In a message of 09-02-1997, Richard Glazer wrote re: Helmets
RG> Helmets are believed to be 100% in
RG> stopping head injuries, wrong again. They are just the quick fix.
I have tried to stay out of this as long as I could, but...
I work in a neurological unit in a hospital.  Helmets are not 
believed to be "100% [effective] in stopping head injuries" but 
they are an inexpensive and reasonably effective means of
reducing the severity of the injuries that do occur.  Yes, people
without helmets do sometimes escape serious head injury in 
accidents, and yes, people who wear helmets do occasionally
suffer serious head injuries, but viewed statistically, there is
no doubt that helmet use can, on average, reduce the severity of
the injuries suffered.  When you consider the results of a
serious head injury (hospitalization, loss of employment,
long-term rehab and often only partial recovery of previous
function) and the relatively trivial disadvantages of wearing a
helmet (looks, comfort, expense) it is difficult to rationalize
not wearing a helmet.
Just my $0.02...
 * KWQ/2 1.2i * Internet: John.Thompson@ibm.net
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