Grab your helmet when you hit the slopes

As the ski and snowboarding season approaches, here is something to think about. Globally, it is reported by ski patrols and ER departments that head injuries account for 9% to 19%, and neck injuries for 1% to 4%, of all injuries. Head and neck injuries are the most common cause of severe trauma, death and serious injury among skiers and snowboarders, but the incidence of injury can be reduced.

Researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, Canada performed a literature review with meta-analysis to determine if helmet use affected the incidence of head and neck injuries.  The researchers found that helmets do reduce head injuries and do not increase neck injuries. The article was recently published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

The bottom line is clear that helmets should be worn by skiers and snowboarders, regardless of age or experience.

Read an abstract of the article here.