Health Tip: Fitting a Bike Helmet

Protect yourself or your child from injury

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(HealthDay News) -- If a bike helmet isn't properly fitted, you may still be at risk for injury if the helmet slips out of place.

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To be sure your helmet fits properly, follow these suggestions from the Bike Helmet Safety Institute:

• Adjust the padding inside the helmet until it fits snugly, but doesn't feel too tight. It should sit as low on the head as possible to protect the sides of the head.
• The helmet should be stable enough to stay in place even during vigorous shaking or forceful blows to the head.
• While the helmet's buckle is fastened, the helmet shouldn't move but mustn't be uncomfortable either.
• When the helmet is fitted properly, you should be able to look up and only barely see the rim. The "Y" of the straps should come together just below the ear.
• When you open your mouth wide, you should feel the chin strap pull the helmet down slightly.

-- Diana Kohnle