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| Q&A: Dr David Hartman on Head Injuries (824 Posts)
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Lids
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On 10/4/2002
Antti S. Brax
wrote in from
(80.186.nnn.nnn)
The fear of peer pressure seems to be a common reason among older people for not wearing protective equipment. I don't know the situation with younger skaters but in the local park nobody has a bad attitude against the grommets who wear helmets.
I didn't wear a helmet because no one else did. I finally started wearing a helmet in skate parks because I feared peer pressure (from my wife) and graduated into "no helmet-no skating" after reading Patio's article in ILB.
It's all in your head (so you better protect it).
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I wore My Lid tonight!
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On 10/3/2002
Sparker
wrote in from
(194.46.nnn.nnn)
I've been reading Dr Daves advice for a while now and it seems to have actually sunk in.
I wear a helmet and pads all the time in a skate park and when skating hills or when snowboarding or when riding my bike.
BUT. Tonight, for the first time, I wore my lid when I went for a quick 10 min scoot up and down my street to see how my new bushings felt.
I saw a number of people on my quick skate. No one pointed and no one laughed.
I think I'll wear my helmet all the time now.
Just thought I'd share my revelation!
Cheers
Sparker
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Helmet Review
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On 9/30/2002
James
wrote in from
(67.117.nnn.nnn)
My HTML is slipping...
this link
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Helmet Review
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On 9/30/2002
James
wrote in from
(67.117.nnn.nnn)
this link is for a skate/bmx helmet review done by consumer reports in July.
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The Incredible Inevitability of Falling
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On 9/29/2002
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Preston,
I can't say it much more succinctly than Adam, who basically said, if you haven't fallen, you will. The physics of falling off a board potentially makes your brain like the weighted end of a pivoting object. There's a great deal of force at the point of impact, where the head meets the road. So even light skateboard use and prudent behavior (no bombing, no alcohol, no playing chicken with a mack truck) will not eliminate the possibility of major head injury if you don't wear a good helmet. My bottom line is to wear the best helmet you're comfortable with. Wear pads at the joints, or anywhere that is your favorite "falling" point. If you're commuting, don't wear your Armani and Rolex and save the carbuncular jewelry that could impale itself into you for after you arrive. Hope this is helpful.
sk8Safe drD
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prevent wobbles to prevent head injury...
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On 9/29/2002 patio
wrote in from
(66.168.nnn.nnn)
okay, on topic/off topic...
I always used to be very tedious about making sure that the front and rear truck were tightened the same amount.
this leads to a harmonic vibration(speed wobbles) at certain speeds. my first broken arm came from VIOLENT speed wobbles
I have since learned that;
1) your turning mainly comes from the front truck. your rear truck will follow.
2) set your front truck as you like, then set your rear truck slightly tighter. this prevents the wobbles. or at least it drastically reduces them from setting in. and if you do get a little wobble, it's not going to get out of hand and throw you.
P's out
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How safe (in terms of gear) for commuting on a longboard?
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On 9/29/2002 Preston
wrote in from
(12.224.nnn.nnn)
Actually, I probably wasn't clear. When I said "I slow down when I need to slow down and I bail when wobble kicks in" what I meant was that I do foot drag and other things to keep the speed reasonable. I *rarely* have to bail and when I do bail it's not generally serious, it's just me jumping off while I know I can still land on my two feet and not on my shoulder. :-)
So thus far I've never been in a serious situation and play it very safe. That was why I was asking if (given how safe I play it) I need to concern myself with anything beyond wrist pads and a helmet.
Preston
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How safe (in terms of gear) for commuting on a longboard?
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On 9/29/2002
Adam
wrote in from
(64.24.nnn.nnn)
Preston, As I'm sure you'll soon read from DrD, wearing a good helmet is your first and most important safety measure. Once your head is protected you've got a much better chance of surviving any kind of fall with your mental faculties (and life) intact.
There's a saying in motorcycling: "There are two kinds of motorcycle riders; those that have gone down and those that will." If you're covering that much distance on a skateboard on a daily basis and achieving speed-wobble speeds, I think it's just a matter of time before "bod meets asphalt".
Your post makes me think of a few simple preventative measures that can save you from the senseless crashes.
1) Make sure your board is wheel bite proof! You'd be amazed how many people are hurt (sometimes seriously) because their board allowed wheel bite. Add risers, use smaller wheels, or remove deck material to make wheel bite impossible.
2) Inspect equipment often.. a fallen-off wheel or hanger will drop you in a hurry.
3) Know your course before you run it! (It sounds like you've got this one already covered).
Your post also tells me that you should develop a braking maneuver like the foot drag. "Bailing before wobbles set in" means you're on the verge of losing control, and bailing at those speeds is risky. Some trucks wobble more than others.. ask around on the Trucks forum for info on ways to set up a board to lessen the potential for wobs.
I commute on my board daily, but my route is nearly flat and much shorter than yours. So far, so good!
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How safe (in terms of gear) for commuting on a longboard?
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On 9/29/2002 Preston
wrote in from
(12.224.nnn.nnn)
I'm new to skateboarding. Took it up at age 27 as a complement to cycling to work everyday. Now half the time I longboard to the train about 5 miles total. It's awesome exercise and a lot of fun. Given that I'm not trying to look cool or impress anyone (other than my wife, who thinks it's awesome that I took up skateboarding at 27) I wear a helmet, wrist-pads (I'm a computer programmer) and *sometimes* knee pads. Those are kind of a pain, so I don't always wear them.
My question is this. As I read this forum (I'm new hear) I see a lot of talk about various levels of protection including full face masks, body armor, etc. So I'm wondering if I'm safe enough. When I cycle I wear a helmet, gloves, etc., but I don't go out of my way to be anymore protected than that and the same goes for when I skateboard. I wear what's prudent.
The reason I don't wear more is because I'm not bombing hills or doing anything *really* dangerous. I slow down when I need to slow down. I bail before wobble kicks in. In other words, I play it pretty safe, so consequently I'm a little unsure of whether or not skating how I skate is dangerous enough to warrant gearing up a little more.
What do you think, Dr. Dave? Have I taken prudent measures, especially given that I skate for transportation for the most part and don't really take chances? Or is there other gear I should be considering given statistics on the likely chances of certain accidents occurring?
Thanks.
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AMEN, BRUDDAH!!!
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On 9/28/2002
Patio Mendino
wrote in from
(66.168.nnn.nnn)
"even those little "bumps" can be life changing for both you and your family, people, please be considerate to others, wearing a helmet isnt just about you, its about all that love you"- Jason
THAT is so true.
beautiful.
thanks,
Patio
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helmet story
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On 9/27/2002
jason
wrote in from
(151.197.nnn.nnn)
let me tell you two stories.......
one is about a guy ive never met but have heard much about, hes 26, when he was 16 he was driving at 6 mph in his car into a parking lot, he hit a pole not paying attention, and his head BUMPED the foreward windshield support beam (the one where your window and the windshield mee) quite gently......
big deal right???
hes got the mind of a 6 year old now....
i myself was on a skateboard, my first time, wearing a bike helmet, the board shot out from under me, i landed flat on my back and my head SLAMMED to the pavement, i broke the helmet and ripped the straps........yea i had some nast whiplash and a bad headache for a few days, but at least i didnt lost 10 years from my mentality, and at least my mentality can still grow......
wear a helmet, even those little "bumps" can be life changing for both you and your family, people, please be considerate to others, wearing a helmet isnt just about you, its about all that love you, and all that will be forced to care for you for the rest of your life.....
go to the toy store and buy a cheapo bike helmet for yourself, spray paint it to match your flashbacks and hit the street, for gods sakes if you can wear shoes that are spraypainted gold (and BUY THEM for that matter) you can wear a helmet that can, and will save your life
peace
jason
p.s. i just recently went into the back of a parked buick after being hit from behind by a van, my noggin is still unharmed thanks to my now broken helmet.... you can get helmets cheap, they work even if they are styrofoam covered in fabric.... id suggest a higher quality one though, they dont break as easy and last many hard spills,
peace
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Fiddling with the (safety) Basics
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On 9/26/2002
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
BassFiddler:
I can think of several reasons why boarders don't adopt basic motorcycle protection gear:
1. It's labeled "motorcycle protection gear" and most people see the label as the specific intended use.
2. There's resistance to paying more for your safety gear than you did for your board.
3. There's this idea that boarding is just a "fun" activity rather than a "dangerous fun" activity that requires you to protect yourself.
4. Most people outside this list have very little clue that brain damage is as easy as falling off your log. And then there are the "it'll never happen to me" crew. . .
5. If you live in a hot climate, leathers are a tough sell.
Bottom line is that none of these reasons are worth much. I think your idea that boarders adopt MC safety equipment is pretty logical and useful, at least until boarding companies produce their own MC quality stuff.
sk8Safe drD
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Motor Cycle equipment
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On 9/26/2002 The_Bass_fiddler
wrote in from
(24.221.nnn.nnn)
Dear Dr. Dave,
I was wondering why more people don't wear full motorcycle gear; not the MotoX stuff but the stuff for road racing. It would be suffeicent speed ratings scince those things can reach up to and over 200mph. So why isn't that stuff worn more often. my brother just bought a full face helmet with a shield to keep the wind out of his eyes for less than $150. It seems crazy not to, especially when speeds reach 40 mph or more, road rash really hurts.
Thanks
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Dan's Spare
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On 9/25/2002
Dr Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
That's a great idea, Dan, to keep a spare helmet in the car. During skate season, I keep a big plastic box of helmets and pads in my car trunk. Whenever my kids want to take their boards somewhere, the protection is already there.
skateSafe drD
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Helmet and teens
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On 9/25/2002
dan
wrote in from
(162.78.nnn.nnn)
The other day my son (16 years old) and I hit the local skatepark. I told him to grab his "gear" before we left.
When we started skating, I noticed that he didn't have his helmet on. He knows this is a "no, no". So, I asked him "what's up with the no helmet?"
He explained that it wasn't in his bag, and it must have been placed somewhere else back at the house (20 minutes drive). I said, hey, there's no skating unless there's a helmet. He thought that was clearly unreasonable, since 90% of the people at the park haven't got a helmet (and he's nearly invincible at 16), so what's the big deal! I said, since I'm the one who pays the hospital bills, I make the rules. Helmet or no skating!
He didn't want to go aalll theee wwaaayyy hoommmee...dad! Just to get a helmet, so he wore a spare I had in the van, a snowboard helmet. Which, I figured was better than nothing. Whew (I was tired already)!
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Helmets are cool
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On 9/25/2002
Matt Traver
wrote in from
(202.14.nnn.nnn)
Helmets rock... not only do they save your brain and your life you can also use them as a fashion statement if you want... you make yourself look 'cool' (if your that vain to really care) and paint it and decorate it with stickers and make it a piece of artwork.. so... i say ALWAYS wear a helmet and even if you don't want to, you can play around with the design and make it so you actually want to wear it... there's nothing cool about violently spasming in your wheel chair as your mother spoon feeds you. Oh yeah... another thing... my mom has a friend who's son is permanently damaged all because he didn't wear a helmet when he cycled his bike and a car hit him... very sad... to think he could have avoided the past 16 years in a wheel chair if he only put on a helmet... i never let any of my friends use my boards unless they have a helmet... elbows and knee's are still important to wear... but not as much as a helmet... what's the point in having 2 intact arm and legs if your brain is too liquified to know how to use them!?!?!?!?!? PLEASE WEAR HELMETS FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T... PLEEEASSEEEEE. You'll save yourself alot of money and your family and your country alot of money for not having to pay for your physical and mental rehabilitation... i think i'm going to go now before you people think i'm another HELMET VICTIM...
matt.
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Patio's solution
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On 9/22/2002
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Patio,
The solution is DECALS! Couple o bucks and you will be able to plaster your helmet of choice. Of course if it's decals, then you have your choice of any team, or something subtle and skateboard related-say-Hookups decals. . . .
Jeez, I always have to do all this highly technical doc-type advice. . . . .:)
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football...
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On 9/21/2002 Patio
wrote in from
(66.168.nnn.nnn)
thanks, dave...just had gotten wondering. some of those football guys take pretty hard hits. I would think they would have better padding.
I have a motocross motorcycle helmet for those faster rides.
I just really wanted an excuse to buy a Miami Dolphins helmet.
now I'll have to take up football.
p
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Longboard Football
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On 9/20/2002
Dr Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Patio,
Unless you are playing football on your board, don't use a football helmet. Football is for grass and running. Boarding is for asphalt. It's harder and faster than football and I wouldn't want to try landing on a football helmet at 25 mph into a metal gutter. You want full face? Go to your local motorcycle shop.
sk8Safe drD
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football helmets...
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On 9/18/2002 Patio
wrote in from
(207.16.nnn.nnn)
what ratings are given to football helmets?
I tried on a Bike brand "air" helmet. it has air bladders to "pump up" to fit your head. but the padding seems kinda' dense and not very thick. the helmet had a motorcycle helmet feel without the weight. and you can get a Quarterback style minimal face shield all the way to a big cage face mask like a defensive lineman.
so how would these helmets fare for "skate related impacts"?
a bonus would be that you could get one with a Miami Dolphins logo and all...
p
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helmet/safety-full face design
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On 9/17/2002 headcase
wrote in from
(209.178.nnn.nnn)
Maybe this should be under Safety Equipment, but has anyone tried the Netti Axn Full Face Helmet?
It looks interesting in this photo.
http://www.cyclepath.ca/products/itm00181.htm
Odd angle on the photo. Is it the same design as the the Giro or Vigor helmets?
The back of head looks different to me. I can't tell about the chinguard's design. The padding looks standard for a sub $150 helmet - good bike helmet level.
For my ***ideal helmet***, I'd like something with a very "open" feel to it. Lots of vents and no feeling of being boxed in by foam anywhere below the temples/cheekbones. I'd like to see a smaller but still hard to break chin guard (carbon fiber?) instead of the big bmx things. A good strapping system would be nice too.
I can also live without the visor/baseball things. Give me a flush front fitting shield without distortion. If you can make it removeable yet work in tandem with the chin guard (half mask or full mask) you would have the system that I am looking for.
Regarding styling. It should be something that you can wear in a city park without embarrasment while riding a skateboard (Think backside GGP). Not a "bike" helmet in look. Not a MC helmet in look or weight. Similar to a bike helmet in weight, but with an old-fashioned football quarterback helmet's facemask (single bar but widened, or double bar but contoured.)- done in modern materials with a BMW/K2/AppleComputer/Bang & Olufson sort of design.
How about "FaceSaver" for the name?
Get busy helmet makers and send me my residuals!
Hey Doc!? Is the main difference between the $80 BMX helmets and the $300 cycle helmets in the padding or in the shell?
If the protection is in the padding then a semi-flexible shell with replacement padding could be the way to go.
PS. Those Protec full-faces are awfullly uncomfortable. Either that, or I have a weirdly shaped head. And the Giro just looks too big - like Kazoo on the Flintstones.
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In your face
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On 9/17/2002
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Shredder,
You have a choice of very expensive slalom skateboard helmets, or motorcycle helmets. See the Snell posts earlier. There are lots of full face MC helmets, e.g., //www.helmetshop.com.
Anybody have any first person suggetions?
drD
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Full Face helmet
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On 9/16/2002
Shredder
wrote in from
(132.230.nnn.nnn)
Hi!
I am looking for a full face helmet, but most of these things are designed for mountainbike downhill and feature the styrofoam padding. I don't like those as they hardly survive multiple impacts and I don't want to buy a new helmet after each crash. My Pro Tec Ace helmet has a nice padding with very dense flexible foam and a nice shell, but the full face Ace- the styrofoam again :-( Can anybody recommend me a helmet?
Thanks!
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Snoball's going to Snell
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On 9/12/2002
snoball
wrote in from
(65.32.nnn.nnn)
I thought that was pretty funny Dr.Dave :-)
OK, we've got one company out of 5 million hits
to this site who has come on here to prove
they have some integrity...and they don't make
skateboard helmets! Snowboard, motorcycle, bicycle,
and even horse back riding...but no *skateboard* helmets!!
Ah, the painful irony of it all.
wahhhhhh haaaaa...
sniff.
I'm going to go ask them to make a skateboarding helmet now.
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Snoball's Chance in Snell
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On 9/11/2002
Dr. Dave
wrote in from
(12.249.nnn.nnn)
Snoball, first, sorry about the bad pun above :),
Snell does say specifically how they test their helmets, and they use some pretty heavy-duty tests. See their website at http://www.smf.org. I agree about the petition. Maybe we can get one running on NCDSA. I also agree about giving boarders more input. Maybe the shortboarders they asked were just too dinged and apathetic to give any input. I tend to believe that longboarders are an older and more educated lot, so it may be up to us.
Sk8Safe, drD
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