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A CYNICAL LOOK AT THE DAILY GRIND

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

KEEP THOSE DOGGIES ROLLIN'

Injuries are on the rise for kids engaging in a new international craze calling "heeling."

According to a report in the June edition of Pediatrics, Heelys (sneakers with wheels) have some kids going head over heels right to the emergency room.


Over a 10-week period last summer, 67 children were treated for injuries from Heelys at Temple Street Children's University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. And, one death and at least 64 roller-shoe injuries were reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission during a 15-month period.

Pediatric orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Beaty is concerned that parents who buy the shoes for their children have developed a false sense of security in that Heelys are like any other shoe and are not dangerous. But, reported injuries have included broken wrists, arms and ankles; dislocated elbows and even cracked skulls in children wearing the shoes. Even without falling, balancing on heels can strain feet and Achilles tendons.


Besides the fact that heeling kids are annoying as they whiz around you at the mall, I don't see why there's such a fuss. I'd think skateboarding, bicycling (and just walking on ice) would result in more injuries.

But, if parents are stupid enough to buy the shoes for their kids without making them wear protective gear, the Marie Antoinette in me says "let them eat concrete." (Oh good grief, just joking).

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8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree, except I am not joking!! same goes for ATV's , 4-wheelers, etc..

Tue Jun 05, 11:14:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

don't apologize let 'em eat concrete! Stupid parents.

Tue Jun 05, 07:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anyone know where I can get a pair of Heelys in a man's 10.5 size?
This job of mine keeps me on the move.Constant running through this building....a pair of them there Heelys would really do the trick.
Back in the day,we'd make go-carts from any and all available material.We'd then race them at breakneck speed down the largest hill we could find in town.
I don't remember a scratch or anyone getting hurt.
Skateboards however came with their own inherent risks.

Wed Jun 06, 10:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey, how did we, as children of 50's and 60's survive without seat belts, outlet protectors, stair gates, helmets, wrist/elbow/knee pads, etc. etc..I always joke that my little sister Vickie (there were 7 of us kids in our woody wagon - along with our parents) was my airbag because she sat on my lap. We are all in our 50's and 40's now...and all intact!

Wed Jun 06, 02:32:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ay, lookout lookout I'm poppin a heelie man, narly DUDE!!

Wed Jun 06, 07:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heel to the no...

Wed Jun 06, 10:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Gee Whizz! Cant anyone have any fun anymore? Sounds like a lawsuit! Im glad I was born in 1960!

Thu Jun 07, 06:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Are there any parents that have a mind of their own left or do they all let their children control them?

Wed Jun 13, 10:15:00 AM  

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