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15/01/2010
The tragic death of Natasha Richardson in March 2009 highlighted the potential risks of skiing and snowboarding which is perceived by many to be a dangerous sport. Thankfully tragedies such as this are extremely rare although other studies show that head injuries account for up to one fifth of all skiing and snowboarding injuries. Brain trauma is the most common cause of death and serious injury for these activities.
It is thought that helmet use amongst skiers and snowboarders has increased steadily in recent years however, a recent research paper carried out by the University of Calgary (and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal) has concluded that helmets worn by skiers and snowboarders could protect the brain from injury. Previous suggestions that this will see an increase in neck problems were not supported by the research nor was the fear that skiers/snowboarders who wore helmets are more likely to take risks and therefore injure other parts of their body.
The research included analysis of 12 studies from across Europe, Asia and North America which compared injuries among skiers/snowboarders with and without helmets. The study author Brent Hagel of the Centre for Injury Control at the University of Alberta, said "The use of helmets significantly protects against head injuries amongst skiers and snowboarders. The risk of head injury can be reduced by 35% among helmet users. Based on this evidence, we encourage helmet use."
When snow is packed down it has a similar density to concrete and it's just as unforgiving. It seems almost unimaginable to sit on a horse or ride a motorbike without wearing a helmet and this recent study may hopefully convince skiers and snowboarders to purchase a suitable helmet.