Protecting Kids - One Helmet at a Time

CALGARY, Alberta - Dec. 1, 2015 - PRLog -- With the Christmas season just around the corner, Denise Pelletier knows many families are likely to be heading to the ski hills over the holidays.  And she wants your trip to be injury free.

In 2001, Denise Pelletier sustained a traumatic brain injury in an all-terrain (ATV) accident and was given a 5% chance of living an independent life.  She was not wearing a helmet.  She was successfully able to overcome those odds and is now passionate about advocating for brain injury prevention.  In her new children’s book, Emma's Skiing Adventure (http://www.denise-pelletier.com/books/), Emma learns an important lesson about how to stay safe while skiing and snowboarding. The book also includes helpful tips for both children and adults on purchasing and using helmets properly to ensure maximum protection.

The annual incidence of traumatic brain injury is conservatively estimated at up to 600 out of every 100,000 people in North America and Europe, with those five years and younger being at an increased risk. Emma’s Skiing Adventure will open the channel of communication between children and parents on how everyone can take simple steps to be safe.

A recent Statistics Canada study shows that only 68% of Canadians age 12+ wear helmets while skiing or snowboarding.  Below are a few alarming statistics on skiing and snowboarding deaths and injuries that contribute to brain injury:

- Traumatic brain injuries account for 50-88% of all fatalities at ski resorts in Canada with 67% of skiiers deaths in children.

- Novice skiers and snowboarders are most susceptible to injury; however novice snowboarders, in particular, are more likely to suffer severe head injuries.  Children and adolescents experience more head and neck injuries than adults.

- Head injuries account for the majority of deaths, serious injuries and significant disabilities sustained while skiing and snowboarding, with children between the ages of 7 – 17 having the highest risk of injury.

- Children are more susceptible to longer term impacts of a brain injury as the brain continues to develop until the mid 20’s, meaning neurological deficits may not manifest until several years after the injury (i.e. delayed reading and writing skills in elementary school).

- The age groups at highest risk for traumatic brain injury are infants to 4 year olds and 15 to 19 yr olds.

Traumatic brain injury survivor and injury prevention advocate, Denise Pelletier, is available for interview and can speak to the following:

· Why there needs to be specific focus on children when it comes to brain injury prevention and what prompted her to write Emma's Skiing Adventure.

· What criteria everyone should be using when purchasing a ski or snowboard helmet.

· How to ensure the proper fit of a helmet.

· Her own experience recovering from a traumatic brain injury.