The Role of the Health
Care Professional
in Bicycle Safety
Whose job is it to see that bicyclists are wearing helmets?
Laws issued in 20 US states and 145 municipalities require helmet use. Countless educational campaigns spread the word that helmets save lives. But what about the role of the health care worker? Researchers reporting in the Wisconsin Medical Journal point out how physicians are in a unique position to advocate for bicycle safety. Doctors and other health practitioners hold a position of educated authority. They can educate parents on how they can enforce helmet use among children. They can encourage parents to be role models for their kids. They can identify risky cycling behavior among children and discuss safe behavior. Furthermore, health care professionals can advocate for helmet laws with authority in state and local legislatures. Doctors can lead the charge in movements aimed at making more areas “bike – friendly”.
What can healthcare professionals do to influence their patients?
- Doctors can highlight risks associated with cycling and advocate behavior that reduces the risk.
- Physicians can reinforce that a helmet is the most important safety intervention for cyclists.
- Medical professionals can advocate for legislation that would mandate helmets in their state or community.
Doctors who encourage their patients to take up cycling to get more exercise are now challenged to take their task one step further – from promoting health to preserving life through good cycling habits.
Corden, Timothy E. et al. “The Role of the Health Care Professional in Bicycle Safety.” Wisconsin Medical Journal 104(2):2005.
back
to Headlines
|
