Monday, February 25, 2008
Importance of carrying ID when running
Jogging around your neighborhood, cycling on mountain trails or hiking the coastal route, there is a common denominator that should be part of these activities, but is absent millions of times a day. Something so simple, that its simplicity is part of the reason it is neglected. It is a lightweight and unobtrusive tool, durable, able to withstand the elements but most importantly, when needed has the necessary content to serve its purpose... What is it you ask? Personal identification.Has this thought ever crossed your mind while getting ready to hit the trail? This thought crosses millions of people's minds around the world daily, but is often overlooked out of the inconvenience aspect. To simplify and make more convenient, it should not be complicated. At a minimum it should state who you are and be able to provide the basic information about you and your health, should an emergency situation occur. What essential information should it include?- Your name
- Emergency contact names and phone numbers
- Allergies
- Medical conditions or special needs
- Blood type
- Primary care physician
Basically any information that would be helpful should the unexpected occur and you are rendered helpless to provide. In the United States alone, in 2004, over half million people were admitted to the emergency rooms completely unconscious. In a situation like a car accident, heart attack, violent attack, unknown medical condition, heat stroke, and similar, every bit of additional information is vital, especially when traveling through unfamiliar areas or territories. This basic information could save your life or the life of someone close to you.Take action and wear an ID product. Available in wide range of variation to suit your lifestyle and activity, our Sport ID range provides the perfect method to carry your ID to ensure your information is secure, protected and always available to paramedics and emergency personnel if the need arises. Medical professionals around the world are trained to search for personal identification and information, so make it easily accessible. Let's get serious about carrying identification for ourselves and the people we care about and take action today. Visit our website www.vitalid.ca and see how we can help you stay safe in your chosen sport today.
posted by Vital ID @ 2:59 PM
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Safe Travel with Kids
Traveling with kids can be a challenge. Below are a few tips as recommended by the American Academy of PediatricsTraveling by Airplane- Allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children.
- Talk to your children before coming to the airport about the security screening process. Let them know that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out the other end and be returned to them.
- Discuss the fact that it's against the law to make threats such as; "I have a bomb in my bag". Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can result in the entire family being delayed and could result in fines.
- Similar to travel in motor vehicles, a child is best protected on an airplane when properly restrained in a car safety seat appropriate for the age, weight and height of the child, meeting standards for aircraft until the child weighs more than 40 lbs. and can use the aircraft seat belt. You can also consider using a restraint made only for use on airplanes and approved by the FAA. Belt-positioning booster seats cannot be used on airplanes, but they can be checked as luggage so you have them for use in rental cars and taxis.
- Although the FAA allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult's lap, the AAP recommends that families explore options to ensure that each child has his own seat. Discounted fares may be available. If it is not feasible for you to purchase a ticket for a small child, try to select a flight that is likely to have empty seats.
- Pack a bag of toys and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.
- In order to decrease ear pain during descent, encourage your infant to nurse or suck on a bottle. Older children can try chewing gum, filling up a glass of water and blowing bubbles through a straw (4 years of age or older), or blowing up balloons (8 years of age or older).
- Consult your pediatrician before flying with a newborn or infant who has chronic heart or lung problems or with upper or lower respiratory symptoms.
- Consult your pediatrician if flying within 2 weeks of an episode of an ear infection or ear surgery. International Travel
- If traveling internationally, make sure your child is up to date on her vaccinations and check with your doctor to see if she might need additional vaccines.
- In order to avoid jet lag, adjust your child's sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure. After arrival, children should be encouraged to be active outside or in brightly lit areas during daylight hours to promote adjustment.
- Conditions at hotels and other lodging may not be as safe as those in the U.S. Carefully inspect for exposed wiring, pest poisons, paint chips, or inadequate stairway or balcony railings.
Traveling by Car - Always use a car safety seat for infants and children under 40 pounds. A rear-facing car seat should be used until your child has reached one year of age AND weighs at least 20 pounds. Once your child is at least one year of age and at least 20 pounds, he can ride in a forward-facing car seat, but it is better to keep him rear-facing to the highest weight and/or height allowed by his car safety seat.
- A child who has outgrown her car safety seat with a harness (she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat) should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age).
- All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.
- Never place a child in a rear-facing car safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle that has an airbag.
- Set a good example by always wearing a seat belt.
- Children can easily become restless or irritable when on a long road trip. Try to keep them occupied by pointing out interesting sights along the way and by bringing soft, lightweight toys and favorite CDs for a sing-along.
- Plan to stop driving and give yourself and your child a break about every two hours.
- Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute. Temperatures inside the car can reach deadly levels in minutes, and the child can die of heat stroke.
- In addition to a travelers health kit (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh2-HealthKit.aspx), parents should carry safe water and snacks, child-safe hand wipes, diaper rash ointment, and a water- and insect-proof ground sheet for safe play outside.
Sources:Transportation Security Administration http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1020.xml
AAP policy statement: Restraint Use in Aircrafthttp://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;108/5/1218
Federal Aviation Administration http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/
Centers for Disease Control http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh2-HealthKit.aspx
AAP: Car Safety Seats, A Guide for Families http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htmAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, June 2007
posted by Vital ID @ 11:09 AM
Monday, February 18, 2008
Identity Crisis
Identity Crisis - Most Don't Wear Medical ID Even Though It Saves LivesNaturally, people with diabetes want to avoid labels that imply that there is something wrong with them. Because of this, many in the diabetes community are hesitant to wear medical ID. While this aversion to being labeled is understandable, ID provides medical workers with valuable, potentially life-saving information in an emergency.
The Surveys
To get an idea of just how prevalent medical ID is among people with diabetes, interviews were conducted with eight police, fire and paramedic workers, and five doctors and educators. A group of 18 men and women with insulin-dependent diabetes were also surveyed. Of six men and 12 women, only eight said they wear I. D., while the other 10 said they did not.While this is not an exhaustive scientific survey, the comments from these health care professionals and people with diabetes offer insights into the importance of wearing ID, how they are used in emergency situations and the barriers to wearing ID people with diabetes face.
Design Is Key
If you're careful, and lucky, it's possible that you'll never end up in the emergency room. Many people with a chronic medical condition prefer to hope for this best case scenario rather than wear visible medical ID. This is especially true for people with diabetes and others whose condition isn't obvious to others.Others may carry an inconspicuous wallet card listing their medical conditions. This practice, however, begs the question: Are emergency workers going to treat your wounds first, especially if you are badly hurt, or are they going to rummage through your purse or wallet?
So what should medical ID consist of?
It has to be a piece of body-worn ID, something that's readily visible.There are many other forms of ID advertised, watch tags, lockets, iron-on labels and tags for shoelaces to name just a few. But it's important to keep emergency personnel's basic training and standard operating procedures in mind when deciding on an ID. For example, there is an attractive ad on the Internet for personalized iron-on clothing labels showing a police officer peeking in the back collar of a boy's shirt. However, none of the emergency personnel interviewed for this article mentioned being trained to do this.
What Really Happens In an Emergency?
There is some doubt in the diabetic community as to whether emergency workers even pay attention to bracelet and necklace ID. "Do emergency personnel really look for them?" asked one survey respondent who chooses not to wear ID.
They do and they don't.
Tom Godbier, a San Leandro, Calif. firefighter was vehement about it, "Bracelets are lifesavers." He claims that up to 90 percent of his emergency calls are diabetes related. Unfortunately, few if any wear medical ID.
Godbier once found a man passed out in the back of a pickup truck not wearing ID. Was it a case of drug overdose, or a drunk? Luckily, a neighbor came over and explained that the man was diabetic. He was treated and released on the spot.Other firefighters and police personnel confirmed that without ID, the first suspicion in such a situation is intoxication.
If a person is unconscious, paramedics are trained to perform a "primary," says Bonnie Terra, secretary of the Santa Clara County Fire Department Operations Division. A primary consists of a head-to-toe sweep, checking for blocked airways, pulse, etc., and includes a hand check of the wrists and neck.Some emergency medical personnel say they "usually" only look at the wrists. Others say they cover all the bases. Steve Mozingo, of the Milpitas, Calif. Fire Department, who is training a new group of paramedics for his city, says he checks a wallet last.
Who Makes the Call?
In addition to listing basic medical information and chronic conditions, some ID offer toll free numbers to call to get more detailed medical information. But, will emergency personnel actually call the numbers in an emergency?
The police contacted for this article said they rely on firemen and paramedics to call. In turn, firemen and paramedics said they don't call, but assume the receiving hospital will.
Regardless of whether or not the 800 number on ID ever gets called, ID's immediate function is probably most important. "The information listed on a tag gives enough understanding to provide immediate care," says Mozingo.
ImageSurvey respondents gave a wide variety of reasons for not wearing identification, but there definitely was a common theme. Most don't want to be labeled by ID, despite that fact that it might save their life one day."I use a wallet ID card. I can update it and fill it out myself, it costs nothing and I don't feel branded by diabetes," claims a male respondent."Medical ID is not attractive, and it's psychologically labeling" says one woman.
Edward J. Meyer, MD, an endocrinologist who also has type I diabetes, believes that those without diabetes, especially the physicians who recommend wearing ID, don't fully appreciate the visibility issue. "They're not one of the 'lepers,' so they just don't think of these things." Attractive or not, one has to remember that the primary purpose of wearing medical jewelry has always been to protect, and the basic no-nonsense bracelet or necklace is designed to get the attention of strangers, especially medical workers.
Now More than Ever
Despite the fact that medical personnel stress the importance of medical ID in an emergency, ID is still grossly underutilized by people with diabetes. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any quick fix for this discrepancy between utility and utilization.
To compound the problem, ID may now be more important than ever. "More people will be trying to achieve blood glucose levels in the normal, non-diabetic range especially with the new guidelines stressing tighter control," says Mike Arcangeli, MS, a researcher who works with people with diabetes. As a result, more people are likely to run into trouble with hypoglycemia.
Persons with diabetes, and the rest of those 90 million Americans suffering from chronic medical conditions, may be hearing a whole lot more about medical identification very soon.
For our solution to an effective way to carry your medical ID, visit our website at www.vitalid.ca
posted by Vital ID @ 11:12 AM
Friday, February 15, 2008
Bike Safety - Riding on the road
Bike safety is the responsibilty of everyone that rides a bike on our public highways. By following some simple rules and taking a few precautions, you can ensure your bike rides are not only safe but also enjoyable.When you ride on the road, your bike is a vehicle and you must obey traffic laws.- Scan the road behind. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. Some riders use helmet-mounted or bike-mounted rear-view mirrors. Always look back before changing lanes or changing positions within your lane, and only move when no other vehicle is in your way.
- Go slowly on sidewalks and bike paths. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Give pedestrians audible (horn/bell/word) warning when you pass. Don't cross driveways or intersections without slowing to walker's pace and looking very carefully for traffic, especially traffic turning right.
- When on the road, ride in a straight line whenever possible. Ride with, not against, the traffic. Keep to the right, but stay about a car-door-width away from parked cars. Avoid road hazards. Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel and ice. Cross railroad tracks and speed bumps carefully at right angles.
- Choose the best way to turn left. There are two ways to make a left turn: 1. Like an auto, look, signal, move into the left lane, and turn left. 2. Like a pedestrian, ride straight to the far-side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.
- Obey traffic signs and signals. By law, cyclists must obey traffic laws when riding
- Ride a properly equipped bike. 1. Always use a strong headlight and taillight at night and when visibility is poor. 2. Be sure your bike is adjusted to fit you properly. 3. For safety and efficiency, outfit it with a horn/bell, rear-view mirror(s), fenders (for rainy rides), and racks, baskets or bike bags.
TIPS FOR BICYCLISTS:HOW TO RIDE IN TRAFFIC
The most important Rule : Be Predictable Rider so drivers can see you and predict your movements. 1. Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicycles must obey traffic laws like other vehicles. 2. Never ride against traffic. Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the left side of the road. Ride on the right, with the traffic 3. Use hand signals when initiating a turn. Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy and of self-protection. 4. Ride in a straight line. Whenever possible, ride in a straight line, to the right of traffic but about a car-door-width away from parked cars. 5. Don't weave between parked cars. Don't ride over to the curb between parked cars, unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you move back into traffic. 6. Ride in middle of lane in slow traffic. Get in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic. (Remember, your bike IS a vehicle when on the road and you ARE allowed to operate it in the middle of the traffic lane, not just at the right edge, when traffic is slow. You're also responsible for signalling and stopping at stop signs and traffic lights like other vehicles.) 7. Follow lane markings. Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked right-turn-only. 8. Choose the best way to turn left. Remember: There are two ways to make a left turn. 1) Like an auto. Signal, move into the left lane and turn left. 2) Like a pedestrian. 9. Don't pass on the right. Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right. 10. Go slow on shared paths. Yield to pedestrians. Give pedestrians audible warning when you pass. Do not ride on sidewalks where prohibited. 11. When biking with others, ride in line when other traffic is present.
Be Alert - Ride defensively and expect the unexpected 1. Watch for cars pulling out. Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do. 2. Scan the road behind. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. Some riders use rear-view mirrors. 3. Avoid road hazards. Watch for sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily spots, gravel, ice. Cross railroad tracks carefully at right angles. 4. Keep both hands ready to brake. You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain. 5. Watch for chasing dogs. Ignore them, or try a firm, loud, "NO." If you can't get away, dismount with your bike between you and the dog. Don't try to kick the dog.
Be Equipped - You'll ride more easily and safely. 1. Keep the bike in good repair. Adjust your bike to fit you, and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. 2. Use lights at night or when visibility is poor. The law requires a strong headlight and rear reflector or tail light at night. 3. Dress appropriately. In rain, wear a poncho or a parka made of fabric that "breathes". Generally dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Avoid loose clothing. Purchase a "strap" at a local bike store to control your right pantleg to avoid catching in in the chain. 4. Use a pack or rack to carry things. Saddlebags, racks, baskets, and backpacks are all good ways to carry packages, freeing your hands for safe riding. 5. Always wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet. This reduces the potential for head injury by 85%. SUMMARY Bicycles have the right to use on most roads, however, use of Interstate highways by bicycles is discouraged. Bicyclists Must: - Obey traffic lights, stop signs, one-way streets and other basic traffic laws.
A bicyclist has the same rights and duties on the road as drivers of other vehicles, and some additional responsibilities. - Ride as far "as practicable" to the right (or to the outside lanes on a one-way street), particularly when automobile traffic is moving faster than you are.
- Be prepared to yield at all times.
- Use hand signals when turning or moving from a lane.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Give audible warning when overtaking a pedestrian.
- Keep at least one hand on handlebars. Keep control of the bicycle at all times.
- Use a headlight with a white light visible from at least 500 feet ahead, and a red reflector visible from at least 50 to 300 feet behind, when riding from sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is poor.
- Keep brakes adjusted so that, when braked, your bicycle skids on clean dry pavement.
- Ride no more than two abreast.
Common sense is your key tool in keeping you safe when riding on the public highway. Watch out for others, try and predict for others behaviour & actions (which we all know can be erratic), carry ID and wear reflective clothing where possible. Following these sensible tips will help to keep you safe and to enjoy the ride. For our full range of ID products including out Sport ID - helmet mounted ID system, visit our website at www.vitalid.ca
Labels: bike safety, cycling safety
posted by Vital ID @ 10:51 AM
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Shopping With Your Kids - Making the Trip to the Mall Safe
Shopping with the kids in tow is always stressful and no more so than when the malls are busy. To ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible it is always good to ensure that your child knows what to do if they do get separated from you, to ensure they are found quickly and reunited with you as soon as possible.Teach Your Child What To Do If They Get Lost!
Rule No. 1 (THE VITAL RULE) - If you become lost, stay still - don't wander.Your parent will look for you where they last saw you.Rule No. 2 - Shout for your mum or dad, but don't shout your name. Don't feel embarrassed about making a noise. Draw attention, it's importantRule No. 3 - Call for a shop assistant or other parent with kids - they can help find your parent or have them paged over the store speakers.Rule No. 4 - Don't wander off with a stranger even if they say they know where your mum or dad is - your mom or dad will come to you.Rule No. 5 - It is important to carry a note of your parents contact numbers or teach them your cell or home telephone number and address (but remember even older children could forget this vital information in a panic situation). This will help store staff or other parents nearby to contact your mum or dad.
Teach your children these simple steps, but in a way that will not frighten or alarm them. Armed with this sage advice, your shopping trips will be a little less stressful and hopefully a little more fun.For child friendly ID solutions perfect for your next trip to the mall visit our website at www.vitalid.ca Labels: mall with kids, shopping with kids
posted by Vital ID @ 3:46 PM
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Internet Safety For Kids
The days of not talking to strangers and not accepting sweets from them have long gone, as your child can make friends with people from around the global community in an instant. But how do you know who they are talking to and how do you monitor and keep a watchful eye on their activity? How do you keep them safe from inappropriate situations that can intimidate, terrify and overwhelm them?Internet Dos and Don'ts
The internet is a valuable, exciting resource for children and adults alike but there are potential dangers associated with its use, especially for children.
You may not have grown up with instant chatrooms and social networking forums but that's not a good enough excuse to bury your head in the sand and let your children have free reign on the Internet without some proper supervision - it can be a dangerous place to play.
But don't panic - there are a number of simple measures you can follow to help ensure your child's safety online.
Dos - for parents
Do: Talk to your child/children about how they use the internet and their favourite sites. Encourage them to show you how they access the net and to talk to you about any concerns they may have regarding online chatting. Show an interest rather than point an accusatory finger of distrust at them. Your child will feel reassured and safe if you show a balance of respecting their way of communicating but keeping a watchful eye on what's happening.
Do: Keep the computer in a public place in your home - if a predator sees a bustling living room or kitchen in the background on the webcam rather than just a quiet child's bedroom, he will probably be less likely to embark on attempting to groom your child.
Do: Keep right up to date with the new technology. Ask your children to teach you new things - they'll enjoy spending time with you and you'll enjoy being with them too but also know that you are keeping them safe in the process. Helpful sources of information include;
http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ website
Do: Remind your children that any people they only know through the internet (and not in the real world) may not be who they say they are.Do: Check the privacy settings covering their profiles on-line.Do: Make it clear to them that you will occasionally check what sites they are using and will also sometimes ask questions to make sure they know the person they're messaging.Do: Remind your children that anything they post is likely to be visible to the world.
Don'ts - for children
Don't: post any personal information (such as your email address or mobile numbers) on your profile/s.
Don't: post anything online you wouldn't want the whole world to see.
Don't: continue online conversations that make you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about whom it is you are talking to. Report these to the Child Protection Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) website via their 'report abuse' facility and go and talk to your parents or another adult you trust to help you.
CEOP website http://www.ceop.gov.uk/ Don't: agree to meet anyone you only know via the internet.
Don't: open any attachments or links if you don't know (in the real world) the person who has sent them.
Don't: use your real name in chat rooms - pick a nickname just to use online.
Don't: assume that the people you are chatting to online are really who they claim to be.
Don't: keep any anxieties or worries or little niggles to yourself about approaches to you or conversations you've had online. Talk to your parents and/or an adult you trust. If not, you can call Childline on 0800 1111.
Don't: accept strangers who contact your online profile as friends just say NO or just ignore them. Don't be tempted to say YES.
Don't: agree if someone suggests keeping your chat a secret - tell your parents or a trusted adult.
Keeping your child safe in this new arena needn't be frightening but you owe it to them to keep up with the fast pace of change and keep them protected.
About the Author
Sue Atkins is a Parent Coach and Author of "Raising Happy Children for Dummies" one in the famous black and yellow series. To find out more about her work and to receive her free monthly newsletter packed full of practical tips and helpful advice for bringing up happy, confident, well-balance children go to http://www.positive-parents.comLabels: internet safety kids
posted by Vital ID @ 11:48 AM
Monday, February 4, 2008
How To Fit A Bicycle Helmet
Time invested in fitting a helmet pays big safety and comfort dividends!
Your objective: Snug, Level, Stable. You want the helmet to be comfortably touching the head all the way around, level and stable enough to resist even violent shakes or hard blows and stay in place. It should be as low on the head as possible to maximize side coverage, and held level on the head with the strap comfortably snug.
Be Prepared for the Worst : Heads come in many sizes and shapes. You should be prepared for the possibility that the helmet you are trying to fit may not be compatible with this particular head. And unfortunately, you should expect to spend ten to fifteen minutes to get your helmet properly fitted.
1. Adjust the fit pads or ring: Helmets that fit with pads come with at least one set of foam fitting pads, and if you got a second set of thicker pads it can be used to customize the shape. For starters, you can often remove the top pad entirely or use the thinnest ones. This lowers the helmet on the head, bringing its protection down further on the sides. It may reduce the flow of cooling air slightly, but probably not enough to notice.
Adjust the side fit pads by using thicker pads if your head is narrow and there is a space, or add thicker pads in the back for shorter heads. You may also move pads around, particularly on the "corners" in the front and rear. Leaving some gaps will improve air flow. The pads should touch your head evenly all the way around, without making the fit too tight. The pads may compress slightly over time, but not much, so do not count on that to loosen the fit. The helmet should sit level on the head, with the front just above the eyebrows, or if the rider uses glasses, just above the frame of the glasses.
If you walk into a wall, the helmet should hit before your nose does! There are also helmets on the market that use a fitting ring rather than side pads for adjustment. With these one-size-fits-all models you begin by adjusting the size of the ring. Some of them may require the ring so tight for real stability on your head that they feel binding, but loosening the ring can produce a sloppy fit, indicating that the helmet is not for you.
2. Adjust the straps Now put the helmet on and fasten the buckle. Be sure the front is in front! You want to adjust it to the "Eye-Ear-Mouth" test developed by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine:
- When you look upward the front rim should be barely visible to your eye
- The Y of the side straps should meet just below your ear
- The chin strap should be snug against the chin so that when you open your mouth very wide you feel the helmet pull down a little bit.
With the helmet in position on your head, adjust the length of the rear straps, then the length of the front straps, to locate the Y fitting where the straps come together just under your ear. That may involve sliding the straps across the top of the helmet to get the length even on both sides. Then adjust the length of the chin strap so it is comfortably snug. If it cuts into the chin and is not comfortable, it is too tight. Now pay attention to the rear stabilizer if the helmet has one. It can keep the helmet from jiggling in normal use and make it feel more stable, but only a well-adjusted strap can keep it on in a crash.When you think the straps are about right, shake your head around violently. Then put your palm under the front edge and push up and back.
Can you move the helmet more than an inch or so from level, exposing your bare forehead? Then you need to tighten the strap in front of your ear, and perhaps loosen the rear strap behind your ear. Again, the two straps should meet just below your ear. Now reach back and grab the back edge. Pull up.
Can you move the helmet more than an inch? If so, tighten the rear strap.For a final check, look in a mirror or look at the wearer whose helmet you are fitting. Move the helmet side to side and front to back, watching the skin around the eyebrows. It should move slightly with the helmet. If it does not, the fit pads are probably too thin in front or back.
When you are done, your helmet should be level, feel solid on your head and be comfortable. It should not bump on your glasses (if it does, tighten the nape strap). It should pass the eye-ear-mouth test.
You should forget you are wearing it most of the time, just like a seat belt or a good pair of shoes. If it still does not fit that way, keep working with the straps and pads, or try another helmet.
Note: with a helmet that fits this well on a child, you must be sure the child removes the helmet before climbing trees and playing on playground equipment. Otherwise there is a risk of catching the helmet and being strangled! That doesn't happen in normal bike riding, even in crashes, but it can happen while climbing trees or monkey bars.
Finally, you want the straps to stay adjusted. Some helmets--even expensive ones--do not have locking pieces on the side where the straps come together under your ear. If you can move the side buckle with your hand, it will migrate in use. We call that "strap creep," and it is a major problem. If your helmet has non-locking side pieces, that means you have to either put on a rubber band and snug it up under the side buckle, or you will need to sew the straps when you have the fit just right. If you use heavy thread you only need five or six stiches to hold it. It's an extra chore, but worth it.
Article by: Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Labels: fitting a bike helmet, how to
posted by Vital ID @ 5:38 PM
|
|
Recent News
News Archives
|
