Helmets - Don't be Part of the Brain Drain!

Do you have any idea how valuable your brain is? By protecting your head, you are caring for your brain today and in the future.

Did you know that for every dollar spent on a helmet it saves society $30 in direct medical costs. If 85 percent of all child cyclists wore bicycle helmets, in one year, the lifetime medical cost savings could total between $109 million and $142 million. What a good way to save all of us money and enjoy a happier, healthier life.

Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent. They also offer substantial protection to the forehead and mid face. Why take a risk? They are relatively cheap and very stylish these days. It is estimated that anywhere from 45 to 88 percent of brain injuries could have been prevented by simply wearing a helmet.

Here are 3 steps to Take Action to protect your head:

1. While driving a dirt bike, ATV, go-kart or any power sport vehicle, wear an approved helmet when engaging in sporting activities. We set a good example as adults when we wear a helmet, too.

2. Drive safely and always take precautions to reduce injuries or an accident.

3. Exercising improves your strength, balance and flexibility so becoming active and healthy is a good way to enjoy life and live longer.

Research is finding that there is an increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease among those who have experienced brain injuries. Although we are all at risk for head injuries, young people tend to suffer more head traumas. Therefore, it is vitally important to protect your head, at any age, for lifelong brain health.

Your helmet is probably the most important piece of sporting equipment you need when driving any power sport vehicle. A helmet is comprised of an outer shell, the inner protective liner, the comfort padding and the face shield. The outer shell can be made from a variety of materials, including polycarbonates (plastic), Lexan (also plastic), fiberglass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber. The fiberglass or carbon fiber shells are more expensive to produce than plastics but usually make for lighter, stronger helmets, although it has been recommended to stay away from plastic helmets and buy something more durable.

It is very important that your helmet fit you well so that you will be properly protected at all times. It needs to fit you snug on your head and not be able to move around. You should not be able to pull it off once it has been securely strapped on. Different sizes of helmets are available both for children, youth, and adults.

Last, by not least, the face shield is very important to protect you from the wind, bugs, dirt or any flying object. Most manufacturers also put a UV-coat on the shield to protect your eyes and skin from the sun.

Remember if you have had a crash or damaged your helmet, it will need to be replaced as the EPS liner will no longer be good. The recommended service life of a helmet is 3 to 5 years under normal conditions.

Recently the style, design and safety factors of helmets have been dramatically improved. There are many different types of helmets such as flip-up helmets, full face, open face, motocross and novelty helmets. Each type also comes in many different styles. Find one you like and ride away in style today.

Written by Sharon Wittmeier
For more information on helmets visit http://www.allstarsportvehicles.com February 16, 2008

Alzheimer's Disease
KPBS
27 min - Jul 27, 2006

Alzheimer's Disease- We'll look at a local art program that aims to help people with Alzheimers deal with the disease, and find out more about how to recognize symptoms and how to support those with the Alzheimer's. Guests: Roberto Velasquez, Director Of Family Services, Alzheimers Association-San Diego Chapter and Douglas Galasko, M.D., Professor Of Neurosciences, UCSD School Of Medicine. Karen Rostodha visits with an Alzheimers patient and her family and takes part in the art program in a video package.