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An article in Woman magazine highlighted a number of accidents occurring by children wearing the latest craze of 2007, trainers with wheels.
Heelys trainers are trainers with wheels in their heels. There are concerns about the safety of Heelys following a number of serious injuries and accidents by children wearing them. One wearer suffered serious brain damage after being hit by a car while he was wearing them.
The article advises that they have been blamed for a rise in child A&E admissions in the UK. Wearers can even reach speeds of 10mph which is equivalent to a fast running pace.
It's not only the risk of injuries or accidents that are a cause for concern, some experts believe that using Heelys regularly can affect a child's physical development. This is because Heelys can take the place of ordinary shoes, often being worn for hours at a time, unlike roller skates or roller blades.
There are also concerns that children are trying to fit into Heelys that they have outgrown as the cost of a pair does not come cheap, thus causing potential long-term foot problems.
Mike O'Neill, Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists spokesperson commented:
"When we walk, our heel strikes the ground first, but the wheels in the shoe's heel prevent that so the child has to overcompensate by lifting his knees.
"Gliding along on wheels requires minimal effort. Children need to walk and run without the help of wheels to maintain healthy feet."
Soc Chiropodists & Podiatrists 12-Mar-2007
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