As summer approaches, it is important to remind everyone to bike safely. Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a nonprofit multi-specialty medical group providing care to 495,000 adult and pediatric patients at more than 21 offices across eastern Massachusetts, is providing bike helmets to children (patients and non-patients) for $10.00 each. Massachusetts law requires any child 16 or under riding a bike, or using inline skates, scooter or skateboard to wear a helmet.

Children are at particularly high risk for bicycle-related injuries. The foremost cause of death and long-term disability in bicycle crashes is traumatic brain injury. Emergency departments across the United States estimate that 140,000 children are treated each year for traumatic brain injuries while riding bicycles.

Studies have shown that a properly fitted helmet is the most cost-effective way to prevent wheel-related traumatic brain injury, cutting the risk by as much as 88 percent.

Visit any of Harvard Vanguard’s 14 pediatric office locations to buy a helmet. Wellesley's Harvard Vanguard Office is located at 230 Worcester St.

About Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates is a nonprofit multi-specialty medical group providing care to 495,000 adult and pediatric patients at more than 21 offices across eastern Massachusetts. As an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Harvard Vanguard physicians are on the staff of Boston’s academic medical centers and community hospitals. Harvard Vanguard’s 4,100 employees, including more than 630 physicians and 1,000 healthcare professionals, are committed to making it easier for patients to be and stay healthy. Harvard Vanguard practices are among the highest rated in the state for clinical quality and accept insurance from most major health plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Fallon Community Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Neighborhood Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, and Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred. Harvard Vanguard is an affiliate of Atrius Health (http://www.atriushealth.org), an alliance of six non-profit community-based medical groups in Massachusetts.

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