Monday, May 18, 2009

Bike Helmets Are a Must

It’s the time of year to jump back on the bike and enjoy the spring weather. But before you head for the Gwynn Falls Trail, remember your bike helmet.

Even experienced bike riders cannot always avoid collisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year nearly 1,000 persons die from injuries caused by bicycle crashes, and 550,000 persons are treated in emergency departments for injuries related to bicycle riding. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, bike helmets reduce the risk of head and brain injury by more than 80 percent.

In addition to wearing a helmet, it’s also important to learn the signs of a concussion if you or a loved one is involved in a collision or fall. These include:
• blurred vision
• headache
• lethargy
• signs of confusion
• unusual sleepiness

Learn more about brain injury and other services offered at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute at LifeBridge Health.

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