Ohio AAP Promotes Bike Helmet Safety with Helmet-Fitting Tips for Parents and Caregivers

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a continued effort to raise bike helmet safety awareness, The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) is offering bike helmet tips and information for parents and caregivers. The statewide public awareness campaign's goal is to continue to encourage adults and children to wear their helmets.

Parents who model wearing their bike helmets increase the likelihood of the child wearing his or her bike helmet, so setting a good example is critical. Wearing a helmet that fits properly is just as important. Here are a few tips on fitting your child's helmet correctly:

• Place the helmet low on the forehead, just above the eyebrows.
• Helmet straps should be snug under the chin so the helmet stays in the same position.
• The helmet should not move back and forth or side to side.
• Demonstrate that when children wear a helmet on the back of their head (move helmet so forehead is well exposed) that the helmet cannot do a good job of protecting the brain.

The Ohio AAP will continue its Put a Lid on It! campaign with Bike Helmet Safety Awareness Week, May 9-21, 2016. As part of the public awareness campaign, Ohio AAP will be partnering with pediatricians, children's hospitals, law enforcement and schools to help host various events throughout Ohio. The week will include activities for children of all ages, including bike rodeos, bike helmet safety lessons and giveaways, bike-to-school days, and public awareness activities.

Additionally, a record-breaking number of free bicycle helmets – more than 10,000! – will be distributed across Ohio this spring thanks to a continued partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation. To find an organization in your area that will be distributing helmets, visit: www.ohioaap.org/PutALidOnIt.

To learn more about Bike Helmet Safety Awareness Week and local events, visit the Put A Lid On It! Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bikehelmetsafety or www.ohioaap.org/PutALidOnIt. 

The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) promotes the health, safety and wellbeing of children and adolescents so they may reach their full potential. The Ohio AAP works to accomplish this by addressing the needs of children, their families, and their communities, and by supporting Chapter members through advocacy, education, research, service, and improving the systems through which they deliver pediatric care. More information is available at www.ohioaap.org 

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SOURCE The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Related Links

http://www.ohioaap.org