But fatalities from the winter sport hold steady, researchers say
Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comSki injuries decline thanks to increased helmet use
Seeded on Tue Dec 14, 2010 8:30 AM EST (msnbc.com)
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This doesnt take into account that everyone who cant ski or skis like an idiot is paralyzed or dead, like Sunny Bono
True. But it WILL help in those cases when an idiot skis into YOU, knocking you down (which happened to me). I got my bell rung pretty hard. If I took my kids skiing, they'd wear helmets. I've seen and heard of too many head injuries and deaths to not make them wear helmets.
This will be the first year that I require my kids to wear helmets. They have worn them in the past only b/c the ski schools required it. I did not believe they made a difference, but I have been persuaded. Will I wear one? Well, I am old, female, and ski quite slowly- always in control (except when I am falling), but, maybe I will. Like you said- in case someone runs into me.
I always thought I was "too cool" for a helmet, but after getting my bell rung (I was dizzy as hell and probably should have gone to a hospital, but did I mention I thought I was "too cool"?) I would think differently now. Besides, the death of Natasha Richardson was a great lesson. She, too, thought it was just a little head bonk, and she died.
For those who think being a good skier who always skis in control is a reason to avoid a helmet. I am a very good skier having skied for 30 years. The first 10 years or so I lived in a ski area and skied all of the time so I have a lot of experience. I always ski in control preferring to challenge the bumps with form rather than shussing as fast as I can for a speed thrill. However, 4 years ago I told my less skilled family that I was going to ski a double black while they skied a blue and we would meet at the bottom where the trails converged. When I got to the bottom I relaxed and started looking around for them. I was moving at little more than a walking pace when I thought I saw my son's helmet to me left (always made him wear one). I turned slowly to my left and started taking off my gloves, again on a very gentle slope barely moving. I suddenly hit a sheet of glassy ice and my ski's shot out from under me. Since I had my hands in front of me pulling off my gloves I was unable to use them to catch my fall. My head smacked the ice with no other protection than a stocking cap. I saw stars, maybe even blacking out for a few seconds. I pushed myself up and knew right away I was concussed. I got up and moved towards my family all the while my head and vision were spinning. As soon as we got into the lodge I started feeling nauseous. It took several hours to get my senses back.
Yep, it was my fault. I was inattentive and had my mind on something other than the slope. But then again, it was an extremely slow speed fall and it was in a situation all of us find ourselves in every time we ski. It was not a situation someone would necessarily view as dangerous. I was lucky, I could have been hurt worse. It is reported the actress died from a very similar fall.
In short, the experience made me decide to wear a helmet from then on out. I had always thought I would hate them since I don't even like to wear a hat. However, the helmet I picked has proven to be very comfortable. I hardly notice it while skiing and the added warmth that comes from it offsets the minimal aggravation. I encourage everyone to give them a try, you may not be lucky like me and have a recoverable fall to make up your mind for you.