Helmets

["Spencer" <spencer@inu.net>]

When I first started riding back in 81, I was ridiculed for wearing a "hard hat".  When finally started riding endurance in 84, hardly anyone wore one.  Then there were incentives on the rides and more helmets were being worn.  I require ALL that ride my horses to wear one.  My kids have fallen off and landed on hard road with their head also landing on the hard road.. The helmet keep them from having cuts on their faces.  

 

BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS:  The brain can NOT be put back together like a broken arm or leg can.  The damage is permanent.   The helmet prevents the brain from being bounced around or cracked open.   Brain damage can happen without there being obvious damage on the outside... Just shake a bowl of jello... the same can happen to when you have severe blow to your head.  ONCE you have had any injury to your brain, you are more susceptible to problems with any more 'bumps' to your head.    PREVENTION is best. 

 

I have noticed that a good effect of wearing a helmet when riding under low hanging branches, is that the branches hit your helmet and not your head and you can just keep on moving out!!! 

 

Mary Ann

RN, Emergency Dept