S., along with an estimated 1.6 sports-related head traumatic brain injuries. Are you protecting your head?
In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month and National Athletic Training Month, we’re discussing an important piece of equipment for preventing head trauma: helmets. But not just wearing a helmet, wearing a helmet properly.
At Rebound, our physicians are very familiar with sports safety. Our sports medicine and physical therapy teams treat a range of sports-related injuries and focus on injury prevention for amateur, collegiate and professional level athletes.
Whether you’re a professional football player or an occasional cyclist, helmets can protect your head, potentially preventing brain or head injuries.
“While a helmet cannot completely rule out the possibility of injury, we recommend taking as many precautionary measures as you can. That starts with wearing a helmet and practicing safe techniques for whatever sport you’re participating in,” says athletic trainer Jeff Kraayeveld.
“Although helmets vary from sport to sport, the primary goal is to lessen impact to the head and provide protection and coverage,” says Jeff. “We encourage athletes to be aware of the protection level they need and the fit.”
Here are some quick tips for two sports where helmets should be commonplace.
Bicycle helmets may not make a fashion statement, but they’re incredibly important and often overlooked. The next time you ride, remember bicycle helmets are 85% effective in preventing serious brain injury!
A football helmet fitting properly is crucial to football, as it tends to be a high-impact sport.
If you are being fitted for a helmet, don’t hesitate to be vocal with your coach or athletic trainer. Ensuring a proper fit could prevent injury. Be smart, and protect your head!
Check out these resources for more information on helmet use in sports and recreational activities.
For more orthopedic, neurosurgery and athletic training resources, visit our Patient Resources & Research Page. You can also request an appointment here or call 1-800-REBOUND.
Stop Sports Injuries
USA Football – Helmet Safety Starts with a Proper Fit
Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet
Brain Trauma Foundation – Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Winter Sports Safety and Helmet Use
Motorcycle Safety Foundation – What You Should Know About Motorcycle Helmets
National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment
For more information Helmet AD0101, please get in touch with us!