Heelys-A Wheel in the Heel - Are They Safe Enough For Your Kids?
BINGHAMTON, NY - By now most parents are familiar with Heelys, a unique type of sneaker that has a removable wheel in the heel that allows kids to quickly transition from walking or running to skating by simply shifting their weight to their “heel.” This newer line of sneakers is popular among today's youth. Children as young as 5 are seen wearing these special shoes in malls, schools and on the street. Heelys has sold over 10 million pairs of their popular wheeled footwear since 2000. Some say Heelys may be an answer to our childhood obesity problem in America by providing children with a fun new way to exercise that may be more convenient to use then possibly biking or skateboarding. But are they safe?
According to a recent study conducted by Heiden Associates, a leading authority on product safety and risk assessment, “Heelys is the safest activity among popular wheeled sports . . . significantly safer than bicycling, skateboarding, basketball, soccer and even tennis.” The study analyzed more than 2.056 million Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) incident reports and relevant data over the past six years and confirms that Heelys wheeled footwear is safe.
But what about all of these recent reports of childhood injuries associated with this brand of shoes? Heelys sneakers have been attributed to falls, injuries and even one known death. Doctors are seeing children come in with wrist fractures, elbow injuries, lacerations and even severe head trauma.
One of the main causes of these injuries is lack of wearing proper protective gear. Most children do not wear helmets, wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads while skating. Unfortunately most parents believe that Heelys are just as safe as regular sneakers because they are sold in shoe stores. This is a misconception. Parents need to understand that this type of footwear should be treated like any other wheeled sport activity and proper safety equipment is necessary.
To keep your children safe, here are a few special safety tips parents and children need to know when using Heelys products:
- Remember that with any new activity, like riding a bike for the first time, the user needs to be extremely careful when learning. It takes time and practice before mastering the skill.
- Always wear protective safety gear with Heelys such as a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads. Heelys encourages all consumers to wear full protective gear when rolling and to refer to their website at www.heelys.com for special riding instructions or to purchase protective wear.
- Parents should remove the wheels when using Heelys in shoe mode. Leaving the wheel in will tempt your child to use it as a skate.
- Do not allow your kids to use Heelys in skate mode around traffic, uneven and/or slippery surfaces, on stairs or in crowded areas. According to a CBS News Story, last March, a boy from East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, was crossing a street to get the mail while wearing his Heelys. He fell and was struck and killed by an oncoming car that did not see him. Officials say that the sneakers were not to blame for the boy's death but could have been a factor in his fall.
- Do not roll faster than you can walk.
- Be careful of using Heelys in skate mode in public places. Many places such as malls and schools now ban the use of Heelys with the wheel down.
- Be aware that Heelys is on the W.A.T.C.H.'s (World Against Toys Causing Harm) 2006 Ten Worst Toys List.
For more information regarding Heelys products please visit their website at www.heelys.com or contact them by phone at 1.866.Heeling or by email at help@heelys.com.
CONTACT:
Carrie Abbott, Supervising Public Health Educator
Broome County Health Department: 607.778.2884
email: cabbott@co.broome.ny.us
Broome County Health Department: 607.778.2807
email: cmuss@co.broome.ny.us
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Published Date: 07-16-2007
