When I saw this article in the NY Times yesterday, it made me think of the presentation I give for the HealthTrust of Santa Clara to eager high school students about what I do as a plastic surgeon.Sure, my life in plastic surgery is all about boobs and Botox - or some would think... I use the class period to reveal a little bit more about the wide, wonderful world of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The NY Times article talks a bit about the spills that professional cyclists endure, and part of my presentation describes dealing with the medical consequences of those accidents. In a few words: lots of stitches, metal plates and screws.
So the one thing I beg the students to remember from my talk? If you ride a bicycle, you need to wear a helmet. I can save your face, but first, the helmet has to save your life.
One student complained, But I had a friend who was wearing a helmet when he got into an accident, and the stupid thing cracked!
Exactly. Better the helmet than your head.
