User:Jamiemegan

The Basics of Boarding 

Each year in the United States, skateboarding injuries cause about 50,000 visits to emergency departments and 1500 children and adolescents to be hospitalized. (Source: AAP, March 2002). The majority of these injuries and hospitalizations can be prevented through the use of proper protective gear. This includes a helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads and appropriate shoes. Skateboarders who perform tricks should use heavy-duty gear. So now that you know you should protect yourself while you are boarding, let’s look at some common questions you may have about skateboarding safety.

What are the basic things I should look for in a skateboarding helmet?•	Look for proper fit and a chin strap; notice whether the helmet blocks vision and hearing. If padding is too tight, it could restrict circulation and reduce the ability to move freely. Loose-fitting padding, on the other hand, could slip off or slide out of position.

Can I use a bicycle helmet for skateboarding? •	No! Look for a sticker inside the helmet. It should have ASTM F1492, which tells you the helmet is up to skateboarding standards. Some helmets may have CPSC on them, but this is the type of helmet for bicycling, not skateboarding: It makes a difference!

Does it matter what type of foam or padding is inside my helmet? •	Make sure the inside of your helmet’s foam is Expanded PolyPropylene (EPP). This type of foam recovers better than that of bicycle helmets, which is needed because of increased falls with most skateboarders.

When should I replace an old helmet, and how do I know if my crash was bad enough that I need a new helmet?•	If you do crash at some point and any part of your helmet is damaged, you need to replace the old helmet. Remember, helmets do no good unless they are in proper working condition. Also, replacing your helmet every 5 years is a good rule to follow for increased safety.

''Okay, I need a helmet. But why do I need all of that other stuff?'' •	Wrist guards help support the wrist and reduce the chances of breaking a bone if you fall. Knee and elbow pads reduce the severity of cuts and scrapes, and prevent gravel burns. You should also wear closed, slip-resistant shoes, and consider goggles to keep debris out of your eyes.

References: http://www.helmets.org/skatepam.htm, http://www.nsc.org/library/facts/sktebord.htm, http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00273 Also, for more information contact www.thinkfirst.org