Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’ve been talking about making sure things fit your child properly — glasses, shoes, treatments and sports gear. Previously, we mentioned how important it is that the bicycle fit your child well, but it’s also important for the bicycle helmet to fit.
A bike helmet should sit horizontally on the head, about two fingertips’ width above the eyes, and should fit snugly but comfortably. The chin strap should be tight enough that the helmet pulls down a bit when the child opens her mouth wide.
But Dr. Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, a neurologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, warns that while helmets are important, they don’t prevent all head injuries. Wearing a helmet doesn’t make you invincible, so be sure to follow safe cycling practices.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/neurosciences to learn more about
UT Southwestern’s clinical services in neurosciences.
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April 2008
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