Perhaps this is what their new company slogan should be!
I have been saying for a while now that those stupid “roller shoes” called ” Heelys are dangerous. A pediatric ER doc told me once that they were seeing injuries rolling (hehe) into the ER because of these shoes. Most parents don’t realize that these are just as dangerous as roller skates, therefore they don’t bother putting protective gear on their kids.
Girly Heelys (Glitz)
In this month’s edition of PEDIATRICS (The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics), there is a great article detailing a study that included data on kiddos coming into ERs due to HRIs (Heely Related Injuries…my term, not theirs.) They also examined injuries related to Street Gliders, which are contraptions that strap over normal athletic shoes to make them into convertible roller shoes.
Street Gliders
Ok. So, evidently when you “heel,” your body is thrown into a position where falling backwards is not very uncommon. Combine that with clumsy adolescent kids, and it spells Trouble. Trouble, and that starts with T and it rhymes with P and that stands for Pretty Dumb Idea.
Here are the Numbers:
The study lasted 10 weeks, and 67 kids were assessed during this time. Their ages ranged from 6 to 15. (If your thinking 6?!! I know. 6 year old on Heelys. Crazy.) These injuries accounted for a whopping 8% of total referrals to this ortho department.
83.5% of these kids were girls. NOT gregarious boy, but GIRLS!
Most of the injuries occurred while the kids were shifting their weight to and from the “heeling” position.
70% of the kids were beginners.
Arm, Wrist, and Hand injuries were the most prevalent.
Why this is a big deal:
Mainly, I think this is a big deal because these shoes are SUPER annoying. I absolutely hate seeing kids heel down ramps an corridors in public places. Shops, Grocery Stores, Restaurants and Airports are all places that I have seen kids use these things. Plus, you know it is a bad sign when the shoe manufacturers actually sell Heelys branded helmets and pads.
All of this is compelling evidence to keep my girl from wearing them. Not to mention that they are clunky and hideous. Because you *know* that I’m all about fashion–me and my crocs lovin’ self.
Filed under: Babble Belt
i can vouch for the 6 year olds in heely’s. at my school this past year (we only have k & 1st grade) we had to make a rule banning them. a note was sent home saying that if kids were caught wearing them that their parents would have to bring them another pair of shoes to wear. and i can vouch for how annoying they are…because kids would ‘heel’ through dillards all the time…
It has always amazed me when I see kids flying up and down the grocery isle in these things while mom calmly shops. The other folks on the isle are zigging and zagging to stay out of the way of these kids who seem to think it is the customer’s job to move out of the skater’s way, the mom seems to be oblivious. What makes the mom this way? I do not ever want to be beat down in such a way that it is OK for my kids to terrorize others while I peruse the jams.
My daughter has been begging for these (she’s 7). Never in a million years. Your post just confirms what I thought. I hate the things and they can’t be worn to our school so, tell me again why I’d shell out $70 for these things? Don’t think so.
THANK GOD we now have a reason to say “no” to Heelys… I swear If I get run over by another child who is heeling through the mall…walmart.. whatever… I’m gonna have to react in a regrettable way! Considering my career choice this would not be a good thing…. My god those things are annoying!!!!!
OK, I don’t know if a 26 year old doctor should admit this, but I have a pair
(I have a tradition that every year, for New Year’s, I do 1 crazy thing – this year was trying to learn how to “Heel” – does that make it any better? LOL)
PERSONALLY, I get very upset when I see the kids rolling down the isles – not because of the safety issue, but because I can’t do it! LOL! (It’s harder than it looks!!!)
But yes, I do agree that, just like skates, protective gear should be worn for kids…I will however be a hypocrite, cause once I finally master how to do it, I will be rolling everywhere! LOL!
-JM
Hey there! Found you through Chili (told you that I was going to hunt you down and start reading your blog!!!) Here I am!
Dh does a pediatric podcast and he just went through the whole Heely discussion in his last episode:
http://www.pediascribe.com/podcast/20070625/pediacast-41-thinking-inside-the-box-347-404-5437/
Gonna try to hunt down how you are a “medical family” now…..