The medical community says that head injuries can happen while sledding, and can be just as severe as those that occur skiing or snowboarding.

According to Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Regions Hospital, head injuries accounted for nearly one-third of all sledding-related emergency room visits. The study also included the use of snow tubes and toboggans.

The data was collected from about 150 patients ages 5-19 who were treated between November 2013 and March 2015.

Michael McGonigal, director of trauma services at Regions Hospital, said that while at a hill, children should take a look around. If skiers are wearing helmets, that should be taken into consideration.

Doctors said that each metro hospital sees a few dozen sledding injuries per year.

Considering the low cost of a good helmet vs. the long-term or permanent results of a head injury or possibly death, it's a no-brainer.

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