Your brain is your control center for every organ function in your body. It is protected by a thin layer of bone, which is your skull. The brain can be easily damaged with your head's impact to a hard surface, especially at high speeds. In skiing, a fall can occur unexpectedly and can cause a serious head injury, or even death. A helmet helps to absorb some of the impact that would otherwise be directed to your head.
Incidence of Head Injury
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons recently reported 16,948 emergency room visits for winter sport-related head injuries in 2009. It is believed that this is an underestimate because many victims suffering from head injuries do not end up at the emergency room. Head injuries resulting from winter sports are in the top 10 causes for head injuries in children ages 14 and under. Severe head injuries account for 15 percent of all skiing and snowboarding related injuries, and are the most frequent cause of death.
Types of Head Injury
A head injury can vary in its severity. A concussion occurs when the brain gets jarred within the skull. This may cause loss of consciousness, memory loss, headache, dizziness and a lack of mental acuity. A coma is defined by an ongoing state of unconsciousness, and can vary in length. Severe head injuries may result in ongoing symptoms, including headache, inability to control motor functions, inability to balance, changes in a person's senses, a decrease in cognitive function or a speech impairment.
Present Trends
At this time, there are no governmental laws in place that require the use of a helmet on the slopes. However the helmet-wearing trend is continuing its increase. According to the 2009-10 NSAA National Demographic Study, 57 percent of skiers and boarders wear helmets, increasing 19 percent from the year before. Eighty-six percent of children under the age of 9 are wearing helmets and 75 percent of those between ages 10 and 14 are wearing helmets.
What to Look For in a Helmet
Look for these three characteristics to ensure your helmet will protect your hear if you fall. First, your helmet should not wobble from side to side, fitting snugly on your head. Second, it should sit level on top of your head, not tilting in any direction. Third, it should have a sturdy chin strap that prevents the helmet from moving in any direction. If you are purchasing one for your child, purchase one that fits him this season, instead of buying one a bit large for growing room.
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