Team E.A.S.T. teaches importance of bike helmets

Date: 5/31/2011

SPRINGFIELD — It's never easy for a parent to make wearing a helmet seem "cool" to their young child. Professional BMX riders Team E.A.S.T. (Eastern Action Sports Teams) will demonstrate through an action packed show just how important a helmet can be, doing their tricks and flips right inside of Eastfield Mall.

Each year, unintentional injuries have proven to be the leading cause of death for children 14 and younger, most of these being head injuries that could be prevented through the use of a helmet. Grab the kids and their bicycle helmets on June 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a Summer Safety Kickoff presented by Baystate Medical Center's Injury Prevention Program.

Safe Kids of Western Massachusetts, headquartered at Baystate Children's Hospital, will offer free helmet fitting by certified professionals.

Additional information will be available from Baystate Medical Center's Sports Concussion Clinic, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Baystate Health's Continuing Education program, which will provide instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Attendees of this event will be able to enter to win an Eastfield Mall gift card and a bicycle, courtesy of Baystate Health and Team E.A.S.T.

For additional information and details, visit eastfieldmall.com, facebook.com/eastfieldmall.fans or call Eastfield Mall at 543-8000.