Media Advisory - Head injuries the most serious injury risk when kids are on
wheels

Got Wheels? Get a Helmet!

TORONTO, May 25 /CNW/ - Safe Kids Canada kicks off Safe Kids Week - May 31 to June 5 - by unveiling new data on helmet safety and wheeled activities such as bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding and scootering. Various injuries can occur as a result of a fall, but head injuries are the leading cause of serious injury and death to kids on wheels - particularly in those children not wearing helmets. And considering the average child's skull is only one centimeter thick, it's no wonder helmets play such a vital role.

According to Transport Canada, in 2007 alone, more than 1,000 children under the age of 15 were injured while riding their bikes. Traumatic brain injuries account for eight per cent of emergency room visits by cyclists, four per cent of visits by skateboarders and in-line skaters and six per cent of emergency room visits for injuries related to scooter riding in children under 19, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Interview opportunity on Monday, May 31st, 2010

Pamela Fuselli, executive director of Safe Kids Canada, the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children, is available to discuss:

    
    -   What percentage of head injuries could be prevented by helmets when
        riding and gliding
    -   Why different wheeled activities require different helmets
    -   Typical injury profiles - most common incident time, location,
        injury, and gender for each wheeled activity
    -   Top five tips to protect your child's head
    -   Why new legislation is needed in a number of provinces to keep all
        Canadian kids safe
    

Dr. Charles Tator, neurologist and founder of ThinkFirst Canada, a national non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of brain and spinal cord injuries, is available to discuss the impact of head injuries and the role helmets play in overall prevention.

Safe Kids Canada has local expert spokespeople in Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver who are available for interviews.

    
    B-roll is available on Monday, May 31st, 2010
    ---------------------------------------------
    Time of feed: 13:30 - 14:00 EDT Continuous Loop
    Coordinates: Anik F2 C, Transponder 3B, Audio subcarrier 6.2 and 6.8,
    Downlink frequency 3820 vertical
    Troubleshooting: 416-979-7678
    

For further information: To book an interview contact: Sheba Zaidi, Environics Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Kelly Mills, Safe Kids Canada, [phone], [email protected]