t's uncomfortable and hot. It messes up my hair. It isn't cool. I'm not going to fall, so I don't need one.
These are just a few of the reasons people give for not wearing a helmet while roller skating, inline skating, riding a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle, or engaging in other potentially risky outdoor activities.
But according to James Young, MD, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Rush University Medical Center and nationally recognized expert on traumatic brain injury, there are no valid excuses for not strapping on this vital piece of protective gear.
Trauma to the brain can occur as a result of an impact, which can cause a concussion or open skull fracture, or a jarring motion, such as a quick turn or sudden stop. Even seemingly mild head injuries, where you don't lose consciousness, can cause permanent behavioral and cognitive problems, such as memory loss, inability to concentrate, sleep disorders and, in some cases, permanent disability or death.
Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of a serious brain injury and death because during a fall or collision, most of the impact energy is absorbed by the helmet, rather than your head and brain.
But just as important as wearing a helmet is wearing the right helmet. A helmet that doesn't fit properly or offer sufficient cushioning can give you a false sense of security while not actually providing the level of protection you need, Young says. He offers the following five tips to help you effectively safeguard your gray matter: