WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
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The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among motorcycle rider helmet, alcohol use and the full spectrum of health outcomes following crashes. ⋯ Motorcycle riders who are inpatients or die in a crash are less likely to be helmeted and more likely to sustain head or face injuries. Alcohol use is associated with unhelmeted riding and increased risk of poor outcomes. These findings support policy and educational efforts promoting helmet use, which seek to decrease these tragedies.
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Horseback riding is an increasingly popular activity among today's youth, providing them with the opportunity to learn responsibility and respect for animals. However, it can also be associated with severe injury, of which many physicians are unaware. In 2002, there were an estimated 13,400 emergency department visits nationwide for horse-related injuries among children younger than 15 years. ⋯ Head injury is the injury most likely to result in hospitalization or death. The effectiveness of helmets in preventing serious head injury in horse-related accidents has been very well established. Recommendations for the prevention of horse-related injury include requiring helmet use on and near a horse, use of safety stirrups to prevent drag injury, matching rider skill with the appropriate horse, and providing close adult supervision.