Establish the helmet habit early.

Have your children wear helmets as soon as they start to ride tricycles and if they are a passenger on the back of an adult’s bike. If they learn to wear helmets wherever they ride tricycles and bikes, it becomes a habit for a lifetime. It’s never too late, however to get your children into helmets. Allow your child to participate in choosing their helmet. They’ll be able to let you know if it is comfortable. If they like the design, they are more likely to wear it.

Wear a Helmet yourself

Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride your bike, put on your helmet. Plan bicycle outings during which all family members wear their helmets to further reinforce the message. The most important factor influencing children to wear helmets is riding with an adult who wears a helmet.

Talk to your children about why you want them to protect their heads.

Bikes are vehicles, not toys.

You love and value them and their intelligence, and need to protect them.

They can permanently hurt their brains or even die of head injuries.

Most professional athletes use helmets when participating in sports. Bicycle racers are now required to use them when racing in the United States and in the Olympics.

Reward your kids for wearing helmets.

Praise them’ give them special treats or privileges whey they wear their helmets without having to be told to.

How should a helmet fit?

A helmet should be worn squarely on top of the head, covering the top of the forehead. If it is tipped back, it will not protect the forehead. The helmet fits well if it doesn’t move around on the head or slide down over the wearer’s eyes when pushed or pulled. The chin strap should be adjusted to fit snugly.

Dr. Gonzalo Araoz-Fraser and staff wish you a safe bike ride.

Soldotna Medical Clinic

Dr. Gonzalo Araoz-Fraser M.D., AAFP 262-5115