It’s the height of outdoor hockey season. Even when kids aren’t part of a formal team, they’re on the ice everywhere – from ponds to backyard rinks. Whether your child is in a league or playing hockey just for fun, a helmet is a crucial form of head injury protection that shouldn’t be ignored.

Troy Adams, founder and President of Troy’s Run, has made it his mission to encourage area parents and kids to stay safe while playing hockey by wearing helmets. Adams learned about head injuries the hard way, after receiving a severe concussion in a car accident while he was a teen. His recovery was not quick. It took more than 8 years for him to return to completely normal functioning. In response to his experience, he started Troy’s Run, a foundation designed to encourage conversations about the serious effects of concussions.

In his time with Troy’s Run, Adams has seen a huge number of brain injuries that have severely impacted people’s lives. Even simple slips and falls on icy ponds and rinks have caused major injuries. This is why Adams advocates for helmets. Although it’s easy to believe that if you are a strong skater you won’t be hurt, this is not the case. Kids and adults alike are commonly hit or run into on the ice and experience severe head injuries.

How can we make sure our kids wear helmets? Adams says that parents and other adults should always model safe behavior for kids by wearing a helmet while on the ice.

If you’d like to donate to Troy’s Run or learn more about Adams’ tips, you can read the full article by clicking here.

Finally, remember that even when precautions like helmets are taken, head injuries can still occur. If you or your child experiences a head injury while on the ice, it’s important to know what to do. If you are concerned that a person or organization is liable for the injury, it’s a good idea to speak with a brain injury lawyer to find out about your rights. To get the legal advice you need, consult with a personal injury lawyer.