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).
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).
Labels: bicycling, heeling, Heelys, orthopedic injuries, Pediatrics, protective gear, skateboarding
posted by Diana at 9:12 AM
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