Windsor Youth Receive Free Helmets to Boost Concussion Awareness

Dozens of young residents in Windsor received free bike helmets on October 21, 2023, during a community event aimed at increasing awareness about concussions. Organized by the Brain Injury Association of Windsor & Essex (BIAWE), the giveaway took place at the Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario building, where families took the opportunity to equip their children with vital safety gear.

The event highlighted the importance of proper helmet fitting. Lisa Gaspar, a social worker and client service coordinator for BIAWE, noted that many children do not have access to helmets or possess ones that do not fit correctly. “We find that most kids actually don’t have helmets or don’t have helmets that fit them properly,” Gaspar explained. The BIAWE ensured that each child received a helmet and proper fitting, emphasizing that a correctly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries.

According to BIAWE, a well-fitted helmet can be determined by a few simple guidelines. Two fingers should fit comfortably between the bottom of the helmet and the child’s eyebrows. The straps should sit snugly around the ears, with one finger allowed between the chin strap and the chin. Cost can often be a barrier to obtaining helmets, leading to situations where children wear poorly fitting or damaged helmets. “If you’re falling and you hit your head, if your helmet isn’t fit properly, it’s not going to protect you to the full extent that it could,” Gaspar added.

By the end of the event, upwards of 100 helmets in various sizes and colors were distributed. The initiative was not solely about helmet distribution; it also aimed to raise awareness about support groups for youth with a history of head trauma, as well as for parents of affected children.

Rachel Olsen, the executive director of the BIAWE, emphasized the necessity of open communication between parents and children regarding head injuries. “If you hit your head, you have to tell your parents, your teacher, your coach. It’s really important that you get that intervention if you need it,” Olsen stated. She further explained the importance of following proper concussion protocols, which include seeking medical attention and adhering to guidance provided by healthcare professionals.

Signs of a concussion can vary but commonly include difficulties in thinking clearly, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms such as dizziness or headaches. The BIAWE aims to educate the community about these symptoms to promote quicker intervention and recovery.

This event marks a proactive step towards fostering a culture of safety among young cyclists in Windsor, ensuring they not only enjoy riding but do so with the necessary protective measures in place. Through initiatives like these, the BIAWE continues to advocate for brain health and safety in the community.