Saskatchewan residents are reminded to “Helmet Up!”, in support of Brain Injury Awareness Month.
Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injury by as much as 88 per cent. The difference they make is so significant that for Brain Injury Awareness Month powered by Saskatchewan Blue Cross in June, the Saskatchewan Brain injury Association (SBIA) is urging people to “Helmet Up!”
“The fact is, that even the best athletes are not invincible,” said Glenda James, executive director for SBIA. “We know brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children and youth worldwide. Studies recommend that because longboarders suffer more intracranial injuries than skateboarders, the importance of helmet use should be strongly reinforced.”
Wearing a helmet while longboarding and skateboarding is at the centre of the new poster by SBIA for Brain Injury Awareness Month. This year’s poster encourages longboarders and skateboarders to strap on a helmet whether they are riding for transportation, recreation, tricks or any combination of the three. In people over the age of 16, nearly 50 per cent of hospital emergency visits involving skateboard incidents were for traumatic brain injuries.
“It’s a great fit for us to partner with the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association to build public awareness of brain injury,” said Gladys Neufeld, Marketing Coordinator at Saskatchewan Blue Cross. “Our company has a strong mandate to support the improved health and wellness of Saskatchewan residents. Talking about brain injury and preventing them through helmet use will make a big difference in our communities.”
The Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association is a charitable organization that strives to prevent brain injuries and to improve the lives of survivors and their families. For more information visit www.sbia.ca
