Promoting the use of bicycle helmets during primary care visits

The purpose of this article is to communicate ways in which the nurse practitioner (NP) working with the pediatric population can incorporate bicycle helmet use education into the primary care setting.

Review of literature on bicycle helmets, safety, and head injury, retrieved from scientific journals and reliable Internet sources.

Bicycling has become a popular sport for both children and adults. Despite excellent benefits, bicycling can pose hazards to riders when safety measures are not practiced. Head injury has been cited as the leading cause of death in bicycle-related injuries. The simplest and single most effective device available to reduce head injury and death is the bicycle helmet.

NPs working with the pediatric population can have a profound impact on safety and health through promoting bicycle helmet use to both the child and accompanying parent during children's primary care visits. NPs can also become involved beyond the institution and act as role models for children, form coalitions, and serve as community advocates for new or stronger helmet legislation and enforcement of bicycle helmet laws.