Preventing Head Injuries - Why You Should Wear a Helmet When Skiing Or Snowboarding

When the snow starts to fall the mind shifts to various winter sports, specifically skiing and snowboarding. Does this describe you? Both kids and parents get excited about the prospect of skiing or snowboarding down their local ski hill or possible heading off to a resort on a winter vacation. Whatever it is, there is excitement in the air when the snow first hits the ground.

But with all this excitement comes some potential dangers. Sports can be quite dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. Both skiing and snowboarding are action sports and involve falls and accidents. These falls and accidents, more often than not, result in head injuries, both minor and serious. To help prevent these head injuries it is important that both old and young wear some form of head protection such as a ski or snowboarding helmet.

Now, not just any helmet should be used. Helmets are made for specific sports. Hockey helmets for hockey, helmets for biking, helmets for baseball as so on, the point is that helmets are designed and made for protection from head injuries unique to the particular sport. Not only should the helmet be tailored for a specific sport it should also fit properly and comfortable to wear.
It has been shown by health care providers and doctors alike that just a little bump on the head can, in reality, do more damage than anyone would think. If a person is prone to repeated head injuries it could be fatal. After an accident or a fall involving a hit on the head, the person whether a child or an adult should call it a day to make sure that they do not show signs of a concussion.

When the person does show any signs of a concussion then it is important that medical attention be sought out immediately. As in the case of Natasha Richardson, slight symptoms can result in a more severe problem later on. Some signs of a concussion may include headaches, blurring of vision, fatigue, poor balance, nausea, and dizziness, just to name a few.

To repeat, if there is any doubt as to whether or not a concussion has occurred then you should seek out the advice of a doctor or medical professional. Often minor head injuries can turn into major problem very quickly.(Gary Rogers)

picture : www.amicusvisualsolutions.com