Our son, Ray, had a serious wipeout while snowboarding a few weeks ago.
On a snowboard, when you fall you often land on your back. When he fell, he ending up sliding backward across the snow into a tree, hitting the back of his head and shoulder. What could possibly have been a serious brain injury only resulted in a crack in the helmet and whiplash, pulled ligaments and sore muscles.
Fortunately, the ski hill where Ray rented his equipment also has helmets for rent, and strongly encourages their use.
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Because falls from a snowboard are often backward, the head can hit the frozen ground, which can cause a concussion or brain injury.
There are no regulations requiring the use of helmets, but Laynni Locke of the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute recommends that a ski or snowboard helmet be used at all times. Locke said they have found that a helmet provides protection from an injury that is not likely to heal.
The Canada West Ski Areas Association, or CWSAA, which includes British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, recommends the use of helmets for all skiers and snowboarders.
Lawrence Blowin of Table Mountain Ski Resort near North Battleford, Sask., said the CWSAA prefers this voluntary use approach rather than legislation requiring the use of helmets. If legislation were passed, enforcement would become a problem.
It is really an issue of the individual taking responsibility to wear the proper protective equipment when participating in a high speed sport.
CWSAA recommends that a helmet is designed for skiing or snowboarding be selected. These helmets are insulated for cold weather, provide better coverage and impact protection. When selecting a helmet, make sure there is unrestricted vision, that it fits properly and that it has ear vents to allow for clear hearing. Helmets designed for other sports such as bicycling are not appropriate and do not provide the warmth or protection needed.
Skiers and snowboarders need to set an example by wearing helmets. They also need to encourage rental shops to make them available. Spending money to protect your head is well worth it. For more information on helmet use and how to select a helmet, go to www.producer.com and type “helmet use” in the go box.
Nutrition month
Canadian dietitians challenge you to go the healthy way during March nutrition month. There is a web activity at www.dietitians.ca/eatwell. If you like crossword puzzles, this challenge is for you. Once you’ve completed a challenge, your name is entered into a draw for prizes.
There will be four challenges during nutrition month. Join the fun and learn simple and credible ways to eat well, live well and feel great.
The Dietitians of Canada organization also has a calculator on its website. You can find the energy, fat, protein, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals of your daily food choices. It gives you personalized feedback on daily activity levels and body mass index.
World Home Economics Day
March 21 is a special day initiated in 1979 by the International Federation for Home Economics, the only worldwide organization concerned with home economics and consumer studies. Many events will take place around the world to celebrate. The theme for the next four years is home economics supporting sustainable development and quality of life for all, based on the current United Nations decade of education for sustainable development (2005-2014).
In Canada, the Canadian Home Economics Foundation promotes the recognition of World Home Economics Day. The foundation provides grants for projects that aid in improving the quality of life for individuals and families. One of these projects is the website www.home family.net. The college of pharmacy and nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan will be celebrating the day with an exhibit honouring home economics.
Betty Ann Deobald is a home economist from Rosetown, Sask., and one of four columnists comprising Team Resources. Send correspondence in care of this newspaper, Box 2500, Saskatoon, Sask., S7K 2C4 or contact them at team@producer.com.
