Fun is high on our list but safety is even higher! The PumpTracks from Velosolutions offer many possibilities, you can skate, cycle, roll, etc. on them. Moreover, they are accessible, you can use the tracks with every experience level. The 2-year-old boy on the balance bike to daddy on his skateboard. But there is one similarity between all these options: wear at least a helmet! Extra protection is of course even better.
The most common excuse for not wearing a helmet is “it's not comfortable, it's not nice and I won't fall anyway”. But accidents happen every now and then. A helmet prevents serious head injuries in the event of a fall, research into bicycle helmets shows that the risk of head and brain injuries is 63 to 88% lower when wearing a helmet.
Your brain floats in your head, as it were, it is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. This cerebrospinal fluid serves as a shock absorber, during movements the cerebrospinal fluid ensures that your brain does not bump against the inside of your skull. However, if the force of the blow is too great, the brain tissue will hit the inside of your skull, causing damage. For example, small blood vessels can burst, which in severe cases can lead to a cerebral hemorrhage. A heavy blow can immediately lead to an injury, e.g. a concussion, but the accumulation of smaller blows can also ultimately cause head injury. The difficult thing about head injuries is that you can often experience long-term complaints, such as lack of concentration, poor light tolerance or mood swings.
But what does a helmet do?
A good helmet contains EPS polystyrene foam that absorbs impacts by denting. In addition, the hard exterior of the helmet reduces impact, sometimes even breaking. If a helmet has suffered an impact, for example because you have fallen hard or several times, always replace the helmet. Even though the helmet does not appear to be damaged, the impact may have caused small hairline cracks that you cannot see. In addition, the Styrofoam may be deformed. This makes the helmet more vulnerable, meaning it no longer properly protects your head against a fall. It is also important to replace your helmet after 3-5 years, wear and tear reduces the effect of the helmet.
How do you choose the right helmet?
There are many different helmets on the market, in different sizes, quality and price ranges. Some important points to take into account:
- Choose the right size, measure this by measuring the circumference of your head about 1.5 cm above your eyebrows with a measuring tape.
- A helmet fits well when it is firm but also comfortable. For example, the helmet should not slide over your head.
- When you wear your helmet, it is important to always fasten the buckles around your chin. Make sure that the strap fits snugly around your head (but not too tight), otherwise the helmet may slide.
- Wear your helmet low in the front, just above your eyebrows to protect your forehead.
- Buy a helmet that meets safety standards, EN 1080 for children and EN 1078/ASTIM 1492 for adults.
- Don't skimp, it could be a matter of life and death. And that is more important than a few tens of euros!
Sports consumer wrote a nice article about this and also gave their top 10 for helmets available on the market.
“Read the story of Rianne Schorel, former professional football player, who experienced complaints for no less than 10 years after a ball to the head”
What to do in case of head injury?
Of course, accidents that cause head injuries can still happen. What are you doing then? Call the doctor/112 immediately if someone becomes unconscious, is drowsy or confused, behaves differently, if the headache gets worse or if he/she is nauseous or vomiting. If there is a head wound with severe bleeding, staunch the wound by pressing on it. Depending on the severity, call 112 or the GP. The doctors will then inform you further.
Other protection
We also encourage the use of other protective equipment. This includes knee, elbow and wrist pads. It is also important to have good equipment. Always wear closed shoes, sporty clothing and ensure that your bicycle, skateboard or inline skates are well maintained.
Sources
https://ridersguide.nl
https://www.rideshimano.com/benelux/nl
https://www.sportzorg.nl/sporttakken/wielrennen/algemeen-wielrennen/helm
https://www.thuisarts.nl/val-stoot-of-klap-op-hoofd/ik-ben-gevallen-mijn-hoofd-of-heb-klap-op-mijn-hoofd-gehad-vanaf-16-jaar
