To the editor:

As a semi-retired family physician with more than 35 years experience, I wanted to remind the community of the importance of wearing helmets when sledding. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 160,000 sledding, snow tubing, and tobogganing-related injuries treated at hospital emergency rooms, doctors’ offices and clinics in 2007.
Helmets can prevent injuries, especially with children younger than age 12. Please remember to keep your kids safe when sledding, whether it be with a bike or ski helmet, and enjoy the wonderful winter opportunities Maine offers.

C. Roger Kendrick
Kennebunk