Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2021

KH . ORG 17 Helmet Safety by the Numbers Bicycle helmet and winter safety events, 2018–2020 (Helmets purchased with funds donated through Kootenai Health Foundation) 2018: 15 events, 2,367 children educated, 823 helmets distributed 2019: 11 events, 1,275 children educated, 532 helmets distributed 2020: 3 events, 230 children educated, 208 helmets distributed 2021 events Kootenai Health’s Injury Prevention team is planning several drive-up helmet safety events this year. Be sure to watch for information from your child’s school, or follow the Kootenai Health Facebook page for dates and locations. You can support helmet safety and education through the Kootenai Health Foundation. To learn more or make a donation, visit kootenaihealthfoundation.org or call (208) 625-4438 . in ATV and motorcycle injuries. Motorcycle and ATV helmets need to be Department of Transportation (DOT) approved. We emphasize this concept in all our presentations, but especially at the high school Think First presentations.” Howcan I tell ifmy helmet fits properly? A helmet should be both comfortable and snug. Be sure the helmet is worn level on your head—not tilted back on the top of your head or pulled too low over your forehead. While you wear the helmet, it should not move in any direction, back-to-front or side-to- side. For helmets with a chinstrap, be sure it is securely fastened so the helmet does not move or fall off during a fall or collision. When purchasing a helmet for your child or teen, bring them with you so you can check for a good fit. Look for a helmet with labels that have the date of manufacture and a certification by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or DOT, depending on what type of helmet you are purchasing. Those labels mean the helmet meets the federal safety standard. HowcanI learnmore? Watch for community helmet safety events to get your child’s helmet inspected for damage and proper fit. You can also visit KH.org/injury -prevention for additional resources , videos and information about events. “The most important thing we can do while out recreating is wear the proper safety equipment,” Wendy said. “That’s often the difference between life and death.”