With temperatures dipping significantly below zero in recent days, this is as wintery as it gets in Southern Ontario. Then again, for some winter lovers, more snow should be on the menu. Many Canadians enjoy such winter sports as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and tobogganing. The more snow on the ground, the better it is to engage in these activities. They each offer exhilarating experiences and numerous health benefits. However, they can be dangerous.
Engaging in winter sports comes with inherent risks.
We’re talking about concerning head and spinal injuries more than anything. Reporting on behalf of Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), the Government of Canada’s Health Infobase reveals some scary statistics.
“Between October 1, 2016 and January 11, 2024 there were 4,376 sledding/tobogganing-related injuries reported in the CHIRPP database, representing 556.0 cases per 100,000 CHIRPP records,” informs the website, “Of these injuries, the mean age was 10.0 years and males represented 54.4% of case. Among children, those aged 5 to 9 years represented nearly half of all cases at 43.6%.”
Wearing a helmet during winter sports provides many advantages.
First and foremost, helmets offer protection from head injuries. While this may be obvious, it’s concerning how many winter sports enthusiasts often pass on wearing helmets. As you may know, these head-worn devices are designed to absorb and dissipate the force of impacts. This, of course, significantly reduces the risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions. Thankfully, the popularity of helmet-wearing during winter sports has grown over the years.
“In the early ‘90s, only about 5 percent of skiers used helmets,” notes Chryss Cada for Outside Interactive, “Flash forward 20 years, and nearly 80 percent of snow riders opt-in. Studies show that helmets reduced non-serious head injuries, such as minor concussions, by nearly 70 percent in the 17 seasons between 1995 and 2012.”
It’s worth pointing out that, beyond safety, helmets also offer insulation. It’s always important to keep your head warm in cold conditions. The added warmth offered by helmets can enhance your comfort and prolong the duration you can safely spend outdoors. Also, it certainly doesn’t hurt to opt for a helmet that comes equipped with reflective materials or bright colours. Increasing your visibility to others can help to reduce collisions.
It’s important to choose the right helmet to maximize safety benefits.
Thankfully, there are various helmets on the market. They are each designed for a specific sport. For example, ski helmets are constructed to handle the types of impacts that are common in skiing and snowboarding. Hockey helmets are suitable for both skating and tobogganing. Proper fit, however, is everything.
A well-fitting helmet should be snug without being too tight. It should sit level on the head and not tilt forward or backward. As well, an ideal helmet will come with adjustable straps and sizing options to help achieve the correct fit. Another important thing to look for is a recognized safety standard. ASTM F2040 is the most common snow helmet certification. A product with this certification has been tested for its effectiveness.
At SOS First Aid, we believe in safety first.
We proudly offer a Standard First Aid course and an Emergency First Aid to help you respond to emergencies no matter where you are this winter. We provide training at no less than three different Oakville locations! For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us at 905-844-9813. You may also email us at [email protected].
