Article by Skamania County EMS & Rescue

As spring arrives and our communities prepare for better weather and more time outside, it is important to also prepare for our safety. Commuters, adventurers and kids will be running for their bikes and heading out into the sunshine to enjoy the fresh air and sun on their faces. At Skamania EMS & Rescue we encourage everyone in our community, visitors and residents alike, to focus on safer choices. Help us reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.

Bicyclist injuries and deaths are highest between June and September. The most common types of incidents are falls from the bike, and the most serious involve vehicles. Prevention and rider safety are paramount in keeping our riders safe. We can achieve this by following the rules of the road, be visible, wear a properly fitted helmet, and check that your bike is in good working condition.

Preparing yourself or younger riders for the road starts with a properly fitted bike and helmet. Make sure the equipment you are using fits the intended rider. This will increase control of the bike and decrease the possibility for injury. Take the time to properly fit your helmet. They come in various sizes and styles. Try on several helmets in your size until one feels right. Following these simple steps listed below will help ensure your helmet functions as intended when you need it.

• The helmet should sit level on your head, one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow
• Side straps should form a V shape under and slightly in front of the ear
• Center the buckle under your chin, tighten the strap until it is snug and buckle it
• To check the final fit, open your mouth, move your head side to side, up and down. Do you feel excess movement? Review the steps above or find a different helmet.
• Inspect your helmet regularly. If it has been involved in any accident it needs to be replaced.

Wherever you ride, please ride responsibly, and remember that bicyclists on the road must follow the rules of the road and have the same responsibilities as motorized vehicles.

Bicycle Safety: Bike Safety Tips for Kids and Adults | NHTSA

How is the above article connected to prevention?

Protecting Developing Teen Brains and Preventing Youth Substance Misuse and Addiction

Between the ages of 10-19, the brain is changing rapidly. Although the brain stops growing in size by early adolescence, the teen years are all about fine-tuning how the brain works. The brain doesn’t finish developing and maturing until the mid-to-late 20s. Because of this, it’s extremely important for teens to protect their brain. Wearing helmets during certain activities provides a type of physical protection, while not using substances is another way to protect the developing teen brain.

Youth who use substances can negatively alter their brain development. The earlier someone starts using substances, the greater their chances of developing an addiction. For example, 90% of people with a substance use disorder began using drugs and alcohol before the age of 18. One of the best ways for teens to prevent addiction is to delay the onset of first use.

Prevent Coalition has created a list of basic information and links from trusted sources to help parents/guardians learn more about teen substance misuse on their website. They have also developed age-appropriate materials to help parent/guardians talk to their kids about drugs, to help start a conversation that could have lasting implications and help them become more informed. Check these resources and learn more at https://www.youthnow.me/parents/.