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        <link>http://www.thermahelm.com/</link>
    <description>Latest infos of T3BLOG</description></image><item>
    <title>Safety Sphere - Ultimate motorcycle airbag suit</title>
    <author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
    <link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/12/30/safety-sphere-ultimate-motorcycle-airbag-suit.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/12/30/safety-sphere-ultimate-motorcycle-airbag-suit.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:33:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Rejean Neron's Safety Sphere is a protective suit which inflates to a man-sized sphere, completely enveloping the rider in the event of a crash. It inflates in five hundredths of a second, cushioni...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Rejean Neron's Safety Sphere is a protective suit which inflates to a man-sized sphere, completely enveloping the rider in the event of a crash. It inflates in five hundredths of a second, cushioning the rider for any impact (except perhaps those into giant spikes) and consists of a loose fitting coverall suit comprised of two layers of fabric.Neron explains: "The outer layer is made up of a highly resistant parachute type material. The inner layer is made up of a thin, moderately elastic synthetic material. In a collision situation, the passengers are thrown from the motorcycle, the cord connecting them to the motorcycle seat disconnects, the electrical voltage plummets, and the electronic circuit processor inside the belt buckle housing of each occupant connects the 9 volt battery to an electric igniter in the back housing of their respective suits." This triggers the firing of an explosive canister of propellant called nitrocellulose.Neron is a motorcycling idealist who believes bikes could play a massive role in alleviating congestion in 21st century cities, if only riders' fear of crashing's consequences could be reduced to those of the prang-happy car driver. He's been working on the Safety Sphere for many years, through 'countless' iterations and is now looking for backing to bring the design to production.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain Cooling for Patients with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy / HIE </title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/12/30/brain-cooling-for-patients-with-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/12/30/brain-cooling-for-patients-with-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:15:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> During gestation, the unborn infant faces a variety of threats, including umbilical and placental problems, difficult delivery, and serious illnesses with the mother. If an infant does not receive...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ During gestation, the unborn infant faces a variety of threats, including umbilical and placental problems, difficult delivery, and serious illnesses with the mother. If an infant does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen to the brain, such as from asphyxiation, this can result in a condition called hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). HIE causes injuries to the baby's brain from asphyxia or hypoxia. If the baby's brain is starved of oxygen or blood, especially over a period of hours, the infant's brain will attempt to repair the problem. Depending on the severity of the HIE, the baby's brain may or may not be able to repair itself. If the condition of the HIE is mild, the brain should be able to repair itself, however, if the condition is serious, the infant's brain attempting to repair the problem may actually cause even more damage.Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy occurring at birth may cause serious brain damage to the infant by lowering the oxygen and reducing the heart's output. When the baby is resuscitated, there will be a sudden increase of blood flow and oxygen, which may end up causing even greater brain injuries to the baby, as the brain is trying to repair the problem. During hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a procedure called brain-cooling may help the infant reduce or even avoid the chances of permanent and severe brain damage, and therefore have a healthy life. Brain cooling uses a cooling cap or water filled blanket that lowers the infant's temperature to 91 degrees Fahrenheit for 72 hours. By lowering the temperature of the baby, the metabolic rate slows, preventing dangerous chemical reactions from taking place that could trigger additional rounds of dangerous reactions. Once the baby is subjected to 72 hours of brain cooling, he or she will be slowly and gradually warmed up to a normal body temperature for the next 6 hours. Studies show that properly applied, brain cooling procedures have reduced death and disabilities in infant's with HIE.An infant with HIE should only be subjected to the brain cooling procedures if the following conditions apply:
If the infant suffered brain damage from HIE.
The gestation period for the infant is greater than 36 weeksBe initiated within the first 6 hours after birth.
Brain hypothermia, is induced by cooling a baby to around 33 degrees Celsius for 3 days after birth and has recently been proven to be the only medical intervention that reduces brain damage and improves a baby's chances of normal survival after birth asphyxia. Brain cooling has become widely used in neonatal units throughout America.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cool treatment: advances in therapeutic hypothermia</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/10/15/cool-treatment-advances-in-therapeutic-hypothermia.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/10/15/cool-treatment-advances-in-therapeutic-hypothermia.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Therapeutic hypothermia is widely used as a routine part of treatment for cardiac arrest, and there is evidence to suggest that it could also be beneficial in patients who have had a myocardial infar...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Therapeutic hypothermia is widely used as a routine part of treatment for cardiac arrest, and there is evidence to suggest that it could also be beneficial in patients who have had a myocardial infarction (MI).
These are both highly active areas of research, and in this article we summarize the findings of some very recently published studies and reviews. In addition, we talk to Professor David Erlinge, a leading researcher investigating the potential of therapeutic hypothermia in cardiology, who provides an overview of current knowledge.
Hypothermia after cardiac arrestThe author of a review published in July in the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine made the point that mild therapeutic hypothermia is a recommended intervention for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. However, "first-responders, emergency-room staff, and intensive-care teams have been slow to adopt and integrate it in to a comprehensive post-resuscitation strategy".
The review covered the proposed mechanisms by which hypothermia has a therapeutic effect, including a reduction in neuronal metabolism in the early stage of ischemic injury, a reduction in glucose and oxygen consumption by the brain (minimizing the supply-demand mismatch), and a decrease in the rate of release of excitatory amino acids that would normally trigger cytotoxic cascades after injury.
Overall, the author concluded that, based on published clinical data, "survivors of cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation have improved neurologic outcomes if they are cooled to a core body temperature of 32-34 degrees Celsius for 24 hours as soon as possible after reaching the hospital".1
Meanwhile, a new study of 140 patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest confirmed the potential survival benefits of therapeutic hypothermia. The study, published in Circulation in July, found that there was a 20% increase in the risk of death (95% confidence interval 4% to 39%) for every hour of delay to the initiation of cooling.2
A separate small study of cardiac arrest cases at a single center found that cerebral performance category scores were significantly better at discharge and after 6 months in patients who had undergone cooling, compared with those who had not.3
Hypothermia after MIWhile therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to improve outcomes, including the preservation of neurologic function, after cardiac arrest, the evidence for a beneficial role after MI is currently less strong. Can hypothermia help preserve myocardial function?
A good summary is provided by a systematic review published in June, in which the authors discussed findings from 2 feasibility trials and 3 randomized controlled trials published before July 2010. The authors noted that the mean infarct size ranged from 2% to 14.1% of the left ventricle in patients treated with hypothermia, and from 8% to 13.8% in control patients.
The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) was from 0% to 6.2% in patients treated with hypothermia, and from 3.9% to 10% in controls. All-cause mortality, meanwhile, occurred at a rate of 0% to 3.4% in the hypothermia groups and 2.2% to 10% in the control groups.
The authors added that subgroup analyses indicated that therapeutic hypothermia may reduce infarct size in patients with anterior wall infarction. They concluded that, overall, “more evidence is needed to determine whether therapeutic hypothermia is associated with improved infarct size, MACEs, or all-cause mortality”.4
The specialist viewSome of this evidence on the effects of hypothermia in MI may be provided relatively soon. Commenting on the current understanding of the value of therapeutic hypothermia with regard to the treatment of cardiac arrest and MI, Professor David Erlinge, head of the Department of Cardiology at Lund University Hospital, Sweden, told GetInsideHealth:
“Therapeutic hypothermia is now recognised in all major guidelines as standard treatment for cardiac arrest, and it is has been successfully implemented in most of Europe for several years. In many countries specialists have reported increased survival of patients, typically going from 30% to 50% some years after introducing hypothermia. At a recent meeting in Japan a few weeks ago I heard similar stories coming from US sites.
"With hypothermia for MI, we are still at the research stage. We recently did a pooled analysis of the ICE-IT and RAPID MI-ICE studies, and when you combine the data you see significant improvements in infarct size. It looks promising, but we need a large trial: the CHILL-MI trial has just started, it will involve 10 sites in Europe, and we are the first site to enrol patients. We started a month ago and have included 6 patients so far. In total the trial should include 120 patients, and we think we will be able to report the first data in the first half of next year [2012]."
To learn more about some of the research on therapeutic hypothermia in acute MI being conducted by Prof. Erlinge, see the separate video interview conducted earlier this year at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting: http://www.getinsidehealth.com/en/Library/Articles/en/2011/May/ACC-2011-Hypothermia-being-actively-pursued-to-preserve-myocardium-in-acute-MI/.
Read more...
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<title>High-tech hypothermia</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/10/13/high-tech-hypothermia.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/10/13/high-tech-hypothermia.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:39:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The treatment and care of heart patients is always evolv­ing, often dramatically, and one therapy in particular now may help cardiac arrest survivors in central Alabama.Emergency departments in the ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The treatment and care of heart patients is always evolv­ing, often dramatically, and one therapy in particular now may help cardiac arrest survivors in central Alabama.
Emergency departments in the U.S., Europe and Australia have been experimenting with a treatment called therapeutic hypothermia (TH) over the last several years.
For reasons that aren't clear­ly understood, the induced hy­pothermia -- or a rapid cooling of the body -- reduces brain damage and reduces the brain's demand for oxygen. That helps preserve the pa­tient's neurological function once the body recovers.
One example: A patient who suffered cardiac arrest in the University of Alabama at Bir­mingham emergency depart­ment was successfully revived -- after 90 minutes of chest compressions -- and then was treated with TH. He eventually made an amazing recovery with no neurological deficits. His story was reported in The Birmingham News and on area TV stations in early 2010.
Dr. Henry Wang, associate professor and vice chair for research in the emergency medicine department at UAB, talked to the media at the time about that patient's remarkable recovery, and about UAB's work with TH.
In early September, Wang presented a session on thera­peutic hypothermia to a large room packed with phy­sicians, nurses and other medical staff at Baptist Med­ical Center South, who were getting ready to start their own TH program.
Dr. Paul Moore, a cardiolo­gist with Montgomery Car­diovascular Associates, at­tended Wang's presentation, and afterward said that his colleagues were very inter­ested in therapeutic hypo­thermia. He called the thera­py "very promising."
Moore related a story about a man who collapsed on a street in London. After he was resuscitated, he was treated with TH, and recov­ered. He became Moore's pa­tient after he was trans­ferred to Alabama.
Moore said he doesn't think it will be difficult to get a patient's family on board with the treatment. Families have come to expect new medical technologies, he added.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Thermahelm meeting with SBK Superbike in Imola, Italy, Sep 2011</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/09/30/thermahelm-meeting-with-sbk-superbike-in-imola-italy-sep-2011.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/09/30/thermahelm-meeting-with-sbk-superbike-in-imola-italy-sep-2011.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:39:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Welcome to Imola! We were invited to the WK Superbike organized by SBK. The motor race took place on a circuit with a historical reputation - Enzo +amp; Dino Ferrari. This is where Ayrton Senna, a f...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Welcome to Imola!
We were invited to the WK Superbike organized by SBK. The motor race took place on a circuit with a historical reputation - Enzo +amp; Dino Ferrari. This is where Ayrton Senna, a famous Formula 1 pilot, passed away after a crash in ‘94.
This was the very first time we have attended such a unique event. We felt like kids in a candy shop. It was so weird to be there. Everything around us was surreal. Our senses were awakened for a great show.
It is not only about the bike race. It is all about emotions and adrenaline.
Yes, SBK is not to be compared to Motor GP. Here, pilots ride ‘normal hyper sport bikes you and I can buy. SBK organizes races for passionate motor riders, enabling people to get close to the event.
We were not normal visitors like the other 70,000 rushing to the circuit to get the best spot. No, we were VIP’s! Indeed, we felt like VIP’s. The SBK organization did everything they possibly could to make us feel unique, part of their family.
SBK is not just an organization; they are committed people who have a real passion for motor sport. We feel that passion too.
We came especially to Imola in order to meet with Paolo Alberto Flammini, co-Founder and President of SBK. He invited us to meet with him to talk about our unique product, the HALO Motorcycle Helmet. The purpose of our meeting was also to talk about a possible partnership in term of sponsoring.
During a typical Italian lunch, we talked to Paolo Alberto Flammini about our concept and the possibilities we see with SBK. His enthusiasm was real. He sees in our HALO Motorcycle Helmet not only a great and innovative product. He sees a complete breakthrough in motorcycling safety.
Indeed, we have a common mission that is to awaken people’s awareness about riding a bike safely.
We not only came for the great Italian food. We were there to watch, smell, hear +amp; touch what the SBK is. We were assigned two SBK managers, Edoardo and Nigel, who were our guides during the weekend. They are true masters in the way they pamper their guests.
Before going anywhere, we were given badges and a key cord. These were not just normal badges. We had just been given badges to access the VIP hospitality lounge, the paddock, the pit-lane and finally the grid.
We walked through the crowd. It smelt of summer; the temperature was rising up to nearly 30 degrees Celsius. There were so many things to be seen that our eyes got tired. We were exited by what we witnessed. We pinched ourselves as we realized we are part of a great and unique event.
We saw many photographers with mammoth lenses; we saw huge motorcycle teams van/buses. We saw numerous glamorous ladies, walking with slinky suits and umbrellas. We were right in the middle of a catwalk…
Isn’t SBK about race bikes? Yes it is! We nearly forgot that…
We walked towards the Paddock where the teams were standing.
It is high-tech business. Mechanics put heated blankets on the tires. Isn’t it warm enough outside?
We are told one of the best WSBK riders is Carlos Checa. He rides on a Ducati 1098R for Althea Racing Team. He is on the top of the bill of the SBK 2011 championship. He is an icon in the motor sport.
We were so fortunate to have come so close to look at his bike. A few hours later, we were face to face with him on the gird. We had a few minutes to take some photographs. We were not the only people around him. Carlos Checa was surrounded by teammates, hostesses holding an umbrella to protect him from the sun, photographers, mechanics, cameramen, fans, and us!
We were lucky enough to be invited to watch the start in the tower from which the start is given. It is unbelievable that we were allowed to be there. A limited amount people have been lucky enough to be where we were. It feels great!
1 minute to go and the beasts were ready to be unleashed. The noise and the smell was just amazing. Off they went at incredible speed.
It was challenging to freeze Checa in the lens of our camera. He rides up to 325km/h! After 22 laps, Carlos Checa was the winner, with remaining 3 points to become World Champion.
We found ourselves walking back to the SBK VIP lounge. It is hard to describe what we just witnessed. We were so proud to be part of such an incredible event.
Chapeau to SBK and his team of committed people for the great present they have given us.
Unforgettable memories…
Emmanuel Kuehn]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooling Blankets Offer Hope for Babies Deprived of Oxygen at Birth</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/09/20/cooling-blankets-offer-hope-for-babies-deprived-of-oxygen-at-birth.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/09/20/cooling-blankets-offer-hope-for-babies-deprived-of-oxygen-at-birth.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:19:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> When a baby is deprived of oxygen at birth the consequences may last a lifetime. Oftentimes such deprivation leads to long-term developmental delays.An infant who does not have sufficient oxygen for...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ When a baby is deprived of oxygen at birth the consequences may last a lifetime. Oftentimes such deprivation leads to long-term developmental delays.
An infant who does not have sufficient oxygen for any significant length of time may develop cerebral palsy, vision impairments, hearing problems or learning disabilities.
Traditionally very little could be done after a baby had suffered asphyxia, another term for oxygen deprivation. Doctors would simply wait and hope for the best, as there was no known treatment.
Over the past few years, though, doctors have realized the benefits of a new technique known as brain cooling. With brain cooling, doctors are able to reduce the likelihood and severity of long-term impairments.
To perform this technique, a doctor uses a simple blanket that is chilled with tubes of cold water. This cold blanket reduces the baby's core temperature from 98 degrees to 91 degrees over a period of 72 hours.
By lowering the body's temperature, the cooling blanket reduces the swelling around the brain and prevents the body from attempting reparative actions that might ultimately cause greater damage. According to Georgetown University Hospital, studies of this technique report a 16 to 27 percent drop in the number of deaths or severe disability as a result of brain cooling.
Although the technique has been promising for oxygen-deprived newborns, there are still some limitations. First, the cooling must begin within six hours of delivery, offering newborns a very limited time frame for relief.
Second, the procedure is not yet commonly available. For the most part, it is limited to academic medical centers. As a result, the treatment is only available to babies who are born in these hospitals or transferred these hospitals, meaning that many babies do not have timely access to what might be a life-saving procedure.
Finally, the technique has only been used for a few years. Because of the limited testing period, doctors have not yet been able to assess the long-term prognosis of infants treated through brain cooling. However, early results are promising with regard to developmental milestones and decreased fatality rates, and this treatment is offering hope for parents who might otherwise have none.
Article provided by McKeen +amp; Associates
Read more... ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Health care groups band together against proposed helmet law changes</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/09/20/health-care-groups-band-together-against-proposed-helmet-law-changes.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/09/20/health-care-groups-band-together-against-proposed-helmet-law-changes.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:43:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A letter co-signed by the University of Michigan Health System, St. Joseph Mercy Health System, the Washtenaw County Medical Society and other groups asks Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the legislation, sh...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A letter co-signed by the University of Michigan Health System, St. Joseph Mercy Health System, the Washtenaw County Medical Society and other groups asks Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the legislation, should it reach his desk.
Currently, helmets are mandatory for all motorcyclists in the state.
Senate Bill 291 passed in June while the lawmakers still are considering House Bill 4608. The measures allow those older than 21 who meet certain criteria to pass when it comes to wearing a helmet.
In the joint letter, the organizations cite a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study that says 50 lives in Michigan and $86 million are saved via the helmet law.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed helmet law repeal efforts in 2006 and 2008, according to a UMHS news release. Snyder has yet to take a stand on the issue, the release states.
Juliana Keeping for AnnArbor.com.
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<title>Therapeutic hypothermia: Keeping cool in emergencies</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/31/therapeutic-hypothermia-keeping-cool-in-emergencies.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/31/therapeutic-hypothermia-keeping-cool-in-emergencies.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The technique, which lowers a patient's body temperature to stave off brain damage, is gaining in popularity, but some doctors are slow to adopt it.Alaina Dixon barely remembers the end of the last ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The technique, which lowers a patient's body temperature to stave off brain damage, is gaining in popularity, but some doctors are slow to adopt it.
Alaina Dixon barely remembers the end of the last Houston marathon, on an unusually hot and humid Jan. 30. The 26-year-old interior designer collapsed 200 feet from the finish line: Her heart had stopped. Paramedics shocked her twice to restart it, then rushed her to the hospital.Doctors would later discover and fix the congenital heart defect that probably caused Dixon's collapse. But in the minutes and hours following the incident, their focus was on an entirely different organ: her brain.
So they put her on ice. Read more.
Active cooling like this works on the same principle as the Halo helmet.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Inducing hypothermia during medical emergencies gains ground</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/26/inducing-hypothermia-during-medical-emergencies-gains-ground.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/26/inducing-hypothermia-during-medical-emergencies-gains-ground.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A growing number of studies show that cooling down patients suffering from oxygen loss, stroke, and spinal cord and traumatic brain injury can ease damaging effects, but larger trials still need to b...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A growing number of studies show that cooling down patients suffering from oxygen loss, stroke, and spinal cord and traumatic brain injury can ease damaging effects, but larger trials still need to be conducted.
Increasingly, doctors are using or considering the hypothermia technique for a variety of emergencies beyond full cardiac arrest.
Avery Reynolds was born with barely a whimper, black and blue from lack of oxygen, on Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. The umbilical cord encircled her legs. Doctors wrapped her in a cold blanket to induce hypothermia.
Amanda Reynolds recalls her daughter was hooked up to numerous machines; she couldn't hold her baby for more than a week. But when she finally did, "we looked each other right in the eye .... I felt, she's going to OK," recalls Reynolds, who lives in Santa Monica.
Avery would spend more than six weeks in the hospital and would need physical therapy afterward. But now, "she's right where a 10-month-old should be," Reynolds said in June. "We're just so thankful."
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Ferry Brouwer - The Founder of Arai Europe</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/25/ferry-brouwer-the-founder-of-arai-europe.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/25/ferry-brouwer-the-founder-of-arai-europe.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> If you wear an AraI helmet it’s thanks to thIs guy. Ferry Brouwer Is the founder of AraI Europe. He’s also Dutch and a lIttle odd...Ferry, you were the original Founder of Arai Europe. But why Arai?...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ If you wear an AraI helmet it’s thanks to thIs guy. Ferry Brouwer Is the founder of AraI Europe. He’s also Dutch and a lIttle odd...
Ferry, you were the original Founder of Arai Europe. But why Arai?
In 1973 I was working for Jarno Saarinen as a mechanic, and he lost his life because part of his face was ripped off in a crash. Subconsciously I must have thought ‘I want to do something for safety in the future.’ At the time I didn’t think about focussing on helmets, but then in 1980, when I was jobless I thought ‘what am I going to do?’ I was intrigued by the Arai logo, I saw it in Japanese magazines and thought ‘there’s something behind this logo.’ So I took my life savings and went to Japan to visit Mr Arai. At the time he wasn’t interested in Europe, so he sent me home.
Oops. that’s a long way to go to get knocked Back, how did you manage to convince him?
I carried on sending him testing reports for helmets available in Europe. Then in 1982 he called me back and said ‘let’s start doing Arai in Europe, but I’m not giving you any money or anything.’ I had to do it all by myself, so I set to work trying to develop an image.
And how did you manage to achieve such a strong Brand image over the years?
As the wheels touched down at Schipol Airport I thought, ‘I must create an image based around Utopia, riders must base their beliefs around Utopia.’ so ultimately, pornography is something I based the Arai ideal around. I think every man if he’s honest will say when he’s masturbating over a magazine or a porno film, his belief is that he’s in the picture or the movie. That is the philosophy that I used with the Arai brand, to try and make them helmet porn.
How typically Dutch! Lots of riders in the UK claim to have either a Shoei head or an Arai head. But which one is which?
I can’t say, it’s something that they make themselves believe, it’s giving themselves some recognition for their purchase. “I bought this because it suits my head”, it’s ridiculous. you look at what you can afford and buy what you like in that range. It’s a preconceived idea.
What do you think is the single most important innovation in helmet design in your time?
Just the advances that have been made in materials and R+amp;D. People have started looking at people as human beings now instead of just subjects, and are looking at people anatomically. It used to be about just making the strongest, safest helmet, but now there’s so much more involved. how a helmet makes you feel is as important as how it actually works. we’ve put in a tremendous amount of work in this area.
Have racers’ helmets improved thanks to studying accidents on the road, or is it always the other way around?
Everybody focuses on racers but they all go the same way, you can’t say the impact speeds are higher because people achieve exactly the same speeds on the road. It’s the road accidents that intrigue me the most, and in the ‘80s I started paying real attention to road riders. you get so many more variables with accidents on the road, and as a technical man it’s these that are really interesting. I stopped going to the races and began visiting biker meets.
There are stories of racers wearing an Arai helmet but covering the badges with the logos of other helmet sponsors. does this happen?
It still happens, yes. It’s a sad fact of sponsorship deals within racing. People will never admit to it, but it does.
What is the worst accident you’ve seen where the rider has survived thanks to his lid?
I met a british guy, he had been hit by a small van in the UK. The driver of the van didn’t realise he had hit a biker and drove for over two hundred metres with the rider being dragged along by his head. The accident completely wore away the sides of the helmet, smashed the chin bar off and destroyed the helmet. The man presented us with the helmet at the NEC show. Funnily enough, most of the letters of thanks I get for saving a rider come from the UK.
You recently retired Ferry, what do you plan to do with your time?
I’m not sure, I know there is no such thing as free time though. I will continue to speak for Arai, but my main focus will be maintaining the vintage race bike fleet for Yamaha. I can think of no better way to spend my time than playing with two-stroke race bikes, even if its not me riding them.
If you could estimate the number of helmets being used by riders in the UK that are useless, what would you say that figure was?
I would say around 35/40% are not worth buying. Because there is no official lifespan for a helmet people think nothing of wearing a 10 or 15 year old helmet on a bike. They would be better off with a paper bag on their heads.
And do you think the new SHARP rating system will encourage riders to buy the right helmet?
Time will tell. What I know is that in general people will buy products if they definitely know they are getting value for money. Some expensive helmets represent fantastic value for money and some cheap helmets don’t represent value for money at all. If buyers don’t know what they are getting they tend to only want to spend what is in their pockets at the time.
If you could give people one tip to make the most of their helmet, what would it be?
Treat your helmet more carefully than your wife!
Read more at Visordown...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooling After Cardiac Arrest Can Improve Outcomes</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/17/cooling-after-cardiac-arrest-can-improve-outcomes.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/17/cooling-after-cardiac-arrest-can-improve-outcomes.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Cooling cardiac arrest patients can reduce the risk of lasting neurological damage, but this lifesaving treatment remains largely underutilized, a new study says. Many local hospitals don't have th...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Cooling cardiac arrest patients can reduce the risk of lasting neurological damage, but this lifesaving treatment remains largely underutilized, a new study says.
Many local hospitals don't have the proper systems in place, and the cooling treatment must start within hours of a cardiac arrest to be effective, according to the report in the July 11 online issue of Circulation, but rapid transfer to an appropriate facility can save lives and stave off lasting neurological damage.
About 300,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals in the United States each year, and most are fatal, according to the American Heart Association. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system short- circuits, and the heart suddenly stops pumping. What happens immediately after the arrest can make a big difference in outcomes. CPR must be performed and a defibrillator should be used to shock the heart and restore a normal heart rhythm within a few minutes, and then the patient must be packed in ice and transferred to a hospital for cooling and re-warming.
Cooling involves lowering the core body temperature to about 92 degrees Fahrenheit and keeping it there for 24 hours. The patient is re-warmed over the next eight hours. The thinking is that cooling may allow the body and the brain to get by with less oxygen.
The system detailed in the new study involves "rapid and coordinated" transfer of the patient to a facility that has appropriate systems in place. Developed at the Minneapolis Heart Institute of Abbott Northwestern Hospital, the system involves first responders, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) departments and more than 30 hospitals within 200 miles of Minneapolis, which is where Abbott is located.
Of 140 people treated with cooling after cardiac arrest, 107 were transferred to Abbott Northwestern Hospital for their treatment. The others were sent to this hospital immediately. Overall, 56 percent of patients who were cooled survived. Survival rates were the same among those who were transferred and those who received initial care at the treating hospital. Risk of death increased by 20 percent for every hour of delay in starting cooling.
Among survivors, 92 percent showed no sign of severe neurological disability, compared to 77 percent of similar patients treated prior to use of the new system. Patients had an average age of 62, and 77 percent were men. The older patients had greater risk for neurological damage, the study showed.
"People don't just arrest near large centers, but it's not hard to implement this program," said study co-author Barbara Unger, director of cardiovascular emergency program development for the Minneapolis Heart Institute.
"If a patient does not regain consciousness after cardiac arrest, you do an EKG to see if they also had a severe form of heart attack [ST-elevation myocardial infarction], and then you may pack them in ice," she said. "The patient is then transferred to a large tertiary center because you need a wide variety of specialists, including cardiologists, neurologists, emergency room doctors and critical-care nurses on board."
About half of all patients who received the cooling treatment were also being treated for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, she said.
Saving lives after cardiac arrest starts even before EMS arrives, Unger said. "Bystanders need to perform CPR and use a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock to the heart," she said. "We have great outcomes waiting for them, but they have to start it."
"Hypothermia is a very powerful treatment, but it has been a very slow process getting hospitals on board," explained Dr. Benjamin Abella, an assistant professor of emergency medicine and director of clinical research in the Perelman School of Medicine Center for Resuscitation Science at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia.
"Hypothermia is a complicated, multi-disciplinary treatment modality, and you need a protocol," he said. "One of the big challenges is getting different cultures, such as neurologists, emergency room doctors, cardiologists and nurses, working together."
Denise mann
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<title>Radical brain treatment receives the inaugural Impact Award</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/15/radical-brain-treatment-receives-the-inaugural-impact-award.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/15/radical-brain-treatment-receives-the-inaugural-impact-award.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Professor Marianne Thoresen has won the 2011 Vice-Chancellor's Impact Award - in its inaugural year - for pioneering a radical new way to protect the brains of new-born babies, allowing thousands of ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Professor Marianne Thoresen has won the 2011 Vice-Chancellor's Impact Award - in its inaugural year - for pioneering a radical new way to protect the brains of new-born babies, allowing thousands of babies, worldwide, to survive and grow up free from major mental and physical disabilities.
Around one in a thousand babies suffer from oxygen deprivation during birth. The highly vulnerable neonate brain, if deprived of oxygen, is likely to suffer from massive and irreversible damage leading to death or disability requiring lifelong care.
In a radically counterintuitive approach, consultant neonatologist Marianne Thoresen decided to try protecting the brain by deliberately keeping such babies cold after birth, going against the medical norm of keeping a newborn baby warm. Cool conditions had been seen to be neuroprotective in cases where, for example, people had been rescued from cold water, but it was by no means a standard treatment approach.
Initially improvising with ice-filled rubber gloves, Marianne established that cooling significantly reduced brain damage.
She then went on to investigate the underlying neuroscience in order to further develop and refine the technique, which is now used in countries around the world, saving thousands of babies each year.
In recognition of her work the University of Bristol has singled out Marianne to receive the first ever Vice-Chancellor's Impact Award.
As an example of how basic research, combined with clinical knowledge, determination, and years of hard work can have massive impact in people’s lives, few could argue that she fully deserves heartfelt congratulations for all the achievements this award represents.
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<title>Young Woman Clinically Dead For 14 Minutes Saved With CPR and Cooling</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/14/young-woman-clinically-dead-for-14-minutes-saved-with-cpr-and-cooling.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/14/young-woman-clinically-dead-for-14-minutes-saved-with-cpr-and-cooling.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 14 Aug 2011 08:59:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Twenty-two year olds aren't supposed to collapse.&quot;She was just kind of laying there, gasping for air,&quot; said Matt Lane, a friend that saved Stephanie Lee's life in Manchester, Conn., with CPR when she...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Twenty-two year olds aren't supposed to collapse."She was just kind of laying there, gasping for air," said Matt Lane, a friend that saved Stephanie Lee's life in Manchester, Conn., with CPR when she collapsed while working an event at Wickham Park. "Her body just went limp and turned blue."The doctors said she was clinically dead for 14 minutes.In the summer of 2010, an undiagnosed heart condition dropped Stephanie Lee, and only one person had a chance to save her - her co-worker Lane. "Luckily, Stephanie's phone was right there by the bar so I grabbed that, dialed 911, started doing chest compressions and breaths."Lee was transported to Hartford Hospital, but wasn't out of the woods yet. Once her heart started beating again, that's when she faced a whole different set of problems.By using therapeutic hypothermia, a team at Hartford Hospital saved Lee's life. Now has a pacemaker, and a second chance. "I am forever thankful," she says.
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<title>Cool It! No Really…It May Make a Difference Between Life And Death</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/10/cool-it-no-reallyit-may-make-a-difference-between-life-and-death.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/10/cool-it-no-reallyit-may-make-a-difference-between-life-and-death.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Remember the Arctic Sun, a non-invasive system designed to rapidly manage the core temperature of critically ill patients? Further studies continue to demonstrate its positive role in treating out-of...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Remember the Arctic Sun, a non-invasive system designed to rapidly manage the core temperature of critically ill patients? Further studies continue to demonstrate its positive role in treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients via therapeutic hypothermia.
In the July 12, 2011 issue of Circulation, Michael Mooney, et al. from Minneapolis Heart Institute and Northwestern University in Chicago published data on 140 consecutive OHCA patients who were treated and transferred to a central therapeutic hypothermia-capable hospital.
Patients were initially cooled in the ambulances or referring hospitals with ice packs and then transferred to the central hospital where they were further cooled and maintained at 33°C (92°F) for 24 hours with the Arctic Sun device (Medivance, Louisville, CO). An impressive 92% of patients showed a positive neurological recovery. 56% of patients survived to hospital discharge. Furthermore, there was a 20% increase risk of death for every hour of delay in cooling initiation.
It seems starting with simple ice packs in the ambulance or referring hospital paired with subsequent advanced rapid cooling methods may make the difference in a patient’s outcome. This underutilized therapy for OHCA is slowly finding its way into clinical care across the US. Keep an eye out for larger multi-centered studies addressing this topic.
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<title>Cerebral Cooling System</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/08/cerebral-cooling-system.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/08/cerebral-cooling-system.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:45:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The EXCEL Cerebral Cooling System is a non-invasive, easy to use, 10 second solution to effectively cool the brain after cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. This method has been proven...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The EXCEL Cerebral Cooling System is a non-invasive, easy to use, 10 second solution to effectively cool the brain after cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. This method has been proven to induce mild therapeutic cerebral hypothermia.The EXCEL Cerebral Cooling System lowers the temperature of the brain and should be applied immediately where there is the potential of neurologic injury. This system is composed of a unique collar with a specialized door that works in conjunction with the EXCEL Cooling Elements properly aligning it with the patient's carotid triangle and immobilizes the patient's cervical spine. Heat is extracted from the blood as it passes through the arteries inducing mild hypothermia.
Application
The EXCEL Cerebral Cooling System is a unique single use device to induce mild cerebral therapeutic hypothermia. Application should occur at the earliest possible moment to a patient suffering from cardiac arrest, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Once the collar is properly placed on the patient, the EXCEL Cooling Elements must be activated. Once activated, open the collar door and insert the EXCEL Cooling Element. The EXCEL Cooling Element is a single use, latex free, non-hazardous cooling agent that reaches -5° C within seconds of activation. The EXCEL Cooling Element should be replaced every 20 minutes. It is important to continue to cool the patient from scene of the incident all the way to the I.C.U.
10 Seconds and Done
• Easy to use
• Designed to selectively cool the carotid triangle to initiate brain cooling
• 10 seconds to apply and initiate cooling
• EXCEL Cooling Element achieves -5°C within seconds of activation
• Proprietary fabric liner protect skins
• Non-toxic, non-hazardous and latex free
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<title>Triumph leads big-bike sales charts</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/06/triumph-leads-big-bike-sales-charts.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/06/triumph-leads-big-bike-sales-charts.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 06 Aug 2011 10:37:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> British manufacturer out-selling everyone over 500ccTRIUMPH are leading the sales charts for 500cc+ motorcycles for the first half of this year.The figures, taken from January to June, show that Tr...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ British manufacturer out-selling everyone over 500cc
TRIUMPH are leading the sales charts for 500cc+ motorcycles for the first half of this year.
The figures, taken from January to June, show that Triumph have sold 5,118 motorcycles, an increase of over 11% compared to the same period last year.
Honda's sales put them in second place, however their total sales of 3,731 are a league away from Triumph's figure. BMW's sales of 3,511 motorcycles put them in third place.
Top 10 manufacturers by sales over 500cc
1. Triumph - 5,118
2. Honda - 3,731
3. BMW - 3,511
4. Kawasaki - 2,811
5. Harley-Davidson - 2,373
6. Suzuki - 2,362
7. Yamaha - 1,929
8 . Ducati - 1,390
9. KTM - 657
10. Aprilia - 461
Visordown
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<title>Chill that baby</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/05/chill-that-baby.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/05/chill-that-baby.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:38:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Cooling a newborn who has suffered a lack of oxygen and possible brain damage during birth improves the baby’s chances, researchers report in the August Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine....</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Cooling a newborn who has suffered a lack of oxygen and possible brain damage during birth improves the baby’s chances, researchers report in the August Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. Neonatal units in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States randomly assigned 110 such infants to be cooled within six hours of birth to a whole-body state that was 3.5 degrees Celsius below normal, while 111 other such babies weren’t cooled. The chilling lasted 72 hours. Two years later, 27 of the cooled newborns had died, compared with 42 of the others. Also, 42 of the cooled babies were living free of any disability at age 2, compared with only 22 of the babies not chilled.
Nathan Seppa
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<title>Cooling System Reduces Brain Temperature In Brain Injured Patients</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/02/cooling-system-reduces-brain-temperature-in-brain-injured-patients.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/02/cooling-system-reduces-brain-temperature-in-brain-injured-patients.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A new portable system which cools the brain via the nasal cavity has been found safe and effective in patients with neurological injury where therapeutic hypothermia was indicated, according to a stu...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A new portable system which cools the brain via the nasal cavity has been found safe and effective in patients with neurological injury where therapeutic hypothermia was indicated, according to a study published in the journal Stroke1.
The RhinoChill® IntraNasal Cooling System, from Benechill, San Diego, Calif, was tested in a single-arm study involved 15 patients. In nine patients this was for fever control, and in the remaining six for neuroprotection or control of intracranial pressure (ICP).
Following rhinoscopy, the RhinoChill system was used exclusively for at least an hour in all patients except one to initiate temperature reduction, after which standard cooling methods were administered according to local procedures. Brain, tympanic, and core body temperatures were reduced by averages of 1.4 degrees, 2.2 degrees, and 1.1 degrees respectively. All patients showed a temperature reduction of at least 0.2 degrees centigrade within 15 minutes, and 13 patients (87%) achieved a brain or tympanic temperature reduction of at least one degree or more after one hour. "It is becoming well-established that rapid, effective brain cooling provides a valuable neuroprotective effect in patients with brain injury," said the study's principle investigator Alex Abou-Chebl, MD, associate professor of neurology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Ky. "The RhinoChill System has the potential to lower brain temperature more rapidly and effectively than external cooling, and more conveniently and less invasively than internal cooling methods," added study investigator Denise Barbut, MD, a neurologist who founded BeneChill. "This study also suggests that it can be effective even in febrile patients with an elevated brain temperature."
[Source: Medical News Today]
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<title>RhinoChill IntraNasal Cooling System Rapidly and Effectively Reduces Brain Temperature in Neurologically Injured Patients</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/01/rhinochill-intranasal-cooling-system-rapidly-and-effectively-reduces-brain-temperature-in-neurologic.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/08/01/rhinochill-intranasal-cooling-system-rapidly-and-effectively-reduces-brain-temperature-in-neurologic.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:06:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A new portable system that cools the brain via the nasal cavity has been demonstrated effective and safe in patients with neurological injury where therapeutic hypothermia was indicated.In a new stu...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A new portable system that cools the brain via the nasal cavity has been demonstrated effective and safe in patients with neurological injury where therapeutic hypothermia was indicated.
In a new study just published in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal Stroke1, the RhinoChill® IntraNasal Cooling System was shown to rapidly and effectively cool the brains of patients with neurological injury caused by stroke, intra-cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or trauma. This was the case even in patients with a fever. There were no unanticipated adverse events or nasal complications.
The prospective, single-arm study involved a total of 15 patients with brain injury caused by ischemic stroke, ICH or head trauma in equal numbers, where therapeutic hypothermia was indicated. In nine patients this was for fever control, and in the remaining six for neuroprotection or control of intracranial pressure (ICP). Following rhinoscopy, the RhinoChill system was used exclusively for at least an hour in all patients except one to initiate temperature reduction, after which standard cooling methods were administered according to local procedures. After this first hour brain, tympanic and core body temperatures were measured.
Brain, tympanic and core body temperatures were reduced by averages of 1.4 degrees, 2.2 degrees and 1.1 degrees respectively at this point. All patients showed a temperature reduction of at least 0.2 degrees centigrade within 15 minutes, and 13 patients (87%) achieved a brain or tympanic temperature reduction of at least one degree or more after one hour. Reductions in all three temperature readings were as great in the febrile patients as they were in afebrile ones. There was only one device-related adverse event: transient hypertension that resolved with removal of the RhinoChill System in the only patient not cooled for at least an hour.
"It is becoming well-established that rapid, effective brain cooling provides a valuable neuroprotective effect in patients with brain injury," commented the study's principle investigator Dr Alex Abou-Chebl, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, USA. "But what we really need is a better way of achieving this. Results from this study suggest that the RhinoChill IntraNasal Cooling System can rapidly and effectively reduce brain temperature in neurologically-injured patients as an adjunct to conventional cooling methods."
"The RhinoChill System has the potential to lower brain temperature more rapidly and effectively than external cooling, and more conveniently and less invasively than internal cooling methods," added study investigator Dr Denise Barbut, a neurologist who founded BeneChill specifically to develop methods of rapid, effective brain cooling. "This study also suggests that it can be effective even in febrile patients with an elevated brain temperature. It will also work in patients with a large body mass, where whole-body cooling methods will simply not be effective."
Therapeutic hypothermia is well established as an effective neuroprotectant following cerebral ischemia, but conventional methods have their drawbacks; external cooling methods can be laborious, and brain cooling can take some time as the body's periphery and core have to cool first. Internal cooling methods can be more effective and rapid-acting than surface cooling, but are invasive and still require core body cooling before brain temperature reduction can be achieved.
The RhinoChill System is quick to set up and extremely easy to use. It uses a non-invasive nasal catheter that sprays a rapidly evaporating, inert coolant liquid into the nasal cavity, a large area situated beneath the brain that acts as a heat exchanger. As the liquid evaporates, heat is directly removed from the base of the skull and surrounding tissues via conduction and indirectly through the blood via convection.
A European clinical study2 in cardiac arrest patients has shown that when administered by Emergency Medical System (EMS) personnel as soon as they reach a victim and continued during transport to hospital, the RhinoChill System effectively reduces body temperature by the time the victim reaches the hospital. Survival without loss of brain function was significantly improved in patients where resuscitation procedures and subsequent RhinoChill cooling were initiated within ten minutes of cardiac arrest, compared with patients who were not cooled in the pre-hospital setting.
The RhinoChill® IntraNasal Cooling System is now available in major European markets following CE Mark approval for inducing therapeutic hypothermia immediately following cardiac arrest.
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<title>Company donates life-saving cooling equipment to fire department</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/31/company-donates-life-saving-cooling-equipment-to-fire-department.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/31/company-donates-life-saving-cooling-equipment-to-fire-department.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jul 2011 11:27:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A new product has life-saving capabilities that will truly help those providing emergency medical services.Life Core Technologies, based in Broadview Heights, produces the EXCEL Cerebral Cooling Sys...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A new product has life-saving capabilities that will truly help those providing emergency medical services.
Life Core Technologies, based in Broadview Heights, produces the EXCEL Cerebral Cooling System. The inventor, Dr. Aqeel Sandhu, helped found the company in 2008 with Scott Raybuck and Brian Seitz. Sandhu presently works at Mercy Medical Center.
The cooling system, which functions as a collar, is an innovative product that makes a world of difference during an emergency situation.
The device lowers the body temperature and metabolic rate, inducing a mild hypothermia, according to Lt. Alan Leonard of the Broadview Heights Fire Department, which received the product in the form of a donation. Such mild hypothermia is critical, because when a victim is being revived, the “return of spontaneous circulation” has the potential to damage tissue surrounding the brain.
“In some emergency situations, the victim doesn’t necessarily die because EMS can’t resuscitate the heart; it’s often because of brain damage,” said Maria Brown, who works in Life Core Technologies’ marketing department.
These kinds of “therapeutic hypothermia treatments” are gaining ground in the medical industry. While the concept is nothing new, it has become part and parcel of EMS and hospital protocol. Cooling devices such as the Life Core’s cooling system facilitate treatment of patients in cardiac arrest or suffering from other serious injuries.
The cooling collar is very simple to use, Leonard explained. It easily fits around a victim’s neck. A small “door” is opened, allowing room for a cooling agent, which is placed near the victim’s carotid triangle — a particular spot in the neck where several major veins and arteries converge.
For firefighters and paramedics, the device’s ease of use is a very important feature. Once they do their job and the victim is treated initially, the collar also assists during the transportation process to a nearby hospital.
“By cooling the body, that slows down one’s metabolism. The brain doesn’t need as much oxygen at that point,” Brown said. It’s a concept that’s echoed in the company’s taglines: “Time is life” and “10 seconds and done.” The idea is that EMS personnel can secure the collar around a victim’s neck in nothing more than a moment. More time can then be devoted to actual treatment.
“The faster you put that collar on, the better the chances are that the victim will survive,” Brown said.
The cooling agent is a latex-free, non-hazardous element that “reaches –5 C within seconds of activation,” according to information provided by the company.
Presently, Life Core Technologies is working around the country to promote the new product.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Accidents a Common Cause of Traumatic Brain Injury</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/29/accidents-a-common-cause-of-traumatic-brain-injury.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/29/accidents-a-common-cause-of-traumatic-brain-injury.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:22:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Learn more about traumatic brain injury and how to reduce risk during your favorite summer activities.Every year, an estimated 1.7 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (&quot;TBI&quot;). Fortunat...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Learn more about traumatic brain injury and how to reduce risk during your favorite summer activities.
Every year, an estimated 1.7 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury ("TBI"). Fortunately, three quarters of TBIs are relatively minor. Even so, TBI is to blame for over 50,000 deaths annually, and some five million people currently live with TBI related disabilities. Knowing more about TBI and its causes can be beneficial for anyone whose life has been touched by a severe head injury.
What Is TBI
Warning signs of TBI immediately following an injury include any loss of consciousness or memory, a change in mental state or localized problems in nerve functioning. TBI can result in a diverse range of long-term effects as well. Some common issues include balance, coordination, or strength impairments, language and memory defects and emotional or behavioral disorders.
Risk Factors/Causes
Many of the activities that can lead to TBI skyrocket in popularity during the summer months. Motorcycling and bicycling, for instance, are two warm-weather activities that bear a close relationship to TBI: head injuries are the leading cause of death and disability from cycling accidents.
Safety Tips
Of course, wearing a helmet that fits properly and meets safety standards while participating in riskier activities is one way to drastically lower your odds of sustaining a serious TBI.
In Connecticut, all bicyclists under the age of 16 are required by law to wear a helmet. Motorcycle riders are likewise legally compelled to use approved headgear at age 17 and younger. Although older bicyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts are not subject to helmet laws in Connecticut, helmet use is always a good idea for anyone operating a two-wheeled vehicle.
Helmets serve as an effective failsafe for cyclists who are involved in crashes. But, avoiding an accident altogether is far more preferable. Wearing bright, reflective clothing, clearly signaling to drivers and using head and tail lights on your bike all make you more visible. Bicyclists can also lower risk by avoiding the most dangerous situations, like riding at night or in heavy traffic.
For a suspected TBI sustained during any activity, it is imperative to seek immediate, competent medical attention. Every year, thousands of cases of traumatic brain injury are misdiagnosed or ignored. Even mild forms of TBI can cause long-lasting damage without treatment.
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<title>Cooling blankets prevent brain injury</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/27/cooling-blankets-prevent-brain-injury.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/27/cooling-blankets-prevent-brain-injury.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Cooling blankets could be used to prevent brain injury during heart attack, it has been reported.The cold blanket is filled with chilled liquid which cools body temperature a few degrees, inducing h...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Cooling blankets could be used to prevent brain injury during heart attack, it has been reported.
The cold blanket is filled with chilled liquid which cools body temperature a few degrees, inducing hypothermia, reports the Sun Sentinel.
This treatment lessens the oxygen needs of brain cells and keeps organs from deteriorating, according to doctors at Broward General Medical Center in Florida, which employs the technology.
The patient remains in this state for around 24 hours before being warmed up again.
Dr Nabil El Sanadi, of Broward Health, told the publication: "It's one of the most important things that has come out in the last 20 years."
According to the expert, the use of emergency coolants in cardiac arrest patients has increased healthy survival rates to 40 per cent.
This follows news of a non-invasive brain temperature measuring device set to assist doctors in their treatment of traumatic brain injury, reported in a study presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Denver.
John Sherrington
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<title>Sussex Safer Roads Partnership launches bike safety film</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/25/sussex-safer-roads-partnership-launches-bike-safety-film.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/25/sussex-safer-roads-partnership-launches-bike-safety-film.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A young boy emulates the father he idolises by converting his bicycle into a motorcycle. His dad comes home, safe and sound on his bike, to find his son kitted out just like him. The Stay A Hero fi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A young boy emulates the father he idolises by converting his bicycle into a motorcycle.
His dad comes home, safe and sound on his bike, to find his son kitted out just like him.
The Stay A Hero film is fast becoming an internet sensation and, its creators hope, will make bikers think twice about safety by reaching them on their own terms.
Sussex Safer Roads Partnership commissioned the film, Stay A Hero, to take a different approach to cutting road accidents.
The film was created by Daniel Cox, the director behind the award-winning Embrace Life campaign.
That advert, which shows a family acting as their father's seatbelt, won international awards and has been watched more than 13 million times on internet site YouTube.
Stay A Hero has already been watched more than 100,000 times since it went online in May.
In the first six months of this year 14 motorcyclists were killed in the county, compared with six in the same period last year.
In total between January and June this year there were 32 deaths on the roads of Sussex.
Ken Seymour, the manager of Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, said: “Despite motorcyclists being a small proportion of road users, they make up a large percentage of casualties across Sussex.
“Stay a Hero deliberately avoids laying blame of any sort and isn't your usual shocking public service film. We hope that it will connect with our biker community, generate discussion and help to save lives on our roads.”
The film's producer, Sarah Alexander, said: “Rather than using fear and gore tactics we have tried to remind bikers of how great it is to ride while at the same time reminding them who they are going home to and why they need to stay safe.
“We are hoping the message will save lives this summer.”
Sid Bourne, the manager of Bikes Of Brighton in Preston Road, Brighton, said he welcomed an effort to appeal to motorcyclists on their own terms and that bikers can feel they are blamed for road accidents.
He said: “It is more a case of educating car drivers than educating bikers.
“Most of the bikers know what they are doing.”
Ben Parsons
Read more at The Argus...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Traumatic Brain Injury Linked to Increased Dementia Risk: Study</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/23/traumatic-brain-injury-linked-to-increased-dementia-risk-study.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/23/traumatic-brain-injury-linked-to-increased-dementia-risk-study.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 13:17:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A possible link between a traumatic brain injury and dementia has been found by researchers while studying older war veterans and football players. The findings of the research, announced on Monday ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A possible link between a traumatic brain injury and dementia has been found by researchers while studying older war veterans and football players.
The findings of the research, announced on Monday at the Alzheimer’s Association international conference in Paris, suggests that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) could double the risk of dementia later in life.
Scientists from the University of California-San Francisco looked at the medical records of about 300,000 veterans age 55 or older who had at least two medical visits within a 10 year period. They found that 2% had suffered at least one traumatic brain injury, and those who did had a 15% chance of developing dementia, compared to only a 7% chance among those who had not suffered a traumatic brain injury.
In a similar study announced at the conference, a study of 4,000 retired National Football League (NFL) players revealed that 35 percent of those over the age of 50 had developed cognitive problems that could be considered significant.
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability world wide, with 1.4 to 1.7 million people suffering a the head injuries each year. Such brain damage often result in a victim requiring extensive medical treatment and permanent around-the-clock care.
Football players and war veterans are not the only ones who may be at risk. Motorcycle and car accidents account for about 20% of all traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers suggested that people who know they have had a traumatic brain injury should make sure they are carefully monitored and screened for signs of dementia as they approach old age.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooling increases survival rate</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/22/cooling-increases-survival-rate.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/22/cooling-increases-survival-rate.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Using a treatment to effectively cool a patient's body temperature by 8 degrees Fahrenheit can greatly increase a patient's survival and brain function, according to a new study by the Minneapolis He...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Using a treatment to effectively cool a patient's body temperature by 8 degrees Fahrenheit can greatly increase a patient's survival and brain function, according to a new study by the Minneapolis Heart Institute.
Dr. Shawn Evans says cooling blankets lower the body's temperature by 8 degrees in what is called "therapeutic hypothermia." A new study showed it greatly increased patient survival and brain function.
And even newer treatment inserts a catheter directly into a blood vessel to more precisely cool the patient's body.
Allen Fields' heart stopped beating while he was running the La Jolla half-marathon last year.
"It's extremely important, valuable. It obviously saved my life," Allen Fields said. "I was fortunate enough to have doctors in the race and doubly fortunate to be a little faster than they were because if they were in front of me, they would've never found me."
Doctors got Allen's heart beating again, and as treatment continued, the doctors cooled his body to prevent brain damage.
Evans hopes this new study prompts more hospitals to use these life and brain-saving treatments.
"That is one of the greatest advents in terms of our care and improving the chance of survival," Evans said.
Read more at WALB News]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Former Off-Road Professional Racing Star Who Suffered Traumatic Brain Injury Embarks on 2,700 Mile Bicycle Ride to Raise Awareness, Funds for Brain Injuries </title>
<author> (ThermaHelm Blog)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/22/former-off-road-professional-racing-star-who-suffered-traumatic-brain-injury-embarks-on-2700-mile-b.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/22/former-off-road-professional-racing-star-who-suffered-traumatic-brain-injury-embarks-on-2700-mile-b.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:34:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Josh Morros has decided that he is going to make a difference. He began a 2,700 mile bike ride on June 20th in Reno, Nevada, that will span 10 states and end at the headquarters of the Brain Injury A...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Josh Morros has decided that he is going to make a difference. He began a 2,700 mile bike ride on June 20th in Reno, Nevada, that will span 10 states and end at the headquarters of the Brain Injury Association of America in Vienna, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.). Josh, a survivor of traumatic brain injury, has set a goal to create greater awareness and increased support for those suffering from serious brain injuries through his ride.
Two and a half years ago, Josh Morros was a name you would have recognized in the off-road racing world. At the age of 16, he went from AMA amateur status to being a professional racer after signing with Factory Kawasaki Team Green. He raced with some of the biggest names in the sport and became an international off-road racing star. Then, in August 2008, his world changed.
While competing in an AMA National Hare and Hound competition, Josh crashed his motocross bike while going over 80 miles an hour. Comatose, Josh was rushed to Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, UT, where he was diagnosed with a severe case of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with negligible brain activity.
Josh’s coma lasted 24 days, but it would be another 20 days before he uttered his first words: “I love you, Mom.” Despite doctors telling him to be prepared for the worst, Josh worked diligently to recover. A short three months later, Josh was back on his motorcycle. Family and doctors credit Josh’s diligence and never-quit attitude.
“Josh's recovery — his ability and drive and strength — is remarkable," says Dr. Thomas White, a trauma surgeon from Intermountain Medical Center who took care of Josh. "Almost all of our patients who survive this type of injury suffer from some sort of disability. So what Josh is doing is amazing."
According to the National Institutes of Health, each year in the United States there are nearly 1.4 million people who suffer a traumatic brain injury, and of those injured, about 50,000 die. Survivors more often than not suffer from cognitive, behavioral, and communicative disorders and some develop long-term disorders.
“Josh’s story is inspiring,” says Dr. Steven Granger, another trauma surgeon at Intermountain Medical Center. "It really gives us hope for what our patients with this kind of serious injury may be able to achieve. It's commendable that he's devoting his time to raising awareness for brain injury."
Before his accident, his parents had studied nutrition in an effort to help their wiry teenage son to gain some weight. Their efforts included supplementing Josh’s nutrition with MonaVie—a health drink that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Despite still being in recovery from his accident, Josh expects to complete the challenging ride on July 29. He is coordinating with local groups and others along the 2,700 mile ride to share his story and to put a spotlight on the need for greater awareness of TBI. Josh has set a goal to raise $250,000 during the ride to give to The Brain Initiative, The Brain Injury Association, and Safe Kids.
About Because I Can Ride There’s more to Josh’s ride than just proving he can do it. Josh is determined to help others who have suffered similar accidents and to inspire a more public dialogue about TBI. To find out more about Josh and his ride—including a schedule for his stops—visit http://www.becauseIcanride.org.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Make the right choice, wear a motorcycle helmet </title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/13/make-the-right-choice-wear-a-motorcycle-helmet.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/13/make-the-right-choice-wear-a-motorcycle-helmet.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:17:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Working in an emergency department I have seen my share of traumatic injuries. Some of these injuries could have been prevented or minimized had the individual made a different choice. In New Hampshi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Working in an emergency department I have seen my share of traumatic injuries. Some of these injuries could have been prevented or minimized had the individual made a different choice. In New Hampshire motorcycle riders have the choice to wear a helmet or not. That choice is yours, but the choice to be in a potentially fatal accident is not your choice.
In 2009 there were 21 fatal motorcycle accidents; 13 were not wearing a helmet; of those, five are were believed to be savable had they worn a helmet. The largest age group among the fatalities were 40 to 49, not the young 20-something’s.
Some common reasons given for not wearing a helmet are myths. A helmet does not obstruct peripheral vision; normal is between 200 and 220 degrees, and federal safety standards require helmets provide 210 degrees. Moreover, 90 percent of crashes happen within a range of 160 degrees.
Helmets do not and cannot prevent every injury. If you knew that helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries, common sense would dictate that in a crash you are better off wearing a helmet.
If you knew that someone was going to hit you in the head with a baseball bat, would you rather be with or without a helmet?
This letter is not derived from political intent but for the loved ones left behind when the choice is made to not wear a helmet. Please use your head and make the right choice.
Courtney Swales
Hudson
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Chilling vests to help cardiac arrest patients</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/11/chilling-vests-to-help-cardiac-arrest-patients.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/11/chilling-vests-to-help-cardiac-arrest-patients.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:59:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> When doctors talked to former Palm Beach County Commissioner Ron Howard's wife about his long road to recovery from a heart attack, he says they tossed in words such as &quot;diminished capacity&quot; and &quot;veg...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ When doctors talked to former Palm Beach County Commissioner Ron Howard's wife about his long road to recovery from a heart attack, he says they tossed in words such as "diminished capacity" and "vegetable." Mary Howard swears that last word was never uttered, merely feared.
After all, he'd had a heart attack, went into cardiac arrest, and had to be revived four times before ever reaching the hospital. Then he slipped into a coma.
But the doctors at Delray Medical Center had at least one advantage - a method to rapidly cool Howard's body, slowing down the processes that can damage a brain when the blood stops flowing.
At least two other Palm Beach County hospitals also have bought $4,000 cooling vests and machines to do the work: Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Martin Memorial Hospital in the Treasure Coast has a similar device. And others, such as Boca Raton Regional Hospital, cool the patient but use an alternative method that cools the body from within.
The technique of cooling dates to the 1950s at Johns Hopkins Hospital where a few patients were literally iced down, and was first touted for widespread practice in medical journals a decade ago, said Dr. David Gaie­ski, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and authority on therapeutic hypothermia, as it's called.
With more experts saying therapeutic cooling of cardiac arrest patients should be the standard of care and more sophisticated ways available to deliver it, these hospitals are among a growing number to deliver the life-saving chill.
Using chill methods more
No one tracks how many hospitals use vests or other cooling techniques nationally, but it is estimated that about 10 percent of patients who could have benefitted from cooling got it three or four years ago, Gaieski said.
Now those in the field guess that one-quarter or one-third of those patients do, but no firm numbers exist, Gaieski said.
In the near future, Gaieski believes hospitals may begin reporting their use of the technique in cardiac patients as the medical community pushes for this standard of care to be included in pay-for-performance criteria that rewards hospitals for meeting treatment benchmarks.
The tools doctors used on Howard don't look all that high-tech: a papery vest and sleeves with tubes running through them hooked to a machine that looks a lot like a 2 ½ -foot-tall air conditioner on wheels.
The machine pumped water through the vest's tubes, quickly dropping Howard's body temperature to between 89.6 to 93.2 degrees Fahrenheit and kept it there for 24 hours.
The vests arrived at Delray Medical about a year before Howard did in November.
Doctors and nurses use them about once or twice a month, said cardiologist Dr. Richard Kim, who treated Howard.
An estimated 680 Americans a day who have heart attacks go into sudden cardiac arrest, in which the heart stops beating and begins to quiver or fibrillate. The heart's rhythm must be restored by a shock - using a defibrillator - or the patient's oxygen-starved brain will begin to die.
In 2003, the American Heart Association endorsed the technique of rapidly cooling comatose patients whose hearts have been restarted in hopes the endorsement would save the lives of thousands of heart attack victims each year.
The endorsement came after studies indicated that this medically induced hypothermia improved survival rates and brain function after cardiac arrest.
Since then, the search has been on to find the best way to rapidly cool the body.
Scientists have come up with everything from pumping cooling saline into the body to inserting a mechanism in the patient's nose to cool the area nearest the brain.
'A full recovery'
Vests like the one used on Howard, sometimes referred to as cooling blankets, have appeal because they work quickly and are not invasive, Kim said. They are the most widely used mode of cooling, he said.
And Howard is grateful for them.
But he'd also like to put a plug in for his wife, who didn't panic when he fell unconscious on their bedroom floor that November day and the paramedics who shocked his heart four times in the field.
Both efforts kept the blood flowing.
The cooling? Doctors believe it slows a process that happens when oxygenated blood rushes back into the brain of resuscitated patients, triggering inflammation. The exact mechanism that makes it work remains unclear, though it is likely that it influences several chemical processes that follow such trauma.
Regardless, Howard, whose years of gym workouts and vegetarian diet couldn't overcome a family history of bad tickers, is pleased.
"I didn't just survive, I made a full recovery."
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooling Therapy Benefits Cardiac Arrest Patients at Risk for Brain Injury</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/08/cooling-therapy-benefits-cardiac-arrest-patients-at-risk-for-brain-injury.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/08/cooling-therapy-benefits-cardiac-arrest-patients-at-risk-for-brain-injury.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:24:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Wendy Schneider is living proof of the value of cooling technology used after cardiac arrest to decrease or eliminate brain damage. After suffering chest pain and eventually passing out, the 44-year-...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wendy Schneider is living proof of the value of cooling technology used after cardiac arrest to decrease or eliminate brain damage. After suffering chest pain and eventually passing out, the 44-year-old’s heart stopped while she was en route to a community hospital. Though stabilized, her heart arrested several times, repeatedly preventing oxygen from reaching her brain. She was quickly transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital, where the Cardiac Catheterization team treated her, including using the Medivance Arctic Sun noninvasive cooling system.
Schneider remembers nothing of that time, but was told by her loved ones when she awoke that she was a “miracle patient” who, despite doctor’s warnings of potential brain damage and paralysis, beat the odds with help of Arctic Sun.
Strong was the first hospital in upstate New York to acquire the technology, immediately incorporating the practice into its patient response protocol. The cooling therapy has been the standard of care at URMC for more than five years, with about 50 patients per year receiving the treatment.
Resulting in dramatic patient outcomes, the therapy involves a water circulating system that lowers a patient’s inner core temperature in hopes of stemming any brain damage resulting from loss of blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Pads adhere to the skin to circulate the cooled water at the points of the thighs, trunk and back, and a computer monitors the patient’s temperature and automatically cools or warms the circulating water as needed. A patient’s core temperature can usually be decreased to the correct zone within two hours. After 24 hours, the body is gradually warmed.
“By bringing down the inner body’s core temperature to about 92 degrees Fahrenheit, we are able to slow down metabolism, inflammation and the release of harmful neurotransmitters, giving patients a chance at a full and meaningful recovery after cardiac arrest,” said Scott Burgin M.D, associate professor in the Department of Neurology.
More than three-quarters of patients treated have structural coronary disease and require cardiac treatment, such as angioplasty or CABG, according to Frederick S. Ling, M.D,, associate professor in the Department of Medicine and director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
Cardiac specialists at Strong eventually implanted ventricular assist devices to help Schneider’s weakened heart continue to work. Her recovery has been so extraordinary, with her heart becoming healthy again, that her current VAD may be removed in the near future.
URMC is the only regional center that can provide therapeutic cooling therapy with mechanical circulatory support for patients who otherwise may be too sick to undergo cooling. When Schneider’s heart continued to have ventricular fibrillation while on the cooling system, the Artificial Heart Team at URMC was able to continue to provide therapeutic hypothermia while supporting her heart and lung function.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Bennetts Biker Dreams continue in 2011</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/06/bennetts-biker-dreams-continue-in-2011.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/06/bennetts-biker-dreams-continue-in-2011.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:38:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> THE opportunity to make two-wheeled wishes become reality is possible as Bennetts has continued the Biker Dreams competition.Around 5,000 motorcycling-related dreams were entered last year, with £80...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ THE opportunity to make two-wheeled wishes become reality is possible as Bennetts has continued the Biker Dreams competition.
Around 5,000 motorcycling-related dreams were entered last year, with £80,000 split between fulfilling aspirations from 15 entries, which ranged from new bike gear, to track days and trips. To enter, upload your biking dream to http://www.bennettsbikerdreams.co.uk/
To inspire those stuck for ideas, some of the extravagant entries included a pilgrimage to the Ducati factory in Bologna to visit the birth place of an piece of Italian pride of joy, travelling by bike to visit all 32 places called Manchester across America and Canada, riding the famous Route 66 on a Harley, riding a current 125 race bike around Donington Park to compare it to 125s from a past racing career and delivering supplies to an African village by bike.
In the office some of our biking dreams include playing a part in the design and creation of our own superbike and seeing the wild oddity of the Japanese motorcycling culture.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>US Biker dies in anti-helmet protest...</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/04/us-biker-dies-in-anti-helmet-protest.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/04/us-biker-dies-in-anti-helmet-protest.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:47:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> IRONICALLY an American riding as part of a anti-helmet protest has died after going over the handlebars and hitting his head on the road - a crash he would have likely survived if he had been wearing...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ IRONICALLY an American riding as part of a anti-helmet protest has died after going over the handlebars and hitting his head on the road - a crash he would have likely survived if he had been wearing a helmet.
55-year-old Philip A. Contos, from New York, lost control of his 1983 Harley-Davidson when he hit his brakes forcing his bike to fishtail and flipping him over the handlebars and into the tarmac headfirst. He was pronounced dead at hospital.
The helmet protest ride was organised by the Onondaga chapter of American Bikers Aimed Towards Education (ABATE). The organisation states that it encourages voluntary use of helmets but opposes mandatory helmet laws.
New York is one of 20 states that requires all motorcyclists wear helmets.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>British Masters At Milton Park</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/03/british-masters-at-milton-park.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/03/british-masters-at-milton-park.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jul 2011 21:24:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The AMCA’s Wulfsport British Masters has changed it’s venue for the forthcoming round for 2nd and 3rd July to the popular Milton Malsor Motoparc. Unfortunately, due to the logistics of the F1 at the ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The AMCA’s Wulfsport British Masters has changed it’s venue for the forthcoming round for 2nd and 3rd July to the popular Milton Malsor Motoparc. Unfortunately, due to the logistics of the F1 at the Silverstone the following week, the Masters Race Coordinator Ken Winstanley has taken the decision to move the venue which is fortunately just 11miles from the other venue. Milton Malsor Motoparc is a top British motocross circuit and has this year held a round of the Maxxis Championship. The AMCA would like to apologise for the inconvenience to any rider, but sends out assurances that this circuit is a top replacement venue within very close proxmities which we are 100% confident will be a top event! Jim Parker for ACU Events commented that although the change was at very short notice the venue would be prepared to the highest standard and that he was pleased to be able to help out the AMCA in the circumstances.
Read more at ACU...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>BMW K1600R rumours start</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/01/bmw-k1600r-rumours-start.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/07/01/bmw-k1600r-rumours-start.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:34:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Concept 6 may become a realityIt was always inevitable that, having released the K1600GT and GTL, rumours would begin suggesting that BMW is planning more machines based on the new six-cylinder engi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Concept 6 may become a reality
It was always inevitable that, having released the K1600GT and GTL, rumours would begin suggesting that BMW is planning more machines based on the new six-cylinder engine. And now those rumours are up and running at full speed on various web forums.
The six cylinder motor was first shown in the naked Concept 6, so it's no surprise that the most heavily suggested follow-up to the K1600GT is an unfaired “R” version, effectively replacing the K1300R. When the Concept 6 was originally shown two years ago, its designer David Robb admitted he'd like to see something similar in production but that there were no plans to build it at that time.
However, since concept bikes are made specifically to provoke a reaction from potential customers, giving their makers a steer about future model direction, it makes sense that such a machine should be in the firm's thoughts.
Certainly the straight-six engine would appear to suit a naked bike that could flaunt its cylinders more openly than the demure K1600GT and GTL, and the motor's torque-heavy state of tune would also work well in a naked machine. However, since the new six is actually less powerful than the older four-cylinder “K” engine (160bhp in the K1600GT vs 173bhp for the K1300R), it might need re-tuning to beat its predecessor should a six-cylinder naked machine become avalilable.
Of course, if there was to be a K1600R, then it would make sense to create a K1600S as well, leaving no room at the inn for the old 1300cc four-cylinder motor.
But... The K1600GT starts at £15,300, a full £1800 more than the old K1300GT (which it effectively replaces, as well as superseding the mammoth K1200LT). Would it be possible to make a six-cylinder machine that could match, or even come close to, the K1300R's £10,450 price? And would the bigger engine offer a significant advantage over the existing four? Finally, could a six-cylinder BMW out-pose and out-muscle the Ducati Diavel that's scrambled the “big naked” market this year?
Rumours or not, the chances are that should a naked six cylinder appear it won't be until 2013 at the earliest. BMW already has a full plate when it comes to new projects, with a 700cc scooter and a new R1200GS in the works for 2012, plus plans to re-enter the cruiser market that it deserted seven years ago when the R1200C was discontinued.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain injury survivor has a new life mission</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/28/brain-injury-survivor-has-a-new-life-mission.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/28/brain-injury-survivor-has-a-new-life-mission.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:19:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> At a young age, Josh Morros became popular in Reno, Nev., for his motorcycle racing skills. At 16 years old he had already won a MRANN championship and was under contract with Kawasaki. In fact, the ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ At a young age, Josh Morros became popular in Reno, Nev., for his motorcycle racing skills. At 16 years old he had already won a MRANN championship and was under contract with Kawasaki. In fact, the pros said he was the next big thing in the off-road motocross racing world.
Back then for him, it was all about the win.
In August 2008, Morros crashed during a high-speed racing competition near Wendover. He said, that's when his journey began. Morros writes this message on his Facebook page.
"In that moment, which I didn't understand or comprehend at the time, my life gained true meaning," he wrote.
Now, three years later, Morros is beginning a new journey in life — raising awareness for traumatic brain injury survivors.
He's doing it with a cross-country bike ride. He started his 2,700 mile trek from Reno, Nev. on June 20 and plans to reach Vienna, Va., the headquarters of Brain injury Association of America, by July 29.
This week Morros is riding through Salt Lake City with the team of doctors and other caregivers who helped save his life.
And if you ask the now 19-year-old why he's riding a bike cross-country while still recovering from a traumatic brain injury, he'll say it's because he can.
"Sky's the limit," he said. "And whatever's up there, I'm going to grab it."
He'll make that journey one mile at a time, as he put it, riding his bike 38 to 100 miles a day.
It took a team of nearly 60 medical professionals to help rehabilitate Morros. His parents John and Teresa have photos of him with his doctors, nurses, and physical therapists. Looking at those photos of himself while he lay in a hospital bed in a coma for two weeks, Morros never thought he'd to do what he's doing now.
"There's time when I wanted to get off and start walking. I was tired," he explained. "I just kept thinking to myself other kids have it way harder. And they just keep pushing. If they can do it, I can do it."
His doctors never thought he'd make it either. Don Van Boerum was one of Morros' doctors who cared for him at Intermountain Medical Center.
"His parents told us all along well 'he's a fighter.' He has a competitive spirit. He's going to bounce back. He's going to do just fine,'" explained Dr. Don Van Boerum, a critical care surgeon at Intermountain Medical Center. "Those of us that see a lot of brain injuries know that's not always the case."
Morros' mother admits there were days she too was nervous about his chances of surviving the crash.
"The last time we were here, it was just so bleak," she said. "I never in my wildest dreams thought it would be to this point. I really didn't."
His mother says now her son is on a life mission to help the millions of people living in the United States with traumatic brain injuries.
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<title>Trial to cool brains</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/27/trial-to-cool-brains.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/27/trial-to-cool-brains.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:33:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> STROKE patients will have their brains and blood cooled in a world-first human trial led by Melbourne researchers to halt the steady death of brain cells.Of the 60,000 Australians who have a stroke ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ STROKE patients will have their brains and blood cooled in a world-first human trial led by Melbourne researchers to halt the steady death of brain cells.
Of the 60,000 Australians who have a stroke each year, only about 20 per cent are eligible to be treated with the clot-busting drug tPA - tissue Plasminogen activator - that reopens blood supply to the brain.
This is because the other 80 per cent either get to hospital outside the 4 1/2-hour window in which the drug is effective or they have other risk factors such as existing brain bleeding that make them ineligible.But this new hypothermia technique aims to slow metabolism in the brain and extend the time stroke patients can be given the drug.
Associate Prof David Howells, head of the Florey Neuroscience Institute's stroke unit, said if this multi-centre international trial proved successful, tens of thousands of Australians each year could be saved from the life-long disabilities caused by stroke.
"Once a blood vessel is blocked after a stroke, it's being starved of oxygen and starts to die off," Prof Howells said. "If we can slow down the rate of damage to brain tissue and blood vessels, we will buy ourselves more time to safely clot-bust and restore blood flow.
"Instead of there being a 4 1/2-hour window where we can use tPA, you potentially have theoretically longer."
While the trial of 1500 patients is happening this year in Europe, Prof Howells and his Melbourne team will be working on developing a biomarker to measure if the treatment is working for individual patients.
The treatment works by lowering a patients' core temperature by three degrees to 34 degrees for 24 hours. This is done by placing cooling pads around the body or injecting into the blood of a tiny device which acts like a refrigerator.
Prof Howells said if proven effective, it would require a "major reshuffling" of hospital resources.
One of the successful recipients of the clot-dissolving drug tPA was Melbourne town planner and mother-of-two Karen Bayly, whose left side was paralysed after a stroke in 2009.
Doctors first told her husband she was unlikely to survive the night, and then later that she would never walk again. But the then 44-year-old was given tPA within about 90 minutes of the stroke and she responded incredibly well, regaining all movement.
"tPA saved my life. I'm now able to walk my children to school and earn a living to contribute to our family, and that's rare for people who have had a stroke," she said.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Keeping a Cool Head May Prevent Brain Injuries in Newborns</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/25/keeping-a-cool-head-may-prevent-brain-injuries-in-newborns.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/25/keeping-a-cool-head-may-prevent-brain-injuries-in-newborns.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jun 2011 09:34:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A new head-cooling device aims to prevent or reduce the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) — a potentially fatal brain injury in the newborn caused by inadequate blood flow or by oxyge...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A new head-cooling device aims to prevent or reduce the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) — a potentially fatal brain injury in the newborn caused by inadequate blood flow or by oxygen deprivation during labour or delivery.
How It Works
Cooling is thought to help prevent the neurological damage that continues to occur over a period of hours or days following oxygen deprivation. Brain cooling must be initiated within six hours of the initial injury and maintained for 72 hours.
Who Might Benefit
An estimated one to two babies per 1,000 term live births are at risk of HIE.About 25% to 30% of babies who survive HIE will be left with lifelong disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and cognitive disability. No other current therapies exist to improve the outcome from HIE, beyond supportive care and anticonvulsants for seizure control.
Regulatory Status
Evidence
Longer-term outcomes, such as cognitive function at school age, are currently unknown. Several studies investigating the use of whole body cooling for the treatment of HIE are now underway.
Adverse Events
With Cool-Cap treatment, temporary scalp swelling, slowed heart rate, and a modest rise in plasma glucose occurred, but these were not clinically significant.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>New colours for 2012 Yamaha R1...</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/23/new-colours-for-2012-yamaha-r1.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/23/new-colours-for-2012-yamaha-r1.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:22:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ...but no technical updatesYAMAHA'S 2012 R1 has emerged from the firm's Brazilian website revealing new colour options but no technical changes to the bike.The official page shows a selection of up...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ...but no technical updates
YAMAHA'S 2012 R1 has emerged from the firm's Brazilian website revealing new colour options but no technical changes to the bike.
The official page shows a selection of updated colours for the Brazilian market, which may or may not be offered elsewhere. The blue version is very similar to the current European offering, but with a black bellypan rather than white and black wheels instead of gold. The red machine, with some dubious flame-and-skull graphics, is already offered in America, and the all-black model is the most stealthy R1 yet seen; black body, black wheels, black forks. Only the tuning fork logo and embossed “R1” logo provide a dash of colour. To quote Spinal Tap: “How much more black could it be? The answer is none. None more black...”
On the technical front, the bike remains unchanged. While the cross-plane crankshaft and 'long-bang' firing order still give it a unique selling point, the lack of high-tech electronics in an era when its rivals are increasingly featuring traction control, adjustable ABS and endless other widgets mean its days are surely numbered.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Therapy Puts Chill On Brain Injuries</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/21/therapy-puts-chill-on-brain-injuries.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/21/therapy-puts-chill-on-brain-injuries.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:41:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A process called total body hyothermia, or total body cooling, could slow the process of brain damage in babies who suffer oxygen deprivation by slowing the brain's metabolism.Dr. Sue Hall says putt...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A process called total body hyothermia, or total body cooling, could slow the process of brain damage in babies who suffer oxygen deprivation by slowing the brain's metabolism.
Dr. Sue Hall says putting a chill in babies who've been deprived of oxygen during labor or delivery could save their brains.
Hall, medical director of the neonatal intensive care unit at Topeka's Stormont-Vail HealthCare, says a whole set of things happen when oxygen has been low. Mainly, different chemicals are released that ultimately injure cellular functioning.
A process called total body hyothermia, or total body cooling, could slow that process by slowing the brain's metabolism. Hall says it's thought that slowing the metabolism makes the brain more resistant to injury from the chemicals.
The theory came from studying near-drowning victims who fell into the icy waters of Scandanavian countries. Instead of becoming brain-dead after long periods of being submerged, they recovered to function normally, it's thought, because the brain had been kept cool.
As applied in the hospital setting, babies are put on a cooling blanket that keeps their body temperature at 92 degrees for 72 hours. They are then gradually warmed back up over another 12 hour period.
But the process must be started soon. Hall says here's just a six-hour window from the time of oxygen deprivation to the time brain cells start to die. Realizing the potential benefits, staff at Stormont's NICU was trained and began offering the procedure in November. Before that, infants who were candidates for total body cooling would be sent to Kansas City. Hall says even that trip would cost precious minutes.
"Time equals brain cells," she said.
The procedure is targeted at full-time babies - not preemies - who suffer some event during labor or delivery that deprives them of oxygen and puts them at risk for brain injury, such as a maternal hemorrhage, placenta separation or compressed umbilical cord. Hall says babies who suffer this type of oxygen deprivation had a 66 percent chance of dying or having moderate or severe developmental problems. The cooling therapy lowers that to 44 percent.
Hall says it's not a cure for every single baby, but it's the only treatment they have to offer.
Hall says Stormont has used the treatment on four babies already with good results.
Incidentally, the same treatment is used to prevent brain damage in adult heart attack patients who've been deprived of oxygen for a length of time.
Reporter: Melissa Brunner
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Human trial to cool brains of stroke patients</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/20/human-trial-to-cool-brains-of-stroke-patients.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/20/human-trial-to-cool-brains-of-stroke-patients.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:43:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Melbourne researchers are conducting a trial, which promises to halt the death of brain cells by cooling the brain and blood in patients suffering from stroke.Nearly 60,000 Australians suffer from ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Melbourne researchers are conducting a trial, which promises to halt the death of brain cells by cooling the brain and blood in patients suffering from stroke.
Nearly 60,000 Australians suffer from a stroke each year, but only 20 pc are eligible to be treated with the clot busting drug tPA – tissue Plasminogen activator that reopens blood supply to the brain.
The researchers believe that the trial, if successful, will save tens of thousands of Australians each year from the life-long disabilities caused by stroke, reports the Herald Sun.
“Once a blood vessel is blocked after a stroke, it”s being starved of oxygen and starts to die off. If we can slow down the rate of damage to brain tissue and blood vessels, we will buy ourselves more time to safely clot-bust and restore blood flow,” said Associate Prof David Howells, head of the Florey Neuroscience Institute”s stroke unit.
“Instead of there being a 4 1/2-hour window where we can use tPA, you potentially have theoretically longer,” he added.
The new hypothermia technique aims to slow metabolism in the brain and extend the time for which stroke patients can be given the drug.
The treatment works by lowering a patients” core temperature by three degrees to 34 degrees for 24 hours. This is done by placing cooling pads around the body or injecting into the blood of a tiny device, which acts like a refrigerator.
While the trial of 1500 patients is happening this year in Europe, Howells and his Melbourne team will be working on developing a biomarker to measure if the treatment is working for individual patients.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>LCR Honda’s experimental ‘Blade'</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/19/lcr-hondas-experimental-blade.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/19/lcr-hondas-experimental-blade.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 2011 19:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ONE option for exploring the possibility of running with a bike under the Claiming Rule Team regulations next season is to look into the current 1,000cc superbikes available, a project that LCR Honda...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ONE option for exploring the possibility of running with a bike under the Claiming Rule Team regulations next season is to look into the current 1,000cc superbikes available, a project that LCR Honda have been accessing with a CBR1000RR Fireblade and a collection of MotoGP spares.
Starting from the base of a CBR Honda, Lucio Cecchinello’s team has created a machine that is more than just a Fireblade in the official Playboy colours. The project borrows a lot of technical parts directly from a Honda RC212V.
The chassis is as standard and the area that shows the excessive level of tuning begins with the HRC kit to the 1,000cc engine, boosting the horsepower to 200bhp. Next-up, the ultra-exclusive Öhlins forks have been donated from last season’s RC212V priced at €50,000 and then combined with a set of €12,000 Brembo carbon fibre brakes on some lightweight Marchesini wheels.
Although the bike is merely a test mule, LCR are contemplating releasing what is a contender for the ultimate track bike to the wealthy, with a price tag of €150,000.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Multistrada S “Corse” planned for 2012</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/17/multistrada-s-corse-planned-for-2012.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/17/multistrada-s-corse-planned-for-2012.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:06:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Ducati to add a further model to the lineDucati has plans to revise its Multistrada line-up next year with the addition of a high-spec “Corse” version of the bike above and beyond the current “S”.A...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ducati to add a further model to the line
Ducati has plans to revise its Multistrada line-up next year with the addition of a high-spec “Corse” version of the bike above and beyond the current “S”.
Although it has yet to be officially announced, the Multistrada 1200S Corse is expected to be lined up alongside the existing Multistrada 1200, 1200S and 1200S Pikes Peak models.
Exactly what alterations will be made to create the “Corse” version have yet to be established, but when the same word was added to the 1198S last year it meant the addition of a race kit and aluminium fuel tank, plus extra Ducati Corse graphics.
The new bike's existence has been unwittingly revealed by new documents released by the California Air Research Board, showing that the Multistrada 1200S Corse has passed the emissions tests needed to go on sale there as a 2012 model. The same document reveals that the other versions – the base Multistrada 1200, the S model and the Pikes Peak – will remain in the line-up alongside it.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Studies Show That Motorcycle Helmets Can Help Prevent Cervical Spine Injuries in Accidents. </title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/16/studies-show-that-motorcycle-helmets-can-help-prevent-cervical-spine-injuries-in-accidents.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/16/studies-show-that-motorcycle-helmets-can-help-prevent-cervical-spine-injuries-in-accidents.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The fact that motorcycle helmets help save lives is nothing new, however, recently conducted studies by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are revealing just exactly how these helmets can sa...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The fact that motorcycle helmets help save lives is nothing new, however, recently conducted studies by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are revealing just exactly how these helmets can save lives and prevent injuries with proper use. Experts advise wearing a helmet each time you ride a motorcycle because this can protect riders from suffering the dangerous, often fatal, consequences of a serious injury.
It's been clearly proven how motorcycle helmets can help prevent brain injuries in accidents, but newer studies are showing that wearing a helmet can protect much more than just the brain. For example, a recently conducted study revealed that wearing a helmet also reduces the occurrence of a cervical spine injury in addition to reducing the risk of brain injuries.
The study was conducted at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where a team of established researchers studied records of motorcycle accident collisions occurring between the years 2002 and 2006. The records were acquired from the National Trauma Data Bank, which establishes them as being a reliable resource with full details and unbiased representation. After studying piles upon piles of the collected data, the researchers concluded that motorcyclists who wore helmets were significantly less at risk to suffer from a cervical spine injury in an accident. After a few calculations, the study concluded that the risk was even as high as 22% less of a risk when individuals were placed in comparison with those not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
This study has had groundbreaking effects on the medical community as well as the general public. This is because a commonly held misconception that motorcycle helmets increase the risk of cervical spine injury has been one of the more popular ideologies among helmet critics. This dangerous belief is possibly what attributes to adults frequently shunning helmet wearing when riding a motorcycle. The more outspoken critics of the motorcycle helmet would utilize dated studies (some amounting to 25 years in age) as compelling evidence that wearing a motorcycle helmet can increase the risk of neck and spinal injuries. It's especially important to note how old these studies are because the general composition of motorcycle helmets now is more advanced and eliminates this risk, as the study has proven. Modern motorcycle helmets are lighter and more ergonomically designed. Some of the latest models of motorcycle helmets include an added strength factor for ultimate protection against all injuries.
Cervical spine injuries are unfortunately very common results of motorcycle accidents. More specifically, these injuries can cause serious (even fatal) damages to the spinal cord that can ultimately end in partial or total paralysis. In other words, this is a serious matter that we should not take lightly. Cervical spine injury is a tragic reality, but it's one we must face in order to progress and help combat by facing it in a mature and effective way. The study revealed that of all of the injuries accident victims have suffered, cervical spine injuries were not only the most common, but the most serious and most fatal of all the conditions. These injuries are especially serious considering that most cervical spine injuries require painful, expensive surgical treatments to be fixed if they are even capable of being corrected at all.
It is important to remember that these tragic results are just the result of victims neglecting to wear their motorcycle helmets when riding. It is unfortunate that such severe repercussions could have been corrected with something as simple and preventative as a motorcycle helmet. Advocates against motorcycle helmet use no longer have any credibility on their side thanks to the recent study by the researchers at Johns Hopkins. Based on the results from this study, it is encouraged that current motorcyclists go the extra mile to protect themselves by always wearing a motorcycle helmet when riding. There are literally no downsides to wearing a helmet. Motorcycle helmets help save lives, prevent cervical spine injuries, prevent brain injuries and ensure your overall protection while riding. With all of the advanced designs on the market today, there are no longer any compromises to make. If you study the facts, it's easy to see that motorcycle helmets are an essential component of protecting yourself from injuries while riding in case of a serious accident.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>FESTIVAL OF 1000 BIKES - Mallory Park 8th, 9th &amp; 10th July 2011</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/16/festival-of-1000-bikes-mallory-park-8th-9th-10th-july-2011.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/16/festival-of-1000-bikes-mallory-park-8th-9th-10th-july-2011.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:33:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> THE 2011 VMCC FESTIVAL OF 1000 BIKESTHE ULTIMATE CLASSIC TRACK WEEKEND IS BACK!After another record breaking event in 2010 the VMCCs Festival of 1000 Bikes returns to Mallory Park on the weekend of ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ THE 2011 VMCC FESTIVAL OF 1000 BIKESTHE ULTIMATE CLASSIC TRACK WEEKEND IS BACK!
After another record breaking event in 2010 the VMCCs Festival of 1000 Bikes returns to Mallory Park on the weekend of 08th/09th/10th July 2011.
With the support of Footman James insurance Brokers, Bonhams Auctioneers, Mortons Motorcycle Media +amp; The National Motorcycle Museum the 2011 event promises to be another weekend to remember.As in previous years the event gives enthusiasts the opportunity to ride their own machines in multiple track sessions over the weekend.
On the Saturday of the event we cater for all classes of road machines from the earliest Veterans (discounted entry fee available for pre 1925 machines) through to machines of the super bike era which reflect the wide range of interests within the VMCC.
With lesser noise restrictions Sunday is the day for riders to display their racing machinery in special track sessions running throughout the day.
It is now recognised that this unique event provides the best line up of “Past Masters” and famous machines assembled every year in the UK. This Year None other than Triple 500cc GP World Champion “King” Kenny Roberts will be riding a works Yamaha OW60 in our “Past Masters” track feature on Sunday 10th July.
Kenny stated “this will be my first time on a UK racetrack in front of the public since 1983”. VMCC CEO James Hewing stated “ bringing Kenny Roberts back to the UK to ride a Grand Prix Motorcycle is a huge privilege for the VMCC and is something that race fans have been waiting decades to see”. King Kenny last rode at Mallory as part of the American “Transatlantic Challenge” team +amp; this will be a theme for the event this year as other original team Members from both sides of the Atlantic including Stevie Baker, Graeme Crosby and Mick Grant (amongst many others to be announced) will also be out on track as part of this spectacular re-enactment.
Keeping with the Yamaha theme the Yamaha Classic Racing Team (YCRT) will be making the trip from Holland to help celebrate 50 years of Yamaha racing in Europe. With multiple World champions such as Agostini +amp; Read already booked to ride YCRTs superbly prepared works Yamahas on this year’s “Past Masters” Sunday the Festival will again have more super star riders out on track than any other event of its type.
This year we will also be looking back to 1971 to celebrate 40 years since the epic Mallory Race of the Year battle between Agostini +amp; Cooper. “Ago” will be swapping his Yamaha Leathers for MV ones when he takes to the track with old sparring partner John “Mooneye’s” Cooper. With the continued assistance of Simon Hartland of the National Motorcycle Museum providing no less than 4 ex Works Rotary Norton Race Machines the VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes again has more unique machines and star riders than any other historic two wheeled event held in Europe.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle safety urged by rider who recovered from nearly fatal crash</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/14/motorcycle-safety-urged-by-rider-who-recovered-from-nearly-fatal-crash.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/14/motorcycle-safety-urged-by-rider-who-recovered-from-nearly-fatal-crash.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:46:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> As Mark Neal prepared to ride his motorcycle to work at the Franklin County Courthouse on Aug. 19, his wife had an uncomfortable feeling. &quot;Please don't ride today,&quot; she told him. &quot;Drive the car.&quot; But...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ As Mark Neal prepared to ride his motorcycle to work at the Franklin County Courthouse on Aug. 19, his wife had an uncomfortable feeling. "Please don't ride today," she told him. "Drive the car." But it was a beautiful summer day. Neal, who had been riding motorcycles since he was a teenager, always rode his Harley-Davidson Sportster to work from his Grove City home when the weather was nice. He wasn't about to change the routine for getting to his job as court reporter for Common Pleas Judge David W. Fais. Tina Neal doesn't know why she asked her 53-year-old husband to stay off his motorcycle that morning, something she hadn't done before in their 31 years of marriage. She never imagined that he wouldn't make it to work that day. Four blocks south of the courthouse on S. High Street, the driver of a Saturn coupe made a left turn and struck Neal's motorcycle. The impact hurled him into a parked car about 40 feet away. He bounced off the car and into the street, smacking the back of his head on the pavement. He wasn't wearing a helmet. Paramedics rushed him to Grant Medical Center, where a CAT scan revealed a severe brain injury. Dr. Akram Mahmoud opened his skull and removed a blood clot to relieve pressure on the brain. "It was pretty grim," Mahmoud said. "I didn't think that he was going to survive." Even if he lived, the medical staff prepared Mrs. Neal for the possibility that her husband would never recover from his neurological injuries. "I gave her the scenario that he'll have deficits and may have to be in a nursing home and need total care," Mahmoud said. Five months later, Neal was back at work, taking down every word of testimony in Fais' courtroom. "That's a living miracle right there," the judge said last week, pointing to where Neal sat behind his stenotype machine. A scar on the right side of Neal's head is the only visible sign of his brush with death. He credits his recovery to the doctors, nurses and physical and occupational therapists who put him back together, and the family, friends and co-workers who provided love and support. "I didn't want to let any of them down," Neal said. "I wanted to get my life back the way it was. When you want something bad enough, you fight for it." Mahmoud said Neal's recovery probably resulted from the speed with which he got to the hospital and into surgery. "I've told him many times, 'You're not supposed to be here,'" the neurosurgeon said. "He's a very lucky guy." Neal's devotion to Fais, his boss since 2007, also drove his recovery. "He made it clear that, however long it takes to get back, your job will be waiting for you," Neal said. "You have no idea how important that was. My will was to get back to Judge Fais." The judge gives the credit to "the man upstairs," medical science and the patient. "Mark never doubted that he'd come back," Fais said. "I've never seen anyone with more will, perseverance and discipline." Neal decided to speak about his recovery in part to raise awareness among motorists about the vulnerability of those who ride motorcycles. Neal is particularly concerned because this is the time of year when many motorcyclists return to the road. "I want people who drive cars to please pay attention," he said. "A lot of them aren't looking out for motorcycles." The 18-year-old driver who hit Neal had been traveling south on S. High Street and turning to go east on E. Beck Street, which is one-way westbound. He was convicted of making an improper turn and paid $176 in fines and court costs. Neal had a broken pelvis and nose and three broken toes, but the brain injury kept him in Grant's intensive-care unit for nearly three weeks. He was transferred to Ohio State University Medical Center's Dodd Hall, where he underwent four weeks of physical and occupational rehabilitation and attended classes for people with traumatic brain injuries. Mrs. Neal saw gradual improvement in his cognitive function but said the most dramatic recovery came in October after Mahmoud covered the opening in his skull with a plastic implant. She remained skeptical that her husband would ever return to work until a therapist at Grove City Health Center suggested taking his stenotype machine to an outpatient therapy session. The therapist read from court cases, and Neal typed the words flawlessly. "You don't lose something you did for 20 years," he said. "That's ingrained." Neal, who has served as a court reporter for a variety of judges since 1989, returned to work on Jan. 18. He gets fatigued during long court sessions, but Fais pays close attention and gives him breaks whenever necessary. Mrs. Neal, a retired elementary-school teacher, marvels at her husband's progress. "He's back. He's like my old Mark," she said. Mr. Neal isn't convinced that a helmet would have made a difference in the crash but said he will wear one if he ever gets on a motorcycle again. Fais won't allow it. "I issued an order," the judge said. "He isn't riding anything."
By John Futtyjfutty@dispatch.comRead more at The Columbus Dispatch ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Mitchell comes out on top at action packed Duns</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/13/mitchell-comes-out-on-top-at-action-packed-duns.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/13/mitchell-comes-out-on-top-at-action-packed-duns.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Goldspeed ACU British Quadcross Championships Round Two, June 12th 2011 The Goldspeed sponsored ACU British Quadcross Championships took place at Duns MX Track in the Scottish Borders this weekend fo...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Goldspeed ACU British Quadcross Championships Round Two, June 12th 2011 The Goldspeed sponsored ACU British Quadcross Championships took place at Duns MX Track in the Scottish Borders this weekend for what was an action packed and thrilling round two. Organised by Quad Racing Scotland, all classes were racing as John Mitchell on board his Laeger-framed Yamaha took a second and first place finish to secure victory after what turned out to be an incident filled day. After taking the fastest lap in qualifying, Paul Holmes returned from his European Championship endeavours to take the Holeshot in QMX1 on a rough and muddy track. Having made an excellent start, he was then kicked from a whoop after five laps. “I got the perfect start but came off and hurt my shoulder. There wasn’t much more I could do from that point but to retire” said Holmes, as he returned to the pits. Scotsman John Mitchell passed and began to create a wide lead from the chasing Jason Macbeth and Paul Winrow. Mark Watson put in the fastest lap before coming off his quad and finishing in sixth. Meanwhile Winrow pressed and managed to pass Macbeth, who later explained he had been suffering from arm pump. Winrow looked to have settled for second place until Mitchell stalled on the penultimate lap. He seized the opportunity to get ahead and went on to take the chequered flag. Having also passed Mitchell, Macbeth got third as Mitchell challenged him to take back second position. Winrow commented “I tried to close in on John but he had found his rhythm. I found mine but couldn’t catch and pass. Then I saw John had stalled and was handed the win. I was happy with second but the win was a very nice bonus.” It was Holmes again in race two taking the Holeshot with Mark Watson, John Mitchell and Paul Winrow battling hard at the front. Spectators witnessed some enthralling wheel to wheel action as they all pushed for the lead, gradually closing in on Holmes. Watson and Mitchell made the pass, pushing each other hard. Mitchell then took off like a rocket over the tracks biggest tabletop, passing Watson in midair for the lead. “I was piling the pressure on Watson for the lead, he made a slight mistake on the corner which allowed me to pull alongside him and get a better line for the tabletop” said Mitchell. The pair remained tight until Watson got caught out on another tabletop and flew off it sideways. After rolling along the ground, he incredibly jumped straight back on his quad and rejoined having only lost one position to Holmes. Meanwhile, Winrow had turned his quad over and despite his best efforts was unable to get going. “I used more effort getting my quad restarted than I did through the race! That was more disappointing for me than Silverstone.” commented a frustrated Winrow afterwards. Mitchell went on to win with Holmes making ground and getting the fastest lap in race two. A battered and bruised Mark Watson finished in third. “I could go out and do that again. My quad was flawless and this has been my best start to the championship since 2007” said a clearly delighted Mitchell as he made his way back to the pits after finishing first overall. KTM’s James Hellewell continued his great start in the under 21 category taking a further 47 points ahead of Cain Rodgers (42) and George Callaway (33). The fast and furious action and many incidents throughout the day made it an exhilarating second round for riders and spectators alike. In the Masters Class, an impressive Paul Harkness had a superb day with the overall win. Darren Bridge had two second place finishes just ahead on points to Paul McConway who took the win in race two. There were many outstanding performances from riders in the nine youth classes. Special mentions go to Alexander Thompson and Leon Rogers (250 Open) who’s performances as they battled each other round the track demonstrated the superb talent emerging in the youth classes as Thompson took maximum points. In the 100cc Geared race one, Bailey Edwards didn’t get off the line until everybody else was half a lap in front. He astonishingly then went on to win both races. The first of the 50cc races was abandoned and discounted as most riders became stuck in the mud and complaints for outside assistance would have disqualified all but two riders. It was a tough call for the organisers but ultimately the race order stuck to the official programme. The next round of the championship will be at Tinkerhill, Northen Ireland on the 2nd July and will be organised by Quad Racing Ireland, featuring the QRI QMX1, QMX2, QMXM, U21, 450cc classes. For more details, please visit www.acuquadracing.co.uk
Words and Photography by Alistair PlantRead more at ACU...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>St David’s Preview by Colin Bullock</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/11/st-davids-preview-by-colin-bullock.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/11/st-davids-preview-by-colin-bullock.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 09:24:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> After a two month gap the British Trials Championships return into action this coming weekend with the St David’s Trial down in South Wales. You cannot say that the championships are not visiting eve...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ After a two month gap the British Trials Championships return into action this coming weekend with the St David’s Trial down in South Wales. You cannot say that the championships are not visiting every part of the country as we have already been to Yorkshire, Devon and Scotland. This time however it is down to Wales for the Neath Club’s event held at Ammanford for the second year in succession. Last years trial was a bit different from many of the venues in that we had mud, cambers, tree roots and some nice big climbs mixed in with the expected rockery. It made for some variety and the club have been doing some work on new and improved hazards. The championships as is now well established run over the three main catagories with Experts B being the most well supported in rider numbers. Not only that but the competition is pretty fierce with Richard Timperley and Guy Kendrew at the moment taking the top places at the opening three rounds. Timps holds a three point advantage over his Ossa mounted rival but between these two it is very close to call. This does not mean to say that these two are the only likely winners. Last year Josh Woods won the class so he obviously enjoyed the venue and the Gas Gas rider currently lies third overall. Look out also for Zac Sherwin and Midlander Buster Regan both are capable of getting on that podium. The Expert A class has not too many riders in numbers but it is competitive to say the least. Three rounds have seen three different winners with Ricky Wiggins, James Fry and Gary Macdonald all topping the podium. Gary does not ride this round so could we see someone new up there, possibly Jack Sheppard who now has two second places to his credit after missing out the season opener due to other commitments. Jack is going great guns on the world youth scene but will the 125 be well suited to this venue. The way Jack rides quite possibly is the answer, but those in front of him in the Championship including Jack Spencer will be equally keen to make life difficult for the Ipswich rider. This all brings us nicely to the Championship Class and the usual question of can James Dabill be beaten on home soil. It must be two years since he hasn’t made first place and Michael Brown, Alexz Wigg and co must be determined to make it happen sooner rather than later. Dib’s already holds a nine point advantage over his next rival and that gap is already looking pretty decisive unless he can be pegged back and quickly. Brownie is riding well as is Alexz but so far they nor any of the others in the class have been able to make a serious challenge. Maybe this weekend? The event weekend is the 11th/12th of June and the venue is at Ysguthan Farm, Heol y Myndydd, Gararnswllt, Ammanford. SA18 2RY Practice on the Saturday between 3-5pm with the trial starting Sunday at 10am Read more at ACU]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>'Speechless' McGuinness admits he never thought he'd win a Superbike TT again</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/11/speechless-mcguinness-admits-he-never-thought-hed-win-a-superbike-tt-again.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/11/speechless-mcguinness-admits-he-never-thought-hed-win-a-superbike-tt-again.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 09:15:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> John McGuinnness has admitted he thought he’d never win another big bike TT race after failing to take a single podium place during last year’s event. However, the Morecambe star returned to form in ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ John McGuinnness has admitted he thought he’d never win another big bike TT race after failing to take a single podium place during last year’s event. However, the Morecambe star returned to form in stunning style during Saturday’s Dainese Superbike TT, the opening race of the 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy. McGuiness said: "I'm speechless really and it's unbelievable to be sitting here now with another Superbike win to my name, for some reason I never thought I'd do it.” The Honda TT Legend star enjoyed an early battle with Padgetts Honda racer Bruce Anstey until the Kiwi retired on lap three of the six-lap race. McGuinness continued to take the chequered flag by 56 seconds for his 16th TT win. Starting at number 1, McGuinness set off at a scorching pace and by Glen Helen on the opening lap, he was leading, albeit by just one second. Anstey was matching him mile-for-mile though and at the end of the first lap, a speed of 130.786mph saw the lead for McGuinness stand at just one second. On lap two the duo were scorching round the Mountain Course and although McGuinnness increased his speed to 131.199mph, Anstey lapped slightly quicker to lead at one third race distance by just under a second. However, a superb pit stop saw McGuinness leave the pits back in the lead by some 12 seconds, an advantage that remained until later in the lap when Anstey was forced to retire. That left McGuinness with a lead of 20 seconds over new second placed man Guy Martin. For the remainder of the race, McGuinness was able to control affairs from the head of the field, his gap over Martin staying constant. When the Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing retired on the fifth lap, McGuinness was more than a minute clear of his nearest rival and able to fully enjoy the race. With the Honda Superbike running faultlessly, McGuinness eased off slightly in the closing stages and crossed the line ahead of Wilson Craig Honda rider Cameron Donald. McGuinness added: “Bruce was pushing really hard at the beginning and I dropped back a bit as I was a bit tense and blowing a bit whilst my arms were also pumping up a bit. I had a real good go on the second lap and only just stopped in time when I came in to the pits so probably made up a bit of time there, but the pit stop was terrific and the boys did an awesome job on both occasions. They're people who I trust and who have been with me a long time and that gave me a bit of breathing space whilst Bruce going out soon after obviously helped” “Going off at number 1 and riding for essentially a new team created a bit of pressure and I was definitely nervous, but as the race wore on I felt stronger and stronger so all the riding in World Endurance has definitely paid off. Seeing such a huge crowd out there cheering me on was a really special feeling and I want to thank them and also let my good mate Stuart Easton know that win's for him." McGuinness will be back in action as the TT continues on Monday with the first Monster Energy Supersport Race and the Royal London 360 Superstock TT Read more at ACU]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Heart attack victims 'chill out' to protect brain</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/10/heart-attack-victims-chill-out-to-protect-brain.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/10/heart-attack-victims-chill-out-to-protect-brain.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:55:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ATLANTA -- There's a new meaning to the often used phrase, &quot;chilling out.&quot; It's a medical technique that can save lives and it's now found in all 24 of Grady EMS Life Support Ambulances. The equipme...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ATLANTA -- There's a new meaning to the often used phrase, "chilling out." It's a medical technique that can save lives and it's now found in all 24 of Grady EMS Life Support Ambulances.
The equipment supports hypothermic therapy, and for heart attack victims it can prevent brain damage.
Skilled technicians using specialized equipment immediately start a process to cool down the body and the brain of a heart attack victim as soon as pulse is restored.
The process cools the body by as much as 5-to-7 degrees to significantly lessen or eliminate irreparable brain damage.
They infuse a chilled saline solution to reduce temperature as quickly as possible. Once that is done, technicians immediately place icepacks around the patient to further reduce body temperature. At the same time they are monitoring all heart functions and administering prescribed medications.
Emergency physicians, like Grady's Gerald Beltran, value hypothermal therapy as a life-saver.
"If I were to have a heart attack I would want this done on me. I would want to have this protocol or the therapeutic treatment available given to me if I had a heart attack, and I would want it to continue it in the Emergency Department or the ICU. It gives me the best chance of surviving and the best chances that my brain is going to be okay when I get out," Dr. Beltran said.
Grady EMS is Atlanta's official 911 emergency response team. All 220 of its EMS technicians are fully trained in the use of hypothermal therapy. They will start the process no matter which hospital you may be taken to.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain cooling device may help stroke victims</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/09/brain-cooling-device-may-help-stroke-victims.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/09/brain-cooling-device-may-help-stroke-victims.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A DUNDALK company has developed a new medical device that has the potential to help patients who suffer brain injuries or strokes.Eurolec Instrumentation Ltd, based at Cluan Enda, St Alphonsus Road,...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A DUNDALK company has developed a new medical device that has the potential to help patients who suffer brain injuries or strokes.
Eurolec Instrumentation Ltd, based at Cluan Enda, St Alphonsus Road, has applied for patents for its new ' brain cooling' device which aims to lower the temperature of the brain and help prevent damage from strokes or injuries.
The company said they were excited about the development, which they have been assisted with by Enterprise Ireland in the areas of research and development and intellectual property protection.
Chris Mears, who works in sales and marketing for Eurolec, said: ' This is a new device which has been designed to cool the brain at the earliest possible intervention.
'In the event of heart attacks, strokes, brain trauma, birth difficulties and some other medical circumstances, the ability to cool the brain results in a significantly improved prognosis.
'The device operates off it's own rechargeable batteries, 12V paramedic vehicle, with adaptor, and mains power.
' It therefore provides cooling from the earliest opportunity all the way through to intensive care in hospital and a patent has been applied for.'
The company, which is headed by MD Tom Mears, is currently exploring different options to commercialise this exciting new product which has been designed to heat as well as cool and could be adpated for medical applications to treat soft tissue injuries.
Eurolec Instrumentation Ltd is better known as a measurement and datalogging design and manufacturing solutions company which was established in 1998.
The firm has also gained a reputation for supporting third level French engineering and sales and marketing with work placements.
The development of this latest device has the potential for global applications, but Eurolec stressed the process of patenting the prototype was 'still at an early stage'.
- Anne CAMPBELL
Read more at The Argus...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Restoring helmet law makes sense for Pennsylvania</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/08/restoring-helmet-law-makes-sense-for-pennsylvania.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/08/restoring-helmet-law-makes-sense-for-pennsylvania.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:55:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcyclists fighting House Bill 1583 call themselves advocates for free choice. I'll call them what they actually are: advocates for unprotected heads. They want no barriers between their head and ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcyclists fighting House Bill 1583 call themselves advocates for free choice. I'll call them what they actually are: advocates for unprotected heads. They want no barriers between their head and the air while riding, or their head and the ground if they crash.Advocates for unprotected heads say helmets don't prevent accidents; that's true. But helmets can often prevent death or serious injury. And the idea that we can't try and be safe unless we're looking for an accident doesn't make sense. We belt children in car seats and strap on seat belts not because we seek a collision but because we want protection if another driver hits us.Advocates for unprotected heads say helmeted riders still die in accidents, and that's true, too, although they're much less likely to die from head injuries. They say: If we want to kill ourselves riding, it's our right. That's not debatable.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Doctors learn a chilling treatment for heart attacks</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/07/doctors-learn-a-chilling-treatment-for-heart-attacks.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/07/doctors-learn-a-chilling-treatment-for-heart-attacks.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A team from Pennsylvania is working with emergency responders in Eastern Maine on a treatment for heart attacks that might sound more like science fiction than modern medicine.At a conference in Bar...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A team from Pennsylvania is working with emergency responders in Eastern Maine on a treatment for heart attacks that might sound more like science fiction than modern medicine.
At a conference in Bar Harbor first responders practice a medical treatment called therapeutic hypothermia. The procedure chills a person to around 92 degrees Fahrenheit for about 24 hours.
Medical experts say the procedure can reduce by half, the chances of some one getting brain damage after a heart attack.
The procedure can have side effects and medical experts say brain damage is still a possibility even if the treatment is performed.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Dropping body temp raising odds of survival</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/06/dropping-body-temp-raising-odds-of-survival.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/06/dropping-body-temp-raising-odds-of-survival.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> PUTTING HUMANS INTO SUSPENDED ANIMATION — the stuff of science fiction movies such as Avatar - could arrive in emergency medicine sooner than you think, doctors and researchers say.&quot;It's slowly comi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ PUTTING HUMANS INTO SUSPENDED ANIMATION — the stuff of science fiction movies such as Avatar - could arrive in emergency medicine sooner than you think, doctors and researchers say.
"It's slowly coming true," said Dr. Richard Summers, chairman of emergency medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. "It will be Star Trek before we know it."
A step toward that day is already happening at Jackson-area hospitals that are using therapeutic hypothermia to slow down the metabolism of Mississippians who have suffered cardiac arrest, thereby increasing their chance of survival and reducing their chance of brain damage. On May 20, American Medical Response ambulances began carrying coolers so paramedics can start therapy in the field.
For decades, doctors have focused on the supply side by giving patients more oxygen and blood, Summers said. "Now we're working on the demand side, where their body doesn't demand as much blood and oxygen."
Dr. Eric Zoog, emergency room medical director for Baptist Medical Center, has championed therapeutic hypothermia in Mississippi.
The idea of using cold for treatment is hardly new, dating as far back as Hippocrates, he said. "It's finally come back into the scientific mainstream."
Since 2008, Baptist's Cardiac Arrest Center has been able to improve survival rates for cardiac arrest patients in Mississippi.
Years ago, a national survey showed Americans believe 80 percent of those who suffer a cardiac arrest away from the hospital survive. The actual number was only 8 percent, Zoog said.
He said the key to improving this survival rate rests on two things: getting paramedics and people to administer improved CPR, now known as cardiac cerebral resuscitation.
Gone is mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and in is 100 chest compressions a minute, he said. "If you can't keep track, you can simply go to the beat of the song, Stayin' Alive."
CCR, combined with therapeutic hypothermia, has increased the survival rate at Baptist to 44.4 percent for the 17 patients treated by the center, he said.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain Freeze</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/05/brain-freeze.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/05/brain-freeze.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:35:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Brain cooling, or hypothermia, is known to decrease brain swelling after an acute stroke. It can also save lives and prevent neurological damage after cardiac arrest and after oxygen deprivation in n...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Brain cooling, or hypothermia, is known to decrease brain swelling after an acute stroke. It can also save lives and prevent neurological damage after cardiac arrest and after oxygen deprivation in newborns. Now, the largest clinical trial of its kind is looking into whether hypothermia can safely be used in elderly stroke patients.
“We know hypothermia works, but is it safe when you consider age and other conditions such as diabetes or hypertension?” asks the chairman of the Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai and the study’s overall principal investigator. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston are also participating.
The study employs an advanced temperature modulation system that provides quick and controlled cooling using a metallic cooling catheter inserted into the body’s largest vein, the inferior vena cava.
Study participants are covered with warming blankets to trick the body into feeling warm, which together with a mild sedative helps suppress shivering. Body temperature is cooled to 91 degrees Fahrenheit and maintained at that level for 24 hours. Participants are then gradually rewarmed to normal body temperature over the following 12 hours.
In a previous study byDr. Lyden and his colleagues, brain cooling was shown to be safe when used together with clot busters that open up blocked arteries during a stroke. The next study will determine whether that combination is effective.
Read more at Discoveries Magazine...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/03/motorcycle-injuries-and-traumatic-brain-injuries.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/03/motorcycle-injuries-and-traumatic-brain-injuries.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jun 2011 10:56:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcycle accidents are a well-known leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Together with auto accidents, they are the single largest cause of brain injury in the United States. One out of e...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcycle accidents are a well-known leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Together with auto accidents, they are the single largest cause of brain injury in the United States. One out of every five motorcycle accidents results in head or neck injuries, which account for most motorcycle fatalities. And partly because drivers often don’t see motorcyclists or yield them the right-of-way, motorcyclists are at higher risk of an accident than drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that, per mile traveled in 2003, a motorcyclist was 32 times more likely to die in an accident than a passenger in a car.
Motorcyclists, even those who wear helmets, are most likely to sustain non-penetrative injuries to the front of the head, damaging parts of the brain responsible for speech and higher functions. Those without helmets may also be susceptible to a penetrating brain injury, in which an object enters the head and skull, damaging the soft tissue of the brain itself. Helmets Essential to Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury
Study after study shows that the best way to prevent a traumatic brain injury is to wear a helmet approved by the federal Department of Transportation. (Some also carry approval from the Snell Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to testing the effectiveness of commercial helmets.) In January of 2006, only four states in the U.S: Colorado, Illinois, New Hampshire and Iowa- had no law at all requiring motorcyclists to use helmets. Twenty-six others had limited helmet laws, usually ones that require helmets for riders who are under 18 or 21.
But even in states without strict helmet laws, riders are still strongly advised that their chances of death or serious head injury are seriously reduced by wearing a helmet. A rider’s failure to equip passengers, particularly passengers who are under 21, with helmets may be considered negligent. And if the helmet is below state and federal standards, poorly fitted, old or has been through a previous accident, that helmet is not safe, may not be legal and will not prevent death, brain damage or another traumatic injury. Other Brain Injury Risks for Motorcyclists
Even though proper equipment significantly cuts down a motorcyclist’s chance of a traumatic brain injury, it is not foolproof. Riders must stay aware of other factors that could lead to a motorcycle accident involving a traumatic brain injury. Motorcyclists are advised to check their bikes and equipment for problems before each ride; adjust the suspension and tire pressure of the motorcycle when carrying a passenger; wear boots, gloves and other protective gear; and adjust for changing road conditions.
The cost of an accident that causes traumatic brain injury can be severe. A traumatic brain injury causes brain damage that can range from a mild concussion to severe, life-changing disabilities such as trouble communicating, personality changes, schizophrenia, or even a coma. Because the brain cannot heal itself the way other organs do, these are often lifelong problems that cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat. They also place a severe emotional and financial burden on the injured person’s family members. If you or someone you know is the victim of a motorcycle accident causing traumatic brain injury, it is essential to seek out an expert in accidents and TBI who can help reconstruct the accident and secure compensation.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>'Brain Cooling' May Greatly Improve Chances of A Recovery In Children Who Have Brain Injuries Due To A Lack Of Oxygen At Birth</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/02/brain-cooling-may-greatly-improve-chances-of-a-recovery-in-children-who-have-brain-injuries-due-to.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/02/brain-cooling-may-greatly-improve-chances-of-a-recovery-in-children-who-have-brain-injuries-due-to.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:46:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> An important study conducted by British researchers may improve the quality of life for thousands of infants born every year who suffer brain injuries during the birth delivery process. Using therma...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ An important study conducted by British researchers may improve the quality of life for thousands of infants born every year who suffer brain injuries during the birth delivery process.
Using thermal cooling technology and xenon gas, scientists have effectively reduced cerebral swelling around the brain that commonly results when blood flow is interrupted during the labor process.
In addition to lack of oxygen, the medical community has long acknowledged the problems associated with cerebral swelling which have been associated with life-long brain damage, cerebral palsy and even death.
Headed by Professor Marianne Thoresen, researchers effectively lowered the risk of a poor outcome for children with perinatal asphyxia from 66% to 40%. The benefits of the cooling process are particularly effective when implemented as soon as feasible following the injury or asphyxia event occurs.
The theory behind the cerebral cooling technology is that by lowering the temperature around the brain swelling is reduced and the metabolic rate for the brain and surrounding organs is slowed—allowing healthy organ functioning with less oxygen.
by Jonathan Rosenfeld
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Helmets: First line of defense against head injuries</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/01/helmets-first-line-of-defense-against-head-injuries.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/06/01/helmets-first-line-of-defense-against-head-injuries.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Although head injuries are a leading cause of death, there are many more head injuries where the victims don’t die. Instead, they end up with a long road of rehabilitation, sometimes with great succe...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Although head injuries are a leading cause of death, there are many more head injuries where the victims don’t die. Instead, they end up with a long road of rehabilitation, sometimes with great success. But too often, in spite of aggressive treatment, permanent brain damage results. Not every head injury results in brain injury. Think of the skull as the package that protects the brain. Even though the scalp and skull bones can become injured, the brain may still be undamaged. The brain is protected by layers of tissue called meninges. It’s also protected by cerebrospinal fluid. Around these layers of tissue and fluid are the bones that make up the skull. Together, the tissue, bones, and fluid act as shock absorbers to protect the brain. Depending on the force of impact, the skull might be enough of a shock absorber to prevent brain injury. But depending on the activity planned, it’s important to select additional protection. Usually, this means a helmet. Of course not all helmets are the same. Aside from the aesthetics of style and color, helmets are made specifically for certain activities. RATED FOR SAFETYFor example, a good bicycle helmet would not be a good choice when riding a motorcycle or ATV. The greater the speed of the activity, for instance, the greater the potential for a more forceful impact. Helmets are also rated based on the type of restraint (straps and buckles) system used. Most of the following tips apply to bicycle helmets. Similar guidelines can be found for helmets for other purposes. When purchasing your bicycle helmet, go first for an approved helmet. Most on the market are rated either with the SNELL rating, ANSI, ASTM, or CPSC. An excellent helmet does not have to be expensive. Invest in a new one since that old helmet that is not properly rated or may have dried out straps or small cracks in the plastic may not protect you on impact. After finding helmets that are approved, consider the fit. Helmets should be snug and come down low on the forehead. Many styles have straps that can be adjusted in the front and back of the head. Any helmet that can move around on the head is not fitted properly. Inside the box you will often find extra padding. You will likely need this to get the best fit. If you’re fitting a helmet to your still-growing child, you will need to change the padding as the head grows. Most helmets come with directions on how to get the best fit. Once you think you have your helmet properly adjusted and the strap is buckled, open your mouth wide. This movement should cause the helmet to pull down on your head. If the helmet is not tight enough, it won’t move downward. That’s your cue to remove it and tighten up the straps. LAST A LIFETIME Most helmets will last a long time if taken care of. If your helmet is damaged or if you fall and the helmet hits the ground, it needs to be replaced. You can’t always see the damage from impacts. Make sure your helmet is comfortable. This is especially true for helmets for kids. If they don’t like them, it will be a battle to get them to wear helmets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent. For more detailed information on bicycle helmets visit the bicycle helmet safety institute website at bhsi.org.
Gail Larkin.
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<title>Cooling Therapy Benefits Cardiac Arrest Patients at Risk for Brain Injury</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/29/cooling-therapy-benefits-cardiac-arrest-patients-at-risk-for-brain-injury-1.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/29/cooling-therapy-benefits-cardiac-arrest-patients-at-risk-for-brain-injury-1.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 29 May 2011 19:47:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Wendy Schneider is living proof of the value of cooling technology used after cardiac arrest to decrease or eliminate brain damage. After suffering chest pain and eventually passing out, the 44-year-...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Wendy Schneider is living proof of the value of cooling technology used after cardiac arrest to decrease or eliminate brain damage. After suffering chest pain and eventually passing out, the 44-year-old’s heart stopped while she was en route to a community hospital. Though stabilized, her heart arrested several times, repeatedly preventing oxygen from reaching her brain. She was quickly transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital, where the Cardiac Catheterization team treated her, including using the Medivance Arctic Sun noninvasive cooling system.
Schneider remembers nothing of that time, but was told by her loved ones when she awoke that she was a “miracle patient” who, despite doctor’s warnings of potential brain damage and paralysis, beat the odds with help of Arctic Sun.
Strong was the first hospital in upstate New York to acquire the technology, immediately incorporating the practice into its patient response protocol. The cooling therapy has been the standard of care at URMC for more than five years, with about 50 patients per year receiving the treatment.
Resulting in dramatic patient outcomes, the therapy involves a water circulating system that lowers a patient’s inner core temperature in hopes of stemming any brain damage resulting from loss of blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Pads adhere to the skin to circulate the cooled water at the points of the thighs, trunk and back, and a computer monitors the patient’s temperature and automatically cools or warms the circulating water as needed. A patient’s core temperature can usually be decreased to the correct zone within two hours. After 24 hours, the body is gradually warmed.
“By bringing down the inner body’s core temperature to about 92 degrees Fahrenheit, we are able to slow down metabolism, inflammation and the release of harmful neurotransmitters, giving patients a chance at a full and meaningful recovery after cardiac arrest,” said Scott Burgin, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Neurology.
More than three-quarters of patients treated have structural coronary disease and require cardiac treatment, such as angioplasty or CABG, according to Frederick S. Ling, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Medicine and director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
Cardiac specialists at Strong eventually implanted ventricular assist devices to help Schneider’s weakened heart continue to work. Her recovery has been so extraordinary, with her heart becoming healthy again, that her current VAD may be removed in the near future.
URMC is the only regional center that can provide therapeutic cooling therapy with mechanical circulatory support for patients who otherwise may be too sick to undergo cooling. When Schneider’s heart continued to have ventricular fibrillation while on the cooling system, the Artificial Heart Team at URMC was able to continue to provide therapeutic hypothermia while supporting her heart and lung function.
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<title>RhinoChill Non-Invasive Head Cooling System</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/27/rhinochill-non-invasive-head-cooling-system.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/27/rhinochill-non-invasive-head-cooling-system.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2011 14:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> BeneChill (San Diego, CA) has partnered with Medtronic's Physio-Control division to release the RhinoChill IntraNasal Cooling System in Europe. RhinoChill cools the head and body and is designed for...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ BeneChill (San Diego, CA) has partnered with Medtronic's Physio-Control division to release the RhinoChill IntraNasal Cooling System in Europe. RhinoChill cools the head and body and is designed for fast application on patients status post cardiac arrest, stroke or traumatic brain injury.
The RhinoChill System uses a non-invasive nasal catheter that sprays a rapidly evaporating, inert coolant liquid into the nasal cavity, a large area situated beneath the brain that acts as a heat exchanger. As the liquid evaporates, heat is directly removed from the base of the skull and surrounding tissues via conduction and indirectly through the blood via convection.
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<title>Bikers get all revved up to enjoy a grand day of fundraising</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/25/bikers-get-all-revved-up-to-enjoy-a-grand-day-of-fundraising.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/25/bikers-get-all-revved-up-to-enjoy-a-grand-day-of-fundraising.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 23:08:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> THOUSANDS of motorbike enthusiasts converged on Cleethorpes yesterday to celebrate the “power of two wheels”.The promenade was packed with motorcycles, trikes and scooters, as the resort hosted the ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ THOUSANDS of motorbike enthusiasts converged on Cleethorpes yesterday to celebrate the “power of two wheels”.
The promenade was packed with motorcycles, trikes and scooters, as the resort hosted the fourth Grand Day Out.
Organised by North East Lincolnshire Motorcycle Action Group (NELMAG) and Born To Be Wheeled, the event attracted riders from across the UK, with money being raised for Help For Heroes, the brain injury charity Headway, and NELMAG.
For the first time the event featured a custom motorcycle and scooter show at Cleethorpes Leisure Centre, and there were also trade stands manned by motorcycle dealers, charities and other organisations, as well as live entertainment at the Kingsway Kiosks.
Fergus O’Connell, of NELMAG said: “It’s going very well. We have got a beautiful beach and its great to get out on the bike, meet people, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate the power of two wheels, whilst raising funds for good causes and promoting Cleethorpes.
“We are hoping for around four and a half thousand scooters and bikes, and with the general public we could easily double that number.
“The bike show is a new addition this year, and we have got 11 bands playing throughout the day, face painting for the kids and extreme chain saw.
“We’ve got a couple of bikers from Australia so we really can say we’ve gone worldwide this year.”
Baz Frayne, 72, of Waltham, was among a group of riders from the Kandy’s Reunion Gang to go along for the event.
He said: “There are about 15 of us and we have come here today to support Help for Heroes. I came here last year and won a cup for my bike, a Triumph Trophy.
“It’s a fantastic day out. It’s a gathering of motorcyclists young and old who all have a great appreciation of motorbikes. It’s an ideal occasion.
“I’ve had a look round the custom bike show. It’s got a good layout and I think it was a good idea to incorporate the leisure centre, especially with the weather being a bit up and down.”
Trikers Peter Elliott and Steve Roberts had travelled from Scunthorpe to make the event.
Peter, 53, aka Shadrach, said: “We are from the Yorkshire MAG and we have come down for a ride down to support Help for Heroes, which is a fantastic cause.
“It’s the first time we’ve been to the Grand Day Out but we do ride out to Cleethorpes a lot in the summer. It’s a nice place with nice people.
“It’s a brilliant event and is really well organised.”
Read more at This is Grimsby...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>The big chill</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/24/the-big-chill.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/24/the-big-chill.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 24 May 2011 20:52:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Hypothermia and new guidelines for CPR are among new treatments for heart attack victims.For the past 25 years, Terry Stangle always renewed his CPR training annually. And last fall he was particula...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Hypothermia and new guidelines for CPR are among new treatments for heart attack victims.
For the past 25 years, Terry Stangle always renewed his CPR training annually. And last fall he was particularly thankful that he had. When his wife, Brenda, went into cardiac arrest on the floor of their El Dorado home, he, along with his CPR- trained daughter, were able to revive her, using the manual procedure to restore blood circulation and breathing.
Over the next hour or so, CPR was used repeatedly by Stangle, his daughter and a group of rescue responders as they tried to stabilize Brenda Stangle for transport to Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital in El Dorado and eventually Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis.
"We've lost some things over the years, and I wasn't going to lose Brenda," said Stangle.
Brenda Stangle is alive today, thanks to family members who knew a procedure that's been around since the 1960s and a new cooling medical treatment that is among the many revolutionary advances in cardiovascular medicine.
"I was ready to do anything they wanted to do," recalled Stangle, describing his reaction to hearing Via Christi doctors explain they wanted to use therapeutic hypothermia to treat his wife.
Brenda Stangle was one of the first patients in the Wichita area to receive the treatment that cools one's body down several degrees in the initial hours after the heart attack, slowing down the process of the body damaging itself as it reacts to the trauma.
Quick response
The best candidate for therapeutic hypothermia is one who received CPR quickly, as Stangle did. Not everyone receives that type of treatment for a sudden cardiac arrest, however.
According to a survey by the American Red Cross, which offers CPR certification, 1 of every 4 Americans will be in a situation needing CPR. The majority say they want to be prepared to know what to do.
Last fall, the American Heart Association changed its guidelines to encourage chest compressions as the first action in CPR to someone having a cardiac arrest. It also called for responders to perform the compressions pushing more deeply and faster. The Heart Association guidelines now say one should push at least 2 inches deep on the chest for an adult and to do at least 100 compressions per minute. Because of the emphasis on hands-only compressions on adults, even someone not certified in CPR could be a responder.
In releasing the new guidelines, the Heart Association noted that less than one-third of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR. With effective CPR immediately after a sudden cardiac arrest, a victim's chances of surviving can double or triple.
"Hands-only is a great place to start," said James Williams, spokesman for the American Red Cross' Midway Kansas Chapter. Although the Red Cross hasn't adopted the same CPR changes as the Heart Association — it still endorses focusing on airway and breathing functions before starting compression — it recognizes the bottom line is quick action.
"Just don't do nothing, do something, and this is something you can do," said Allison Clubb, the local Red Cross' heart and safety specialist who leads CPR certification classes.
More changes
Since last fall, a number of changes in science and technology changed the treatment of heart patients in Wichita. The FDA approved a new blood thinner as an alternative to warfarin (or Coumadin), which was effective at treating Americans with the heart rhythm disorder and atrial defibrillation, but had drawbacks. And two new technologies — one that can help with early diagnosis of heart disease and the other that reduces the post-attack damage — recently became available in Wichita.
For the past 40 years, warfarin has been the drug of choice for treating atrial defibrillation, according to Joseph Galichia, a cardiologist and founder of Galichia Medical Group. But it needs close monitoring because it can sometimes be difficult to dose. Patients on warfarin must have frequent blood checks and must closely watch their diet.
With the new drug, dabigatran (or Pradaxa), monthly checks are a thing of the past because it's much easier to dose.
Last fall Galichia's group started conducting rapid, or flash, CT scans, becoming one of about 20 sites in the country offering the technology that takes a detailed picture in just seconds of the calcification and plaque buildup in heart arteries. The first such scanner was used at Mayo Clinic in 2009.
"In my opinion, that's a huge breakthrough for early diagnosis and also the amount of exposure to radiation," Galichia said. "It's incredible what you can see with this technology and it's only going to get better as the technology improves."
When Brenda Stangle was treated with therapeutic hypothermia last fall, it was a new treatment to the Wichita area, having been introduced by Via Christi Health. In recent months, the treatment also became available at Wesley Medical Center, according to Dick Lewis, manager of the center's cardiovascular services. It's offered at about 500 hospitals nationwide, having first been introduced to the medical community in about 2006.
The treatment, which cools the body to about 91 degrees, is administered by wrapping the patient in a vest or blanket cooled with water or by pumping water into a vein. At Via Christi, where 23 patients have received therapeutic hypothermia, the most successful option has been to cool using the blankets and vest, said Darrell Youngman, Stangle's cardiologist.
Stangle was in a hypothermic state for 24 hours until doctors started to slowly warm her up again.
"The cells are trying to restore themselves and get rid of those that have been injured and sometimes they over-react," explained Youngman. "Hypothermia therapy slows that process." It helps decrease the amount of brain damage and other problems that a heart attack can bring. Among the Via Christi patients getting the treatment, 60 to 70 percent have survived with good neurological outcomes, said Youngman, noting the national average is 25 percent.
By Amy Geiszler-JonesEagle correspondent
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<title>State motorcycle helmet law may be restored</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/23/state-motorcycle-helmet-law-may-be-restored.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/23/state-motorcycle-helmet-law-may-be-restored.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 May 2011 22:17:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Police say a 53-year-old Falls man recently died needlessly when he crashed his motorcycle on May 1 in Lower Makefield.Although no one can say for sure if David Robinson died because he wasn't weari...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Police say a 53-year-old Falls man recently died needlessly when he crashed his motorcycle on May 1 in Lower Makefield.
Although no one can say for sure if David Robinson died because he wasn't wearing a helmet, Capt. Tom Roche said he believes the man could have survived had he been.
Roche said Robinson was traveling east on Quarry Road and as he approached a right-hand curve, his motorcycle crossed the center line and struck a high embankment. Robinson and his motorcycle slid about 150 feet and Roche said Robinson's head hit the pavement, causing fatal injuries.
In 2003, motorcycle enthusiasts won a big victory by having Pennsylvania's helmet law stricken, but now a western Pennsylvania lawmaker is trying to restore the law, making it mandatory to wear helmets - again.
State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, will reintroduce legislation today in Harrisburg to restore the helmet law, said his spokesman Ben Turner. Frankel is the lead sponsor of House Bill 945, a bipartisan bill that would restore the helmet requirement for people 21 or older.
State law allows motorcycle riders 21 or older to go helmetless if they have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT. Anyone operating a motorcycle on a learner's permit must wear a helmet regardless of age, according to PennDOT.
The representative also is expected to require additional insurance for motorcycle riders who choose not to wear a helmet. He also will introduce a bill to provide for special motorcycle license plates for riders under 21.
Frankel cited a study, which shows health care costs for the serious injuries due to cyclists not wearing helmets have been staggering.
"This study shows an incredibly dramatic increase in head injuries and hospitalizations that exceeds the increase in the number of motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania. The implications of this for health care costs are staggering and affect everyone, through tax-funded health care, health insurance premiums and covering uncompensated care," said Frankel, chairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Delegation in the House. That study, done by the University of Pittsburgh, compared the two years before the repeal, 2001 and 2002, and the first two years after the repeal, 2004 and 2005, show that head injury deaths increased 66 percent and motorcycle-related head injury hospitalization increased 78 percent.
Additionally, the study shows that acute-care hospital charges for motorcycle-related head injuries increased 132 percent, and Frankel said that doesn't include long-term care and rehabilitation costs.
Roche called it "a safety issue" and while he appreciates the freedom of those who may choose to wear or not wear a helmet, he referred to Robinson's death as an example of a still young man who may have lived had he been wearing a helmet.
State Rep. Frank Farry, R-142, of Langhorne, said he would like to read the bill and data to show what the amount of serious brain injuries has been since the law was repealed before commenting.
"Motorcycle enthusiasts look to the individual freedom, but when you factor in the brain injuries and the fatals that resulted because someone wasn't wearing a helmet, it is a burden to our taxpayers," he said.
At Brian's Harley-Davidson/Buell in Middletown on Saturday, about 25 bikers were taking a break from their motorcycle rides.
About half had helmets, the rest chose not to wear one.
Two veteran Philadelphia men, who say they have been riding Harleys since the early 1970s, were seated at a picnic table enjoying an afternoon cigarette.
"I'm against them restoring the helmet law," said Charlie Everett. "I have no problem with choice, but I ride without a lid (helmet). It should be personal choice."
His friend Bob Adler, said, "Wearing a helmet confuses me. I can't stand it. I have never worn a helmet and thankfully I've never been in an accident or injured."
Adler said the bigger problem is that motorists in cars and trucks do not pay attention and cannot see motorcyclists.
"I watch all the other cars and keep a safe distance between myself and them. I sure hope they don't make us wear helmets," he said.
By GEORGE MATTAR Staff Writer Calkins Media, Inc.
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<title>Therapeutic hypothermia: a state-of-the-art emergency medicine perspective</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/22/therapeutic-hypothermia-a-state-of-the-art-emergency-medicine-perspective.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/22/therapeutic-hypothermia-a-state-of-the-art-emergency-medicine-perspective.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 May 2011 20:59:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has gained popularity as a brain-protective strategy for victims of sudden cardiac death in whom return of spontaneous circulation has been achieved but coma persists. Tr...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has gained popularity as a brain-protective strategy for victims of sudden cardiac death in whom return of spontaneous circulation has been achieved but coma persists. Trials have also demonstrated some advantageous effects of lowering core body temperature after stroke and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy of the newborn. In a variety of clinical conditions, TH is still being studied (eg, hepatic encephalopathy and traumatic brain injury). This study describes the historical development of TH, its current applications in emergency medicine, and its potential future uses.
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<title>Research Shows Motorcycle Helmets Reduce Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/20/research-shows-motorcycle-helmets-reduce-risk-of-traumatic-brain-injury.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/20/research-shows-motorcycle-helmets-reduce-risk-of-traumatic-brain-injury.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 22:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> In 2009, Missouri’s motorcycle helmet laws changed to allow adult riders to choose whether or not to wear a helmet in many situations. Many riders opt not to wear helmets, believing that a helmet res...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ In 2009, Missouri’s motorcycle helmet laws changed to allow adult riders to choose whether or not to wear a helmet in many situations. Many riders opt not to wear helmets, believing that a helmet restricts their vision and hearing or won’t protect them in a crash.
However, research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that motorcycle riders who wear helmets are less likely to die in a severe accident, and they are also less likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury.
The category “Traumatic Brain Injury,” or TBI, covers a wide range of injuries to the brain, many of which are caused by a blow to the head. The effects of a traumatic brain injury range from a few days of dizziness to paralysis or even death, depending on how bad the injury is and which parts of the brain it affects.
According to the NHTSA study, riders who wear motorcycle helmets are less likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury in an accident and usually have less-severe traumatic brain injuries when a severe accident occurs. The study also found that wearing a helmet increases a motorcyclist’s chance of surviving a crash by 37 percent.
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<title>Thermoelectric Brain Cooler Helmet</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/19/thermoelectric-brain-cooler-helmet.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/19/thermoelectric-brain-cooler-helmet.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 14:03:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> University of Gaziosmanpaşa, Tokat/Turkey.Hypothermia is known to provide protective effect on brain following a trauma. A helmet with flexible thermoelectric modules inside was designed recently to...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ University of Gaziosmanpaşa, Tokat/Turkey.
Hypothermia is known to provide protective effect on brain following a trauma. A helmet with flexible thermoelectric modules inside was designed recently to generate hypothermia for brain. In this study, cooling performance and temperature control performance of this helmet were assessed and compared with traditional methods. Temperature measurements were taken in an experimental set-up under loaded and unloaded conditions. The same type of flexible thermoelectric modules was used for temperature measurement. The results showed that the helmet had important advantages over the traditional methods. The cooling performance of the helmet could be controlled. Cooling performance as good as 10°C/minute could be obtained. The temperature was lowered to the required level within five minutes after starting of the temperature control, the highly critical duration for saving the brain. The temperature can be kept under control and can also be raised when necessary. Keywords—Hypothermia, Brain Cooling, Thermoelectric, Thermoelectric Cooling.
INTRODUCTION: Death and disability caused by traffic accidents is a major problem all over the world. To protect brain during a stroke or a life saving procedure like one after a traffic accident is critical. It is also important to protect the brain during open heart surgery as the brain is very likely to have the ischemic damage. When the heart beat stops, the blood cannot circulate in the body and oxygen cannot be supplied to tissues and organs. Functioning of some organs like the kidneys are not easily affected by cessation of oxygen supply but the brain is extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation. Some brain cells start to die only five minutes after oxygen supply is cut. If not fixed on time, this may end up with complete dying of brain or serious brain damage. Even if the heart re-starts to function, the cells may continue to die. This may happen as the blood that starts to reflow suddenly are charged with inflammatory cells that are generated during lack of oxygen supply.
Every centigrade degree under the normal body temperature reduces the metabolism by 5-7 %. Hypothermia also avoids starting of some biochemical reactions. Therefore, stopping of death of the cells by cooling the head as soon as possible is a must. Cranial-Cerebral Hypothermia is commonly used for protection and the therapy of the brain. This is done traditionally by placing ice on the head or inserting the head inside cold water. Hypothermia reduces oxygen consumption of tissues and hence protects organism and especially the brain against deathly effect of hypoxin. When temperature in the brain is reduced to 30-32 °C, the brain can survive without blood, oxygen, and glucose. The brain can survive for 45-60 minutes even when the heart stops. 30-32 °C is 5-7 °C less than the body temperature.
When the brain is kept at this temperature, the brain can be kept in a better condition even when the heart stops. The purpose here is to limit neurologic problems during trauma or stroke. Otherwise, the person may be exposed to numerous neurologic damages such as memory, speech, and motion problems. Because of these facts, hypothermia has been started to be used for treatment of brain injury.
Read full article...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Safety Tips for National Motorcycle Awareness Month</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/18/safety-tips-for-national-motorcycle-awareness-month.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/18/safety-tips-for-national-motorcycle-awareness-month.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 May 2011 09:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Attorney and motorcycle rider Michael P. Ehline is celebrating &quot;Motorcycle Awareness Month&quot;, during this month of May, by talking about motorcycle safety with his clients, fellow U.S. Marines on leav...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Attorney and motorcycle rider Michael P. Ehline is celebrating "Motorcycle Awareness Month", during this month of May, by talking about motorcycle safety with his clients, fellow U.S. Marines on leave, and civilians who ride. According to him, motorcycle safety does not just involve riding defensively on the road, it also includes making sure the bike and rider, are both ready for the road.
These are tips from motorcycle lawyers at Ehline Law Firm PC, that riders of all levels can and should use to stay safe when riding on the roads of Southern California, in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego.
Check the Bike Out: Before taking off on the motorcycle, check the lights, the breaks, the turn signals and put the mirrors in the right line of sight. At the beginning of the season the bike should be completely checked out, including the fluid levels, the exhaust system, the brakes and make certain that it is in good riding order.
Ready Your Riding Skills: It does not matter if riding is something that you have been doing for years or you are a new rider it is important to learn about new laws, brush up on riding skills and this can be done with motorcycle classes that are for every level. These motorcycle classes are provided by the American Motorcyclists Association as safety courses.
Gear: Having quality gear is extremely important, because it is the protection the rider is going to have as protection if they are involved in a crash and hit the pavement. Having a good quality helmet can save your life in a crash and if the helmet does not have a face shield then glasses or goggles should be worn to protect the eyes. Leather jackets and pants, with non-slip gloves are a good way to protect the body and boots or shoes that go over the ankles.
Visibility: Visibility is important on the road and the rider should stay an adequate operating distance between the motorcycle and other vehicles. Riding with the headlight on can help create more visibility, as well as wearing brightly colored reflective clothing, even when riding during the day.
Ride Defensively: Ride defensively by obeying the rules of the road, which apply to every motorized vehicle, including motorcycles. Riders do need to be extra cautious to stay safe on the road. There are some do's and don'ts like using turn signals when changing lanes, know the limit of your riding experience and the bikes ability, don't push beyond your comfort level, do not tailgate and stay within the speed limit. Do not weave in and out of traffic, this can be dangerous and drivers can have a difficult time seeing the bike. 
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<title>Fighting road kill</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/17/fighting-road-kill.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/17/fighting-road-kill.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 May 2011 18:19:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The WHO has a plan to make the world's roads less lethal.May 12th 2011 | New York | The Economist - from the print edition.Some mortal threats grab all the attention. Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and can...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The WHO has a plan to make the world's roads less lethal.
May 12th 2011 | New York | The Economist - from the print edition.
Some mortal threats grab all the attention. Malnutrition, HIV/AIDS and cancer win over rock stars to the cause and provoke grown-ups to wear plastic bracelets. At the other end of the spectrum, past meningitis and diarrheal disease, lies road safety—which has been largely neglected on the global stage. But not for a lack of urgency. Globally, road accidents were the ninth leading cause of death in 2004. By 2030 they could be the fifth, above HIV/AIDS and lung cancer.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is now trying to make roads less deadly. On May 11th it launched a “decade of road safety”, with a plan to save 5m lives and prevent 50m serious injuries by 2020. Officials from Vietnam to Mexico declared themselves determined to prevent traffic deaths. A new road-safety “tag” even graced landmarks in New York, London and Rio de Janeiro.
Yet changing habits on the road will not be easy. Many Europeans like driving fast. In India lanes exist in theory only; motorists make suicidal attempts to overtake and appear to believe their horns confer protection. A survey of 178 countries by the WHO, published in 2009, provides a glimpse of the problem—particularly in the developing world. Poor and middle-income countries account for more than 90% of road deaths, but just 48% of the world’s registered vehicles. As economies have surged, so has car use. Road rules and other safety measures have yet to catch up.
Many countries lack basic safety rules that could, the WHO argues, reduce the number of accidents. Easy steps, such as requiring the use of seat belts and setting sensible speed limits, can dramatically reduce the risk of traffic-death. Yet only 38% of poor countries ask both front- and back-seat passengers to wear seat belts. Less than one-third of countries meet simple criteria for reducing speed on city roads.
Even when rules do exist, they are seldom enforced. A country may ban drink-driving, for example, but have no breathalysers. Safety features common in the rich world, such as car seats for infants, are rarities elsewhere. And roads in poor countries are often a danger to pedestrians and cyclists: they account for fewer than 25% of road-deaths in America, but the figure in Thailand is over 80%.
The WHO’s plan includes guidelines for improving emergency services, designing roads and enforcing safety rules. These changes could cost $200m each year for the next decade. A $125m gift in 2009 from Michael Bloomberg, New York’s billionaire mayor, will help. But more is needed. The WHO thinks road crashes cost most countries between 1% and 3% of GNP. Traffic safety might not be the most thrilling investment. But it is a sound one.
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<title>Brain cooling to avoid damage in newborn babies</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/16/brain-cooling-to-avoid-damage-in-newborn-babies.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/16/brain-cooling-to-avoid-damage-in-newborn-babies.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 21:21:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Up to 1000 newborn babies in the UK suffer brain damage every year, due to a shortage of oxygen and blood-supply during delivery. The oxygen shortage leads to a series of destructive chemical reactio...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Up to 1000 newborn babies in the UK suffer brain damage every year, due to a shortage of oxygen and blood-supply during delivery. The oxygen shortage leads to a series of destructive chemical reactions in the brain tissue. Research shows that permanent damage does not occur immediately but takes up to 48 hours to develop, suggesting that there is a short "window of opportunity" for protective treatments to be started. There is promising evidence that mild cooling of the brain may reduce or completely prevent the damage, provided it is started soon enough after birth. This team is therefore developing new forms of brain scanning to identify babies who have suffered shortage of oxygen at birth and who will benefit from cooling treatment.
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<title>Docs saved baby using medically-induced hypothermia</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/13/docs-saved-baby-using-medically-induced-hypothermia.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/13/docs-saved-baby-using-medically-induced-hypothermia.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 May 2011 19:43:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A baby who didn't breathe for 17 minutes was saved after being cooled for three days, reported The Daily Mail.When she was born, Sophie Fleet swallowed fluids which caused a blockage in her airways ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A baby who didn't breathe for 17 minutes was saved after being cooled for three days, reported The Daily Mail.
When she was born, Sophie Fleet swallowed fluids which caused a blockage in her airways and starved her brain of oxygen.
Doctors treated her using medically-induced hypothermia, lowering her body temperature from the normal 37°C to 33.5°C for three days by putting Sophie into a special 'fridge' suit pumped with water to keep her body cool, reported The Daily Mail.This reduced pressure on Sophie's brain, thereby preventing further brain damage. She could go home with her parents nine days later, and only sustained mild brain damage.
Sophie's parents know that the outcome could have been much worse – their daughter could have suffered severe brain damage – without the hypothermia, reported The Daily Mail.
Chilling you down
Studies suggest that therapeutic hypothermia can also be used to deal with heart attacks, strokes, spinal cord injury and neurological fever, according to studies published in The Medical Journal of Australia, Medical Journal of Australia, U.S. National Library of Medicine and MediVance respectively.
The cost of these treatments are comparable to other more commonly used methods, says an article in MedPage Today. According to the Southern Medical Journal, such treatments may not be technically difficult to implement at a wider community level. This may mean that even smaller hospitals may be able to offer therapeutic hypothermia to patients as a treatment option.
There are several ways of inducing therapeutic hypothermia.
In one method, cooling catheters inserted into the vein, which circulate cooled saline solution, can be used. Alternatively, less invasive options, such as suits like Sophie's, torso vests or ice and cooling blankets, can also be used.
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<title>Another Way to Help Brain Injured Patients</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/11/another-way-to-help-brain-injured-patients.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/11/another-way-to-help-brain-injured-patients.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 21:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Professor Bass, who pioneered the research on head cooling therapy for brain damaged babies, has uncovered a way to measure the brain’s temperature externally. The device that is only as big as a pok...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Professor Bass, who pioneered the research on head cooling therapy for brain damaged babies, has uncovered a way to measure the brain’s temperature externally. The device that is only as big as a poker chip just rests on a patient’s head. The chip detects microwave emissions produced by human tissues such as the brain. As tissue temperature rises, the emissions grow more intense. It is suggested that an injured brain can be significantly warmer than the rest of the body, signaling that the head needs to be cooled as soon as possible to prevent further brain damage.
In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a head-cooling cap that could reduce the amount of brain damage in newborns that were deprived of oxygen during labor or delivery. The Philadelphia Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was one of the pioneering neonatal intensive care units to start using head cooling in newborns to help minimize the amount of brain damage.
A lack of oxygen to a baby during labor or delivery can destroy an infant’s brain cells. However, it is not just the initial insult to the brain that destroys a newborn’s brain cells. After the initial lack of oxygen or hypoxic insult, the baby’s brain will then start to get the much needed oxygen it needs. During the reperfusion period, due to the sudden influx of blood and oxygen to the brain, additional brain cells could be damaged. Head cooling appears to halt the additional damage that can occur once blood and oxygen is restored to the brain. For years, it has been known that deep hypothermia (a lower body temperature) or cooling of the brain provides protection of the brain during open heart surgery, cardiac arrest, drownings or neurosurgical procedures. If you think about it, this is probably how black bears can survive harsh winters. The cold temperatures help to protect their brains while they are in hibernation.
This new brain temperature measuring device can prove to be very beneficial in other traumatic brain injury accidents. Not only will an increase in brain temperature be detected earlier indicating that there is a problem, it is also a non-invasive monitoring system. Since there is no break in the skin or skull, the risk of a hospital acquired infection is dramatically reduced.
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<title>Cooling beds give infants second chance</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/10/cooling-beds-give-infants-second-chance.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/10/cooling-beds-give-infants-second-chance.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 May 2011 12:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Delivering babies might seem routine for hospitals, but for babies born locally with brain injuries, there wasn't much doctors could until now. The Children's Hospital at HealthPark is now giving fa...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Delivering babies might seem routine for hospitals, but for babies born locally with brain injuries, there wasn't much doctors could until now. The Children's Hospital at HealthPark is now giving families the hope of a normal life.
The image of NFL player Kevin Everitt lying motionless on the football field, paralyzed from the neck down, is one that many sports fans will never forget.
On the way to the ER, his doctor made a gutsy decision to lower Everitt's body temperature to reduce the swelling around his spinal cord - allowing Everitt to make an amazing recovery.
Now, doctors at HealthPark hospital are using the same idea to save babies who are born with brain injuries.
Though he is happy and healthy now, four-months ago, Drake Evans had a much different story.
"I thought he was dead when he was born," said his mom, Ashley Evans.
Drake suffered a brain injury due to a lack of oxygen during his delivery.
Doctors rushed little Drake to the NICU at HealthPark, where he stayed in a cooling bed for 72 hours.
"He was freezing he was shaking. Yeah, it scared me; I didn't really know much about it. I was just thankful he was alive," Ashley said.
The blanket cools the babies' core temperature to 92 degrees - relieving pressure on the brain.
In the past, many babies born with brain injuries faced lifelong disabilities including poor vision, cerebral palsy, and seizures because there was nothing to protect and heal their brains - until now.
The treatment must start within six hours of the birth.
Before now, some babies didn't make it because there wasn't time to get them to another hospital.
The Children's Hospital has three cooling blankets right now – all of which were donated.
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<title>Brain cooling and Stroke Recovery</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/09/brain-cooling-and-stroke-recovery.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/09/brain-cooling-and-stroke-recovery.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 16:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Scientists in Brussels are now looking to set-up a European-wide trial on over 1,500 patients to test the effect of cold-therapy in the acute phase of stroke. The study would include hospitals in Sco...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Scientists in Brussels are now looking to set-up a European-wide trial on over 1,500 patients to test the effect of cold-therapy in the acute phase of stroke. The study would include hospitals in Scotland, Italy, Germany and France.
Hypothermia for Stroke: call to actionIn January 2010, Dr Malcolm Macleod, head of experimental neuroscience at the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, took part in The European Hypothermia Stroke Research Workshop. The workshop’s major concern was to find a solution to the significant increase of stroke expected globally in the coming years.
Today, the only treatment for stroke in the acute-phase is the thrombolytic treatment (tpa), which only 10% of patients are eligible for. This is insufficient and there is a huge need for an efficacious and cost-effective therapy, which could help a greater proportion of stroke victims in the hours following their stroke. The participants adopted a Call to Action on Hypothermia for Stroke: the goal was to set-up a clinical study program to test brain-cooling as a treatment for stroke. This clinical study might well be on the way.
Testing brain-coolingDr Macleod believes cold-therapy can dramatically improve outcome of stroke, hopefully in both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Previous studies have already shown hypothermia improves survival rate after heart-attacks. Recent findings from the University of Edinburgh also suggest that brain-cooling would give more time for doctors to treat strokes.
By lowering body temperature by just a few degrees (through cold intravenous fluids and cooling pads), scientists believe they can protect brain cells from damage. The idea is to put the brain in a state of hibernation to reduce its need for nutrients and oxygen, allowing neurons to survive longer during the blood-deprivation.
The procedure is still controversial however, and further research is needed. If effective, Dr Macleod believes brain-cooling could help 40,000 patients each year in Europe alone.
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<title>Poker chip-sized device non-invasively measures brain temperature</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/07/poker-chip-sized-device-non-invasively-measures-brain-temperature.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/07/poker-chip-sized-device-non-invasively-measures-brain-temperature.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 May 2011 14:15:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Whether caused by strokes in seniors or hypoxia in newborn infants, brain injuries can cause the brain to overheat, which in turn causes its cells to die. While there are cooling therapies that can b...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Whether caused by strokes in seniors or hypoxia in newborn infants, brain injuries can cause the brain to overheat, which in turn causes its cells to die. While there are cooling therapies that can bring its temperature down, doctors first need to establish that the brain is indeed warmer than the rest of the patient's body. While doing so has previously involved invasive techniques, researchers from Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Virginia have recently created a small device that sits on top of the patient's head, and measures their brain's temperature non-invasively.
The poker chip-sized device measures microwaves produced by the brain, that pass unimpeded through the skull. Those microwaves become more intense, the higher the temperature gets.
In a clinical trial, the device was used on infants undergoing cooling therapy at CHKD. Measuring temperatures 15 millimeters beneath their skulls, it was found that their brains were significantly warmer than the rest of their bodies – as observed through rectal and esophageal temperatures.
It is hoped that by being able to obtain precise readings so quickly and easily, the device will be able to make cooling therapy even more effective than it is already.
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<title>New technology vital in cooling therapies used to lessen brain damage in brain injury</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/06/new-technology-vital-in-cooling-therapies-used-to-lessen-brain-damage-in-brain-injury.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/06/new-technology-vital-in-cooling-therapies-used-to-lessen-brain-damage-in-brain-injury.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 06 May 2011 10:07:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A non-invasive brain temperature measuring device looks set to assist doctors in the treatment of traumatic brain injury.The technology rests on the patients head to measure the precise brain temper...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A non-invasive brain temperature measuring device looks set to assist doctors in the treatment of traumatic brain injury.
The technology rests on the patients head to measure the precise brain temperature, according to the study, presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Denver.
Authors say that this development could be vital in the cooling therapies used to lessen brain damage in brain injury.
Dr Thomas Bass at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters said: "This is the first time that anyone has presented data on the brain temperature of a human obtained non-invasively.
"Knowing the actual brain temperature may allow us to improve outcomes by keeping the brain at an optimum temperature."
This follows news that brain cooling is a safe and effective treatment for brain injury in cardiac arrest patients, according to guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice).
During therapeutic hypothermia treatment, the brain temperature is cooled, lowering the body temperature to 32 to 34 degrees C, thereby inhibiting the progression of cell damage.
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<title>Cooling It Can Save Lives.</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/04/cooling-it-can-save-lives.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/04/cooling-it-can-save-lives.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 08:39:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> By Kenny GoldbergSAN DIEGO — It happened one year ago, during the La Jolla Half Marathon. And it happened at mile 12, right in front of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. It was early Sunday morni...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ By Kenny Goldberg
SAN DIEGO — It happened one year ago, during the La Jolla Half Marathon. And it happened at mile 12, right in front of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
It was early Sunday morning. 62-year-old Al Fields was running in the race. Suddenly, he collapsed.
The next thing Fields knew, he was in a hospital bed. Field’s son, Austin, was by his side. It was four days later.
"My son said, dad, do you know why you’re here?" Fields recalls. "And I said, it can’t be good, what it is? And he told me I had a heart attack, and I thought, they got the wrong guy. It wasn’t me, I couldn’t have had a heart attack. And I looked at my arms, and I saw the tubes all around, and I knew it was true."
Fields remembers something else.
"I do remember it being a little bit cold when I woke up," he said. "And I saw some blankets around my legs and arms, and I just couldn’t figure out what they were for."
Fields’ heart stopped during the race. A nurse on the scene gave him CPR.
By the time paramedics got Fields to Scripps Memorial Hosppital in La Jolla, his normal heart rhythm had returned. But he was still in a coma.
That’s when hospital staff placed Fields in a hypothermic state.
Scripps’ critical care nurse Amy Stuck explained the process.
"When the patients come in after cardiac arrest," she said, "we wrap these wraps around their thighs and their torso, and it gets filled with water that’s cooled. And we can actually dial in a temperature that we want to cool ‘em too, which is between 34 and 32 degrees Celsius, and that water circulates around their torso, until they hit that target temperature. And then we keep ‘em there for 24 hours."
Therapeutic hypothermia dates back to ancient Greece, when Hippocrates recommended wounded soldiers be packed in snow.
Today, it’s used to help prevent people who’ve had a cardiac arrest from suffering brain damage.
Here’s the idea: cooling a person’s temperature to about seven degrees below normal slows the metabolism and the functioning of the organs and tissues. That minimizes inflammation.
Dr Shawn Evans is an emergency room physician at Scripps La Jolla.
"Essentially at that point, we’re minimizing the body’s antagonistic response to the insult of having arrested," he explained. "And by that, we are essentially protecting the brain."
After 24 hours, patients are gradually warmed back to the body’s normal temperature.
It’s important to note most people who have a cardiac arrest in the field don’t survive. Studies show for those that make it to the hospital alive, hypothermia improves the chances they won’t suffer a crippling brain injury.
In 2005, the American Heart Association issued guidelines recommending hypothermia.
Since then, the number of hospitals using it has grown. Even so, only about 10 percent of hospitals nationwide use hypothermia.
Dr. Bruce Haynes directs San Diego County's Emergency Medical System.
"I think just everybody’s been watching the medical literature for the last few years and kind of waiting to see how things went, get a little bit more experience with it," he said.
He says his department is working with local hospitals to make sure people who need therapeutic hypothermia get it.
Starting in July, paramedics will take candidates for hypothermia to one of the county’s 13 designated cardiac care hospitals. These centers have committed to using the treatment.
"Most of the hospitals do have the ability to do therapeutic hypothermia now, and all of the cardiac hospitals do, so we can move forward," he pointed out.
Al Fields probably wouldn’t be around today without it. Fields says he can’t run like he did before, but…"Everything seems to be going well," he said. "I have moments, I don’t have the strength or the ability to go long distances like I used to. But I’ll get back to it."
Dr. Haynes estimates once the new system is in place countywide, an additional 25 people will survive a cardiac arrest each year.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Researchers develop device to measure brain temperature non-invasively</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/03/researchers-develop-device-to-measure-brain-temperature-non-invasively.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/03/researchers-develop-device-to-measure-brain-temperature-non-invasively.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 12:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Doctors have long sought a way to directly measure the brain’s temperature without inserting a probe through the skull. Now researchers have developed a way to get the brain’s precise temperature wit...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Doctors have long sought a way to directly measure the brain’s temperature without inserting a probe through the skull. Now researchers have developed a way to get the brain’s precise temperature with a device the diameter of a poker-chip that rests on a patient’s head, according to findings presented May 1 at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Denver.
“This is the first time that anyone has presented data on the brain temperature of a human obtained non-invasively,” said principal researcher Dr, Thomas Bass, a neonatologist at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Va., and a professor of pediatrics at the hospital’s academic partner, Eastern Virginia Medical School.
The research also suggests that an injured brain can be significantly warmer than the body, a finding critical to cooling therapies that reduce brain damage in everyone from elderly heart attack victims to hypoxic newborns.
“Knowing the actual brain temperature may allow us to improve outcomes by keeping the brain at an optimum temperature,” said Dr. Bass.
With the help of a $750,000 National Institutes of Health grant, a research team led by Dr. Bass adapted an instrument that calculates temperatures by detecting microwave emissions produced by all human tissue.
Those microwaves pass unimpeded through the skull, like light passing through a sheet of glass. As tissue temperatures increase, the emissions grow more intense. Engineers calibrated the device to measure the temperature of brain tissue 1.5 centimeters beneath the skull.
In the trial whose results were presented, the device was placed on the heads of infants undergoing cooling therapy at CHKD. The device’s brain temperature readings were correlated with rectal and esophageal temperatures. The difference in temperature between the brain and the body recorded by other means was as high as 5.4% Fahrenheit.
“That’s difference is larger than we expected,” Dr. Bass said.
Dr. Bass, who pioneered research on cooling therapy for hypoxic newborns, and set about this research because he believed the therapy could be improved if doctors knew precise temperature of the damaged organ, the brain.
Hypoxic brain damage in infants occurs most often in full-term births when the child suffers oxygen loss either immediately before or during delivery. Because of a quirk in the brain, a child can be revived but brain cells continue to die over several days, resulting in brain damage or death. Doctors could do little to stop this progression; parents often watched helplessly as their sons and daughters literally died before their eyes.
Based on the observation that children rescued from freezing ponds after extended periods of time suffered little or no brain damage, cooling therapy involves chilling an infant’s body to 92 degrees for 72 hours after brain injury.
A clinical trial on the therapy showed that cooling the child stops or reduces the progression of brain cell death, drastically reducing brain damage and death. The results were so positive that the therapy is now standard in advanced neonatal intensive-care units worldwide.
Cooling therapy is now used with other patients as well, including heart attack victims whose brains have suffered oxygen deprivation.
Because cooling therapy’s success relies on the temperature of the brain, precise readings of the brain’s temperature is likely to improve a therapy that’s already proven remarkably effective.
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters is the only freestanding pediatric hospital in Virginia.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain cooling technique can aid stroke recovery</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/02/brain-cooling-technique-can-aid-stroke-recovery.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/05/02/brain-cooling-technique-can-aid-stroke-recovery.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 19:11:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> In a novel study, a team of Scottish doctors found that cooling the brain of stroke patients could spectacularly improve the rate of their recovery. It is believed by doctors that inducing hypothermi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ In a novel study, a team of Scottish doctors found that cooling the brain of stroke patients could spectacularly improve the rate of their recovery. It is believed by doctors that inducing hypothermia in some stroke patients can improve rates of survival and diminish damage to the brain.
The brain cooling technique puts the body into a state of synthetic hibernation in which brain can subsist with less supply of blood and that provides doctors crucial time to treat blocked blood vessels. Analogous procedures have already been attempted effectively on heart patients and those suffering brain injuries.
Up till today the researches have occupied the body of stroke patients is cooled by using ice cold intravenous drips and applying cooling pads to the skin. These techniques lower the temperature of the body up to thirty-five C which is just a couple of degree below the normal level.
Each day about one thousand European expire due to stroke which means one in every ninety seconds and about twice that number but are disabled, explained Dr Malcolm Macleod, head of experimental neuroscience at the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. According their estimation the hypothermia could improve the result for more than forty thousand Europeans each tear.
Dr Macleod and his Scottish team are amalgamating a symposium of clinicians from across Europe to look for funding for a trial that involve fifteen hundred stroke patients. The first round substantiation is all there and it is time to take action, stated Dr Macleod in European Stroke Research Network for Hypothermia (EuroHYP), a group of European researchers from more than 20 countries.
As the population ages, this trial will become even more important and a benefit of brain cooling technique verified in the recommend study will set the stage for future studies with hypothermia, widening the eligibility of the treatment to even larger number of patients, explained the European project research leader Prof Dr Stefan Schwab.
Read more... ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooling Blankets Reduce Long-Term Consequences of Brain Injuries</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/30/cooling-blankets-reduce-long-term-consequences-of-brain-injuries.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/30/cooling-blankets-reduce-long-term-consequences-of-brain-injuries.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 11:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Oxygen deprivation at birth can cause lifelong harm to a baby’s brain. With out adequate oxygen, a infant might produce a problem acknowledged as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).As a result of...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Oxygen deprivation at birth can cause lifelong harm to a baby’s brain. With out adequate oxygen, a infant might produce a problem acknowledged as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
As a result of HIE, the entire body initiates a series of measures to attempt to fix by itself. In gentle situations these efforts may be powerful, but in reasonable or intense instances these tried repairs can trigger additionally brain injury. Newborns who build HIE typically encounter permanent developmental struggles, and in the most severe situations the problem can lead to death.
Around the past many many years, though, medical doctors have created a method for minimizing the prolonged-term consequences of HIE. By way of a method acknowledged as brain cooling, medical doctors have been able to enhance the potential outcomes for babies who have suffered from oxygen deprivation.
With brain cooling, the physician seeks to lessen the baby’s core entire body temperature from 98 degrees to 91 degrees Fahrenheit making use of a blanket that is chilled with tubes of cold drinking water. This cooling brings about the baby’s system techniques to slow and decreases the swelling around the brain and cell death, which can assist to avoid further brain damage.
A modern study demonstrated that this process and the resulting reduction in swelling can reduce the risk of seizures, cerebral palsy and death from brain injuries at birth. Furthermore, individuals newborns who obtained brain cooling demonstrated enhanced mental scores, motor skills and vision as compared to these oxygen-deprived infants who did not acquire this treatment.
The process nevertheless arrives with restrictions. The cooling ought to be initiated inside six several hours of birth, which presents a constrained time frame for action. The cooling blankets are at the moment only utilised at a constrained amount of healthcare centers, which signifies that all babies suffering from HIE might not have accessibility to this strategy.
Moreover, since it is a reasonably new procedure, medical professionals do not yet know the effects of brain cooling on lengthy-expression development. However, the early results are promising and the process has supplied considerable relief for numerous dad and mom who may well have otherwise had minor hope.
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<title>Brain injury cooling technique on trial</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/29/brain-injury-cooling-technique-on-trial.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/29/brain-injury-cooling-technique-on-trial.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:12:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are to be treated with a &quot;revolutionary&quot; new cooling technique going on trial at Imperial College.Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is taking part in a worldwide ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are to be treated with a "revolutionary" new cooling technique going on trial at Imperial College.
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is taking part in a worldwide study of nearly two thousand patients who have sustained severe head injuries resulting in high pressure in the skull, which can lead to long-term brain injury.
Patients will be intravenously injected with a cooling fluid, which works by the brain being "put to sleep" and therefore requiring less oxygen.
Studies with babies have already indicated that the cooling process can work.
Dr Anthony Gordon, who is leading the study at the Trust, said: "We already know that in the short-term, brain cooling helps reduce swelling and pressure in the skull but we want to see whether it increases patients' chances of being able to lead healthy and active lives in the long-term."
More than 50,000 people a year are hospitalised as a result of severe head injury, he added.
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<title>Cardiac Surgeons and Specialists save life of a heart patient by inducing hypothermia</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/28/cardiac-surgeons-and-specialists-save-life-of-a-heart-patient-by-inducing-hypothermia.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/28/cardiac-surgeons-and-specialists-save-life-of-a-heart-patient-by-inducing-hypothermia.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:25:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A team of cardiac consultants and specialists from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), managed by Cleveland Clinic, and Tawam Hospital, in affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine, have saved the life...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A team of cardiac consultants and specialists from Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), managed by Cleveland Clinic, and Tawam Hospital, in affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine, have saved the life of a 32 year old local man in a medical collaboration which involved inducing a deep hypothermia prior to surgery. Therapeutic hypothermia is a procedure that is often used to stop brain damage in patients who suffer cardiac arrest, where the treatment involves lowering a patient's body temperature to slow the brain's demand for oxygen, thereby preventing damage to cells. The cardiac patient, who had earlier undergone two serious heart operations to replace damaged valves elsewhere, was transferred by an emergency helicopter from Tawam Hospital to SKMC after being diagnosed with a huge false aneurysm (a pocket of blood that has leaked outside of the blood vessel).Dr. Husam Ouda, Consultant Chairman of Medicine and Division Head of Cardiology - Internal Medicine, Tawam Hospital commented, "The patient was in a critical condition when he was admitted to Tawam's Emergency Room (ER), so bad that no one thought he would survive. He was suffering from severe chest pain and difficulty in breathing. It is a miracle he lived, and the quick diagnosis at Tawam was crucial to his treatment as well as the rapid transfer to SKMC. The treatment this patient received was a perfect example of SEHA's facilities working seamlessly together to save lives".Dr. Norbert Augustin, Chairman of Cardiac Sciences Institute at SKMC stated, "The patient arrived to SKMC Emergency Department as an emergency case from Tawam Hospital with an exceptionally large false aneurysm, around 8 centimetres in diameter, caused by a previous aortic incision and his condition was critical. The patient developed a cardiogenic shock and was immediately sent to the operation room at SKMC. In his case the opening of the chest could cause a major bleeding because the aneurysm was already part of the thin sternum, therefore, we made the decision to connect the heart lung machine via the groin vessels to cool the body and induce a deep hypothermia before opening the chest." "In most cases where hypothermia is induced, the body temperature will not drop below 32-34 degrees Celsius as the heart lung machine is continuously running. This case was rare as a deep hypothermia was induced, cooling the body temperature to approximately 20 degrees Celsius, almost half of normal body temperature. This is a very rare clinical practice employed to provide a bloodless surgical field for complex surgeries. Physicians were then able to halt the ECC, enabling them to open the chest completely and commence emergency cardiac surgery," Dr. Augustin added.During the complicated open-heart surgery, the surgeons were able to obtain access to the eight by ten centimetre false aneurysm and its source; a two by one centimetre leak from the previous aortic incision. The surgeons restarted the ECC again while replacing the fragile ascending aorta with a prosthesis. The patient was then weaned off the ECC after slowly warming' back to the normal body temperature. After an uncomplicated initial recovery period, the patient was transferred back to Tawam Hospital in very good condition, with intact brain activity. Commenting on the patient case after the surgery while staying at Tawam Hospital for follow up treatment, Tawam's Dr. Ouda added, "The patient made an incredibly quick initial recovery. He is well and undergoing some rehabilitation, coming in for outpatient treatment every six weeks". Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, on behalf of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which owns and operates both hospitals said, "The patient in this emergency case was very fortunate that his treatment was in the hands of two of the best cardiac teams in the UAE with the world-class equipment and services of the SEHA HealthSystem behind them. SEHA would like to take this opportunity to thank the outstanding professionals at both Tawam Hospital and SKMC; this man is alive today because of the efficient co-operation between the two SEHA facilities and their effective diagnosis, treatment and communication".
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<title>Selective Hypothermia in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/27/selective-hypothermia-in-the-management-of-traumatic-brain-injury.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/27/selective-hypothermia-in-the-management-of-traumatic-brain-injury.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Traumatic brain injury remains a significant cause of morbidity and death in the US and worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans, or ∼ 2...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Traumatic brain injury remains a significant cause of morbidity and death in the US and worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans, or ∼ 2% of the US population, currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a TBI. Current nonsurgical treatment strategies following TBI consist primarily of ICP management and cardiopulmonary support measures. Although resuscitative hypothermia was initially described as early as 1897 and has been established as an effective method of neuroprotection in multiple animal studies, clinical trials in humans following TBI have been extremely limited until only recently. The multifaceted benefits offered by hypothermic management in achieving neuroprotection, including reductions in the cerebral metabolic rate, inflammatory response activity, epileptic discharges and the production of reactive oxygen species, have supported its role as a potent therapeutic agent in preventing secondary injury associated with TBI.
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<title>Cooling Brain Treatment</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/26/cooling-brain-treatment.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/26/cooling-brain-treatment.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Apr 2011 22:07:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Kathy Whitledge was on her way to teach a Sunday School class when she crossed the street on a crosswalk. She didn't see the car coming at her. It hit and threw her. Doctors rushed Kathy to the ER. ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Kathy Whitledge was on her way to teach a Sunday School class when she crossed the street on a crosswalk. She didn't see the car coming at her. It hit and threw her.
Doctors rushed Kathy to the ER. She had severe head injuries. She was thrown 360 feet over the car and landed on her head, resulting in a skull fracture. Her brain had a midline shift all the way to one side.
But six months later, Kathy is back to work at the same ICU unit she recovered in. "I feel like it was a little miracle, and that's what everybody tells me", says Kathy.
Doctor Michael Diringer says trauma patients like Kathy often develop fevers. "We really see that their overall ability to function takes a hit when their temperature goes up." In fact, every one degree increase in temperature causes the brain to work about 10% harder.
Doctors used to use drugs like aspirin or even ice packs to keep patients cool, but now there's a better option. The Cool Gard device delivers chilled saline through a catheter. The saline cools the blood in the body. As blood travels to the brain, the temperature drops. "We can actually dial in what we want the patient's temperature to be and then maintain it at that steady state. Kathy had the cooling device and today has no permanent brain damage. And now she can focus on spending time with loved ones."
Jennifer Mathews reporting.
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<title>Smart Helmet uses Cooling System and Bluetooth technology to Protect Motorcyclists</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/25/smart-helmet-uses-cooling-system-and-bluetooth-technology-to-protect-motorcyclists.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/25/smart-helmet-uses-cooling-system-and-bluetooth-technology-to-protect-motorcyclists.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 21:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> An innovative new motorcycle helmet from ThermaHelm uses a revolutionary cooling system to immediately begin cooling a motorcyclist's head and brain after a serious crash. Bluetooth technology in the...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ An innovative new motorcycle helmet from ThermaHelm uses a revolutionary cooling system to immediately begin cooling a motorcyclist's head and brain after a serious crash. Bluetooth technology in the helmet makes sure emergency workers arrive quickly.
Head injuries occur in 80 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities, according to ThermaHelm Limited, a Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom–based developer of motorcycle helmets. The company also points out that traumatic brain injury is a major cause of death and severe disability throughout the world, with at least 1 million cases admitted to hospitals per year across Europe alone.
A key factor in these injuries is brain swelling inside the helmet. Traditional motorcycle helmets can actually contribute to swelling because they act as insulators, potentially allowing dangerous heat to build up as a rider lies unconscious. That's why inventor Jullian J. Preston-Powers developed ThermaHelm, a unique helmet technology that automatically begins cooling the brain upon impact.
A Cool Idea
Preston-Powers got the idea for ThermaHelm when he accidentally elbowed a fellow player's head during a game of basketball. The ice pack he was using on his elbow fell into the other guy's nearby helmet. The relief experienced by the other player when he put on the helmet was one of those "eureka moments," Preston-Powers explains.
Due to launch in November, the next-generation ThermaHelm is a super-tough carbon-fiber shell with a special helmet lining that creates an endothermic chemical reaction at the moment of impact; the helmet immediately cools the motorcyclist's head, even before the emergency services have been called. Built-in Bluetooth technology sends an emergency signal via the rider's mobile phone, alerting medical personnel that an accident has occurred and providing the rider's GPS coordinates.
Technology Inside the Helmet
Still in the final stages of development, the device is designed to work with Nokia handsets combined with an EMTAC MINI S3 GPS unit, while the associated headset is likely to be made by Motorola, according to Identysol, ThermaHelm's Bluetooth technology implementation partner. Software will be developed using Java (J2ME), with Java midlets running on the handset and communicating via Bluetooth technology to GPS modules and other peripherals like a hydrosensor inside the helmet.
In the future, Bluetooth technology may also be used to communicate between the helmet and other riders or devices, such as bike-mounted cameras or sensors that could give audio/visual indicators to the biker or send messages to warn other motorists in the event of an accident.
"Bluetooth offers the ideal comms link for this application and solves most wireless, security, low-level protocol and power (issues)," says Identysol's Sid Malani. "It allows us the capability to add more devices, so it really is ideally suited for this app."
For ThermaHelm, Bluetooth technology was the only practical choice. "We see Bluetooth as a proven, reliable and prevalent system that offers us many advantages other wireless protocols just don't," says Preston-Powers, the inventor.
A Better Brain Bucket
Preston-Powers expects great interest from the motorcyclist community when ThermaHelm debuts in November 2010 at the United Kingdom's largest motorcycle trade show, the National Exhibition Centre's Carole Nash Motorcycle Live show.
"Motorbike helmet technology hasn't advanced in 50 years," he says. "ThermaHelm is a huge step forward in terms of both basic life-saving safety and the application of great communications technology."
By Gary Flood
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<title>Study Suggests Way to Bring Stroke Treatment in From the Cold</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/24/study-suggests-way-to-bring-stroke-treatment-in-from-the-cold.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/24/study-suggests-way-to-bring-stroke-treatment-in-from-the-cold.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 Apr 2011 11:10:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> By Jason Bardi - Investigating the mechanism behind a common emergency medical procedure known as therapeutic hypothermia, a team of researchers at the University of California, San Fransico (UCSF) a...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ By Jason Bardi - Investigating the mechanism behind a common emergency medical procedure known as therapeutic hypothermia, a team of researchers at the University of California, San Fransico (UCSF) and the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) has found a potential new target for drugs that would help protect patients against brain damage after heart attacks or stroke.
When people suffer heart attacks and strokes, depriving their brains of oxygen-rich blood, one way doctors mitigate long-term brain damage is by artificially chilling the head, neck and spine. Doctors have known for years that such therapeutic hypothermia procedures improve outcomes for patients in later recovery – but nobody knew exactly why.
Now the UCSF and SFVAMC team has discovered part of the reason for this protection: cooling the patients shuts down proteins, called “calcium-sensing receptors,” on the surfaces of neurons in their brains.
In experiments in mice described at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Hawaii last week, the researchers showed that having fewer calcium-sensing receptors helped mice survive with more neurons intact after ischemia.
“This calcium receptor could be an important target to protect the neuron,” said UCSF and San Francisco VA Medical Center endocrinologist Wenhan Chang, PhD, a senior author on the study.
Years ago, Chang’s mentor, Dolores Shoback, MD, of UCSF and the VA Medical Center discovered that one of the key players in helping maintain the optimal balance is the calcium-sensing receptor – a protein that they found on cells in small bits of hormone-producing tissues in the neck known as the parathyroid glands.
An endocrinologist by training, Chang spent years investigating how these proteins detect minuscule dips in the body’s calcium concentration and respond by inducing parathyroid cells to release more of the hormone that releases calcium from bones. It all seemed to make sense.
A few years ago, however, Chang discovered something that did not make sense: these same receptors could also be concentrated in high levels on the surface of neurons in the brain.
Wondering why, Chang formed a collaboration with neurologist Midori Yenari, MD, at UCSF and the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Working with research associates Jong Youl Kim, PhD, and Zhiqiang Cheng, MD, they discovered that the calcium-sensing receptor also plays an important role in ischemia.
Because inhibiting this receptor protects neurons, said Chang, “That provides an opportunity for us to use it as a pharmaceutical target.”
The presentation, “Mild Hypothermia Suppresses Ischemia-Induced Extracellular Calcium-Sensing Receptor (CaSR) Induction: A Possible Therapeutic Target?” was authored by Jong Youl Kim, Nuri Kim, Wenhan Chang, Midori Yenari.
When the brain is chilled, the cooling reduces the concentration of these calcium-sensing receptors, which protects the neurons. But Chang and Yenari reasoned that they might be able to achieve the same protection without the cooling – by blocking the expression or activity of these receptors in mice brains. Doing so, they found, protected mice against brain damage after ischemic injuries. Conversely, mice with an overabundance of these calcium-sensing receptors on the surfaces of their neurons were more prone to permanent brain damage from ischemia.The body maintains tight control over the levels of calcium in the bloodstream, and losing control over these levels can be dangerous. Too little calcium can deplete the bones of minerals and lead to osteoporosis. Too much, on the other hand, can be toxic to the body’s tissues.
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<title>Lady Gaga Fan Resuscitated At Nashville Concert Then Cooled Through Therapeutic Hypothermia</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/23/lady-gaga-fan-resuscitated-at-nashville-concert-then-cooled-through-therapeutic-hypothermia.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/23/lady-gaga-fan-resuscitated-at-nashville-concert-then-cooled-through-therapeutic-hypothermia.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:26:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> By Chris CannonNASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Lady Gaga fan died and was brought back to life at the singer's Tuesday night's concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. But the quick thinking of a friend and m...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ By Chris Cannon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Lady Gaga fan died and was brought back to life at the singer's Tuesday night's concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. But the quick thinking of a friend and medical staff saved her life.
33-year-old Crystal Thornton said she had been looking forward to the concert for five years. She and her best friend, Christina Tugman, had seats in section 103.
"(We were) Just laughing, cutting up like we always do," Tugman explained.
During the opening act Tugman noticed Thornton was suffering from what seemed to be a seizure.
"Here body was twitching, she had stopped breathing, her eyes were in the back of her head and I grabbed her face, screaming out her, trying to get her awake," Tugman said.
Tugman waved down an usher who paged the onsite medics. A Vanderbilt LifeFlight EMT supervisor immediately responded and found Thornton was unconscious and had no heartbeat.
"The were able to get a defibrillator on her, perform CPR on her and defibrillate her heart, shocking it back into normal rhythm in just a few minutes," Dr. John McPherson explained.
Thornton was then rushed to Vanderbilt University Hospital's emergency department.
Upon arrival at Vanderbilt, Thornton's body was cooled through therapeutic hypothermia protocol because she was at risk for anoxic brain injury due to prolonged lack of oxygen.
Thornton was then transported to the cardiovascular intensive care unit and continued the cooling therapy.
Thornton regained consciousness, and her neurologic status has improved daily. A series of tests was run to determine why she suffered a cardiac arrest at such a young age. Physicians determined that she has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart. Doctors said it is a genetic condition with no warning symptoms and often results in an emergency situation.
"If she had been at home, alone, without anybody around she would not have survived," Dr. McPherson said.
Thornton will undergo surgery on Monday to receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) that will automatically restore her heartbeat should she ever experience another cardiac arrest.
Thornton was upset she missed the concert and said she has no recollection of what happened.
Thornton has a history of unexpected deaths in her family, and this genetic heart condition could be to blame. Her family members will now be tested in hopes of preventing a similar medical emergency in the future.
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<title>Chilling the body may help cardiac arrest patients </title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/21/chilling-the-body-may-help-cardiac-arrest-patients.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/21/chilling-the-body-may-help-cardiac-arrest-patients.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:24:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> BY CYNTHIA BILLHARTZ GREGORIAN Willie H. Taylor was driving his truck on Dec. 4, when he went into cardiac arrest, lost consciousness and careened into a house.With cardiac arrest, the heart stops ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ BY CYNTHIA BILLHARTZ GREGORIAN
Willie H. Taylor was driving his truck on Dec. 4, when he went into cardiac arrest, lost consciousness and careened into a house.
With cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating abruptly for various reasons, depriving the brain and other organs of oxygen.
Most people die or end up in a vegetative state.
But a month later, Taylor, 64, of St. Louis, walked out of St. Louis University Medical Center, good as he was on Dec. 3.
From what he can tell, he owes his recovery in large part to therapeutic hypothermia, a procedure that chilled his body like he'd taken a prolonged dunk in the Arctic Ocean.
"They (doctors) had told my kids that I might be brain dead or not able to walk," Taylor said. "But none of that came true. I got up and walked out of there with all my faculties."
Several area hospitals, including SLU, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. John's Mercy Medical Center, perform therapeutic hypothermia on cardiac arrest patients in an effort to prevent brain damage that results from oxygen deprivation.
"Every winter, out in the country, kids fall through the ice, and there's always the one story about the miraculous save and how the kid is rewarmed," said Dr. Michael J. Lim, director of cardiology at St. Louis University. "And even though he was under water for a long period of time with no oxygen, he'd be fine."
Those stories, Lim said, probably spurred the idea for therapeutic hypothermia on cardiac arrest patients.
"One of the reasons they think it works is that the cold water cooled the whole body to a point where damage to organs, especially the brain, didn't happen at the same rate as when the body is at normal temperatures," said Lim. The colder temperatures seem to slow cellular metabolism.
The therapy can be done two ways: by inserting a catheter with cold fluids circulating through it into the heart, or by covering the patient's body with large pads that have cold water circulating through tubes in them.
Taylor underwent the later.
According to Lim, they cool the patients' bodies to 88 or 89 degrees over two or three hours and keep it there for a period of 24 to 36 hours. They also medically induce a coma to prevent shivering.
Once they've determined the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest and feel assured that the heart will beat normally, they discontinue the therapeutic hypothermia, allowing the body to rewarm itself over about three days, though it has taken as long as seven.
The cooling therapy does not increase the chances of surviving cardiac arrest significantly. Instead it increases the chances of those who do survive to avoid severe brain damage.
"The worst case scenario is we find the reason for the cardiac arrest, treat it and stabilize the patient and they don't wake up because they don't get brain function back," Lim said. "But this improves the chance of brain recovery significantly."
A 2002 study by Australian researchers published in "Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes" looked at 77 cardiac arrest patients who were randomly assigned to either get the cooling therapy or not get it. Of the 43 patients who did get the cooling therapy, 21 (or 49 percent) were sent home or to a rehabilitation facility, compared to nine (or 26 percent) of the 34 patients who did not receive the therapy.
Not long after, the American Heart Association recommended that doctors administer hypothermia therapy to patients who experience cardiac arrest that's caused by ventricular fibrillation outside the hospital.
Doctors at Barnes-Jewish also perform the procedure using the catheterization method.
They use a specially designed catheter that's inserted through the femoral vein into the inferior vena cava which carries de-oyxgenated blood to the right atrium of the heart. Blood is cooled as it circulates through the body.
It's active cooling that cools the patient very quickly and precisely, said Dr. Richard G. Bach, director of the cardiac intensive care unit at Barnes-Jewish. And though it's resource-intensive, he and other experts are compelled by data that it's strongly beneficial in a very dismal situation.
"The mortality rate is extremely high (with cardiac arrest), and those who survive or often irreversibly damaged," Bach said. "They're often left in a vegetative state.
This intervention improves their chances at a meaningful life by protecting and preserving brain tissue from lack of oxygen."
Experts are looking at other ways the therapy can be used, for instance in heart attacks, traumatic brain injuries and strokes, Bach said. And they may one day equip ambulances with the technology so the process of cooling patients with no heart beat can start even sooner.
Willie H. Taylor has no idea what caused his cardiac arrest. If doctors told him, he doesn't remember.
"They told me the fire department got there (to the site of the accident) and nothing was working," he said. "My heart wasn't beating, and I didn't have a pulse. They brought me back but my heart stopped again at the hospital."
What he does know is that he was in a coma for 16 days, and that his daughter had recorded his grandchildren's voices on a recorder,
"She played it over and over: 'Wake up, Papa. Wake up, Papa,' and then I woke up," he said. "I felt like I hadn't been through nothing."
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<title>Emergency responders hope new treatment will help save lives</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/20/emergency-responders-hope-new-treatment-will-help-save-lives.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/20/emergency-responders-hope-new-treatment-will-help-save-lives.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:01:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Local Emergency Responders are using a new treatment called Therapeutic Hypothermia in hopes of saving lives. The new treatment calls for Emergency Medical Teams like KFD and Rural Metro to reduce t...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Local Emergency Responders are using a new treatment called Therapeutic Hypothermia in hopes of saving lives.
The new treatment calls for Emergency Medical Teams like KFD and Rural Metro to reduce to body's core temperature in cases of cardiac arrest.
The procedure has been shown to increase survival and reduce disability after a patient in resuscitated.
Officials said they monitored studies on this procedure for a few years and said it improves outcomes for the patients.
Therapeutic Hypothermia is recommended by the American Heart Association.
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<title>Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury with Moderate Hypothermia</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/19/treatment-of-traumatic-brain-injury-with-moderate-hypothermia.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/19/treatment-of-traumatic-brain-injury-with-moderate-hypothermia.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:40:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> BackgroundTraumatic brain injury initiates several metabolic processes that can exacerbate the injury. There is evidence that hypothermia may limit some of these deleterious metabolic responses.Met...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[
BackgroundTraumatic brain injury initiates several metabolic processes that can exacerbate the injury. There is evidence that hypothermia may limit some of these deleterious metabolic responses.
MethodsIn a randomized, controlled trial, we compared the effects of moderate hypothermia and normothermia in 82 patients with severe closed head injuries (a score of 3 to 7 on the Glasgow Coma Scale). The patients assigned to hypothermia were cooled to 33°C a mean of 10 hours after injury, kept at 32 to 33°C for 24 hours, and then rewarmed. A specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation who was unaware of the treatment assignments evaluated the patients 3, 6, and 12 months later with the use of the Glasgow Outcome Scale.
ResultsThe demographic characteristics and causes and severity of injury were similar in the hypothermia and normothermia groups. At 12 months, 62 percent of the patients in the hypothermia group and 38 percent of those in the normothermia group had good outcomes (moderate, mild, or no disabilities). The adjusted risk ratio for a bad outcome in the hypothermia group was 0.5 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.2 to 1.2). Hypothermia did not improve the outcomes in the patients with coma scores of 3 or 4 on admission. Among the patients with scores of 5 to 7, hypothermia was associated with significantly improved outcomes at 3 and 6 months (adjusted risk ratio for a bad outcome, 0.2; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.1 to 0.9 at both intervals), although not at 12 months (risk ratio, 0.3; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.1 to 1.0).
ConclusionsTreatment with moderate hypothermia for 24 hours in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and coma scores of 5 to 7 on admission hastened neurologic recovery and may have improved the outcome.
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<title>New technology to prevent brain damage in newborns with HIE</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/18/new-technology-to-prevent-brain-damage-in-newborns-with-hie.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/18/new-technology-to-prevent-brain-damage-in-newborns-with-hie.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:45:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the side-effects newborns risk when their oxygen supply has unexpectedly been interrupted during birth.Scott +amp; White is the first hospital in Texas to use a new cap...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the side-effects newborns risk when their oxygen supply has unexpectedly been interrupted during birth.
Scott +amp; White is the first hospital in Texas to use a new cap that cools the brain of a newborn when this occurs. It is called the Olympic Cool-Cap® system, and doctors hope this new technology can slow the progress of some damage, or even reverse the effects of brain damage, that can occur when oxygen has been stopped.
Babies face serious medical complications when their oxygen supply has been interrupted or cut off during the birth process. This condition, called HIE (hypoxicischemic encephalopathy), can lead to permanent brain damage. It can cause cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders.
“HIE can occur in births that are premature or full-term, it doesn’t matter,” said Dr. Cheryl Cipriani, a neonatologist and associate professor of pediatrics at Scott +amp; White. “And when it occurs there is a limited amount of time to begin treatment to limit or avoid brain damage. We now have an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved tool that may help in some of the situations.”
“Treatment must begin within the first six hours,” Dr. Cipriani said.
HIE affects two out of 1,000 births, and is frequently a cause of cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders.
Cool-Cap was designed to prevent or reduce damage to the brains of these patients by keeping the head cool while the body is maintained at a slightly below-normal temperature. It works by lowering the metabolic rate, which reduces the brain’s demand for energy. The device received approval by the FDA late last year after many years of testing and evaluation.
The device consists of a network of soft, water-circulating tubes, which spread the cooling effect around the child’s head. The baby’s core body temperature monitored constantly, and kept at safe levels by using a radiant warmer.
The Scott +amp; White Auxiliary donated $75,000 to purchase the device.
Cool-Cap is manufactured by Olympic Medical Corporation of Seattle, Wash.
“There are other hospitals in the state using or researching cooling treatments, but not this FDA approved therapy,” said Dr. Cipriani. “Parents now have a place to go when their newborn needs this type of help. With our neonatal intensive care unit transport team we are able to bring these children from a very wide area to receive this treatment.”
Scott +amp; White neonatal intensive care transport teams can travel by land or air, as far as 200 miles, to pick up infant patients and bring them to the hospital for specialty care.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Head Cooling or the Cool-Cap Helps Infants Born With Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) or a Lack of Oxygen at Birth</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/17/head-cooling-or-the-cool-cap-helps-infants-born-with-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie-or-a-lack.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/17/head-cooling-or-the-cool-cap-helps-infants-born-with-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie-or-a-lack.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:45:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> In 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a head-cooling cap that can potentially prevent or reduce brain damage in infants who were deprived of oxygen at birth. The Philadelphia Th...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ In 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a head-cooling cap that can potentially prevent or reduce brain damage in infants who were deprived of oxygen at birth. The Philadelphia Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was one of the first NICU’s to start using head cooling in newborns to reduce the amount of brain damage.
Oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery can destroy a newborn’s brain cells. The lack of oxygen can continue to cause brain damage even after birth. One way to halt or stop the destruction of brain cells is to cause hypothermia or cooling of the baby’s head for a few hours or a few days. Until recently, there has been nothing to stop or reverse the neurological deficits in a newborn’s brain due to blood flow deprivation. Many infants who suffered from hypoxia or oxygen deprivation during birth go on to develop seizures or cerebral palsy. For years, it has been known that deep hypothermia or cooling of the brain produces neuroprotection or protection of the brain during open heart surgery, cardiac arrest, or neurosurgical procedures.
Head cooling should be initiated as soon as possible to stop the destruction of brain cells and halt the progressive brain damage that can come from it. Clinical studies have shown that if the injured brain is cooled within 6 hours of the insult or injury, it can interrupt the ongoing brain damage and have a positive effect in a reduction of brain cell death.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Air Force Theater Hospital emergency staff performed a rare therapeutic hypothermia procedure to help save the life of a Soldier </title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/15/air-force-theater-hospital-emergency-staff-performed-a-rare-therapeutic-hypothermia-procedure-to-hel.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/15/air-force-theater-hospital-emergency-staff-performed-a-rare-therapeutic-hypothermia-procedure-to-hel.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:29:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> 4/13/2011 - JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- When facing a dire situation, making split-second decisions can lead to mistakes.Indecision, however, could cost lives.With the clock ticking, medical staff of t...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ 4/13/2011 - JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- When facing a dire situation, making split-second decisions can lead to mistakes.Indecision, however, could cost lives.With the clock ticking, medical staff of the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group performed an unconventional procedure to help save a patient's life. Members of the Air Force Theater Hospital emergency staff here recently performed a rare therapeutic hypothermia procedure to help save the life of a Soldier who suffered blunt force trauma to his chest. The decision allowed the patient to be well on his way to recovery within a matter of days.Ramadi, Iraq (0-1 hour, 11:35 a.m., March 29)The incident started at a forward operating base outside of Ramadi, Iraq, when a U.S. Army soldier attempted to discharge a large extinguisher. According to Dr. (Capt.) Will Porr, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, Ramadi Level II Battalion surgeon, when the victim discharged the bottle, the pressure may have built up and kicked into his chest. The blunt force trauma likely caused his heart to stop. Captain Porr said there were no witnesses, and estimated the patient may have stopped breathing for upwards of three minutes before first responders arrived. The Soldier had no pulse, but medics who performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation were able to restart his heart. Within an hour he was medically evacuated by helicopter from Ramadi Battalion Level II center to JBB's Air Force Theater Hospital, 63 miles to the northeast. According to the American Heart Association, more than 95 percent of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. A victim's chances of survival are reduced by seven to 10 percent with every minute without CPR and defibrillation. Brain death and permanent death start to occur in just four to six minutes after someone experiences cardiac arrest.Air Force Theater Hospital (1-13 hours)When the patient arrived, the emergency medical staff started its initial assessment. Dr. (Capt.) Paul Haggerty, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron Intensive Care Unit flight commander, notified Dr. (Maj.) Daniel Carlson, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group cardiology consultant, about the trauma patient. During Captain Haggerty's assessment, cardiologist, U.S. Army Major Carlson volunteered his thoughts regarding the potential management of the patient's case. "The patient was comatose upon arrival but was promptly resuscitated, which made him an ideal candidate for therapeutic hypothermia to improve his chances for a good neurologic outcome and return to full function," Major Carlson, who is deployed from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., said. According to Captain Haggerty, a Manassas, Va., native, therapeutic hypothermia is a process to cool a patient's body to 89-93 degrees Fahrenheit in patients who have had been successfully resuscitated after sudden cardiac arrest. By cooling the body, the brain's metabolic requirements are reduced and in turn this helps patients to recover neurologic function."There have been several studies which shown that patients cooled for a period of 24 hours having improved neurologic outcomes and improved mortality," he said. "This procedure is becoming more widely instituted in the U.S. as part of resuscitative care for patients who have survived cardiac arrests."The teams of surgeons, anesthetists, hospitalists, nurses and technicians never had been part of such a procedure, but were all very receptive to the idea. Captain Haggerty, who is deployed from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, turned to appropriate medical sites on the internet for solutions.After referring to University of Penn's Web site for post-cardiac resuscitation care, Captain Haggerty quickly implemented the protocol and directed the majority of the medical care. "We didn't have cooling blankets or the high tech equipment the stateside hospitals have," Col. Paul Gourley, 332nd EMDOS commander, who is deployed from MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., said. "Our medical technicians were running around looking for coolers, while the third country national dining facility workers were getting ice from wherever they could, to cool this person."According to Major Carlson, a Virginia Beach, Va., native, reducing the body temperature decreases tissue swelling and damage to the brain from interrupted blood flow during cardiac arrest. Capt. Matthew Ockander, 332nd EMDOS Operation Room anesthesiologist, who is deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., performed the initial sedation and paralysis of the patient. This prevented the patient from shivering which would inhibit the cooling process. Captain Ockander is a Fairfield, Calif., native.U.S. Army Maj. Robert Bejnarowicz, 332nd EMDOS Operation Room, neurosurgeon, who is deployed from Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, then drilled a hole in the patients head so a tool could be inserted to monitor his intracranial pressure for swelling of the brain. Major Bejnarowicz is a Shabbona, Ill., native.Members pitched in wherever they could. Colonel Gourley, a Philadelphia, Pa., native, took to blending ice, so the medical staff could flush the patient's stomach and bladder with chilled fluids, while others filled baggies to pack around the body. Along with chilled intravenous fluids the patient's core temperature was monitored with an intranasal thermometer. Senior Airman Casey Wilson, 332nd EMDOS medical technician, who is deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, carried a 50-pound fan from the basement gym to the intensive care unit to assist the evaporative cooling process. Airman Wilson is an Auburn, Wash., native.Colonel Gourley said he saw one of the most robust teamwork efforts from total facility, once the call went out across the medical group."By taking basically no actual resources to make this happen is a testament to the ingenuity of Airmen and the ability to adapt and overcome anything that was put in front of them," he said. "There was easily more than 30 people involved to save one life." Critical Care Air Transport Team (13-18 hours)After stabilizing the patient's condition, 12 hours have passed since he arrived at Balad. At that point emergency medical staff determined the patient needed to be transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. The 332nd Operations Group critical care air transport team, the only one of its kind in Iraq, was activated. The CCATT is deployed from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and is made up of Dr. (Capt.) Jeff St. Amant, emergency medicine physician; Maj. Kirk Smith, critical care nurse and Master Sgt. Brandi French-Thomas, respiratory therapist. The CCATT's role is to transport critically ill or injured patients out of theater and to a higher level of care, as close to the time of injury as possible. They strive for 24 hours or less, and in this case, the patient was delivered in less than 18 hours.Colonel Gourley, who was taking a heart attack patient to Landstuhl, was along for the ride. "There was so much equipment around the trauma patient that he had to be floor loaded onto the bus," he said about the more than 500 pounds of life sustaining machines.According to Captain St. Amant, a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., native, the patient was a challenge to manage in the back of an aircraft."He was on a ventilator, a cardiac monitor, invasive blood pressure monitoring, seven different continuous medication infusions and an intracranial pressure monitor," he said.Captain St. Amant lauded the 332nd EMDG staff on using hypothermia, to provide the patient the best chance of recovering and regaining normal function."This protocol is only used under very specific circumstances and he met the criteria," the captain said. "The Balad hospital did an outstanding job with this patient and had him cooled to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (normal body temperature is 98.6 Fahrenheit.)" Air Power (13-18 hours)To keep the patient's body temperature cooled, the CCATT used ice packs, refrigerated intravenous fluids and the help of the 729th Airlift Squadron C-17 loadmasters, who are deployed from March Air Reserve Base, Calif. "We asked them to turn the heat off in the back of the aircraft to keep it cold," Captain St. Amant said. "It made for a chilly flight, but all of the crew, passengers and other patients understood that it was necessary for the patient." According to Lt. Col. Ben Hackworth, 729th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot, the longer a patient is in flight the more chances there are for complications. So when there are critical patients on board, it is not uncommon for them to operate at faster than normal airspeeds."Patients are prepped for the duration of the flight, but medical resources are limited," Colonel Hackworth, a Murrieta, Calif., native, said. "In this case, we were informed by medical personnel that any time saved would benefit the patient. So we expedited as best we could."On a typical flight, pilots operate at speeds between Mach .74 (548 mph) and .76 (563 mph) which provide the greatest fuel savings when level at cruising altitude. On this particular mission, due to the expressed critical nature of the patient, the C-17 crew operated at Mach .80 or 593 mph, which saved about 30 minutes, Colonel Hackworth noted. "We are permitted to request "high speed" operations below 10,000 feet (mean sea level) in certain airspace," he said. "The German approach controllers approved high speed operations during the final phase of our arrival into Ramstein Air Base, Germany." Marked with countless invisible barriers and international boundaries, pilots cannot fly in a straight line. With critical patients on board and to shave time, the March crew continually pressed air traffic controllers for the most direct routing to Germany.Captain St. Amant said the loadmasters, pilots and air-evacuation crews they fly with were top-notch and pitched in to provide the best for the patients.Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany (5 a.m., March 30)Once in Germany the patient was handed over to the care of the Landstuhl medical team. Colonel Gourley's flight back to Iraq was delayed 24 hours, so he had the opportunity to witness the payoff of his medical team's efforts. The therapeutic hypothermia protocol required a person to be cooled for a specific timeframe than have the core temperature warmed up slowly."He was heavily sedated and not moving, but as they slowly brought his temperature up he started to wake up," Colonel Gourley said. "He even asked to use the 'commode.' When patients get ornery that's a good thing."The medical team at Landstuhl was ecstatic and considered this a great save, he noted."The fact that this guy was on death's door, looking horrible to sitting up in bed and knowing his name ... therapeutic hypothermia has a lot of benefits," Colonel Gourley said. The colonel believed this may be the first use of hypothermia protocol in Iraq, and the second in the Central Command area of responsibility.Homestretch (2 April)As the patient's condition improved, he was transported to and released from Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas, to recover with family members.According to Captain Haggerty, the patient's favorable outcome and success story was attributed to everyone involved in his care. From first responder who began CPR, to the emergency department staff at Ramadi who successfully revived him from cardiac arrest, to the JBB team who initiated the hypothermia protocol. The CCAT team who monitored him during transport, the C-17 aircrew who flew him to the receiving team at LRMC to be re-warmed, to the discharging team at BAMC, played a critical part as well. "His care required enormous teamwork across a continuum of care, and his survival is a testament to the training and dedication of the men and women in the U.S. military," Captain Haggerty said. "This is definitely one of the most rewarding patient cases in my career, and is something I will never forget and feel privileged to have been a part of."Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain cooling to avoid damage in newborn babies</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/14/brain-cooling-to-avoid-damage-in-newborn-babies-1.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/14/brain-cooling-to-avoid-damage-in-newborn-babies-1.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:49:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Up to 1000 newborn babies in the UK suffer brain damage every year, due to a shortage of oxygen and blood-supply during delivery. The oxygen shortage leads to a series of destructive chemical reacti...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Up to 1000 newborn babies in the UK suffer brain damage every year, due to a shortage of oxygen and blood-supply during delivery.
The oxygen shortage leads to a series of destructive chemical reactions in the brain tissue. Research shows that permanent damage does not occur immediately but takes up to 48 hours to develop, suggesting that there is a short "window of opportunity" for protective treatments to be started. There is promising evidence that mild cooling of the brain may reduce or completely prevent the damage, provided it is started soon enough after birth. This team is therefore developing new forms of brain scanning to identify babies who have suffered shortage of oxygen at birth and who will benefit from cooling treatment.
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<title>Grant funds brain research at Rowan University</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/13/grant-funds-brain-research-at-rowan-university.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/13/grant-funds-brain-research-at-rowan-university.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:50:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Dr. Tom Merrill is on a mission: keep people walking, talking and breathing after a stroke.Thanks to a $207,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health, the assistant professor of mechanical en...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Dr. Tom Merrill is on a mission: keep people walking, talking and breathing after a stroke.
Thanks to a $207,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health, the assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Rowan University, Glassboro, N.J., will be able to explore more options to do just that.
The funding is for Merrill’s project named “A combination endovascular device: thrombectomy with localized hypothermia,” which he and his team are working on in the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University in nearby Mantua Township.
Merrill and his associates are expanding on work they previously have done as part of his firm FocalCool to develop a device called the “CoolGuide Catheter,” which could be used during emergency angioplasty to help people suffering a heart attack in the midst of the heart attack.The new project will dovetail with some existing technology that “pulls” clots from the brain after a stroke. Present devices made of a shaped memory alloy (trade name Nitinol) that changes shape based on temperature act like a corkscrew to enter the clot and drag it out of the brain.
Doctors use a three-part system to removal clots: a large guide catheter, a micro catheter and a thrombectomy-removal catheter.
The large guide catheter goes inside the carotid artery. The micro catheter goes further into the vascular system deep into the brain. The thrombectomy-removal catheter, which enters through the first two catheters, does the actual work, similar to a corkscrew, pulling the clot out. Afterwards, physicians introduce warm blood into the brain.
“You’d think that fresh warm blood would be helpful for the brain, “ he said. “But it’s not, because of something that is not very well understood called reperfusion injury.”
When cells lose blood flow, he explained, they are programmed to die. When blood flow is reintroduced into the tissue, it is possible to re-energize the cells and to push them towards death. This can be significant. He said, for instance, if a brain injury measures 100 grams, half of that might be caused by the reperfusion.
“What we are trying to do is tame that reperfusion injury,” Merrill said. “The 50 percent of damaged cells we’re trying to save may be clinically relevant in the case of strokes.”
Merrill is working on the project with his wife, Denise, a senior research engineer; Jennifer Akers, a research scientist and Rowan graduate; Adam Parker, Ben Chapman, and Kristen Linderman, student interns; and Tony LaBarck, a Rowan master’s student who graduated in December and is a computational model consultant. They are exploring whether cooling blood externally and reintroducing it into the brain at a lower temperature will cause less injury.
Additionally, they are collaborating with Dr. Alex Abov-Chebl, University of Louisville; and Dr. Jay Yadav, CEO of Cardiomems, Atlanta, and Synecor, Durham, N.C.
Right now, the Rowan-based team is developing product requirements and math models of the thermal fluid physics. They will test prototypes in a glass model that mimics the structure of the vascular system in the brain. They are using pumps to mimic the heart and heaters to maintain normal body temperatures.
Merrill said he intends to have results on the first stage of the work in the summer and to apply for further funding.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Vegetative State May Be Prevented by Brain Cooling</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/12/vegetative-state-may-be-prevented-by-brain-cooling.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/12/vegetative-state-may-be-prevented-by-brain-cooling.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The odds of recovery from brain injuries and vegetative states may be dramatically improved simply by restoring normal brain temperatures, according to a new medical theory published in the August is...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The odds of recovery from brain injuries and vegetative states may be dramatically improved simply by restoring normal brain temperatures, according to a new medical theory published in the August issue of Medical Science Monitor.
The study was inspired by the case of 53-year-old woman who suffered a heart attack and oxygen deprivation of the brain. In the course of a few days she slipped from consciousness to coma and then to a vegetative state. For the following thirty-one months she was receiving oxygen through a tube in her trachea.
But one day it was noticed that the oxygen in the tube was over thirty degrees below body temperature, due to an equipment setup that appears to be common in many hospitals and nursing homes. Acting on the speculation that such chilled air could not be good for the patient, the tube was removed. One month later, the woman came out of the vegetative state and was verbal and able to respond to questions.
Inspired by this case, the authors began to investigate the physiological link between lung temperatures and brain temperatures. They found that chilled tracheal air will produce chilled aortic blood which will in turn produce a significant drop in brain tissue temperatures.
Because the path from the aorta to the brain is short, a drop in brain temperatures may occur even though the core body temperature otherwise appears to be normal. But even a small drop in the brain temperatures can produce important deviations in neurochemistry and the endocrine system. These changes, the authors suggest, may not only inhibit recovery they may even produce additional problems, including symptoms commonly associated with the poorly understood condition called a “persistent vegetative state.”
To access the potential impact of their findings, the authors surveyed a sample of hospitals and nursing homes in the larger New York metropolitan area. Most health care facilities reported they do not heat the oxygen given to non-responsive, intubated patients.
The authors suggest that paying closer attention to intubated air temperatures, or removing intubation tubes as soon as practical, would pose no risk to patients and may well produce a significant increase in the rate of recovery from brain trauma. They also propose numerous strategies for future research.
Just last month, two other teams of researchers reported findings that have given new hope to the families of minimally conscious patients. One study found that the insomnia drug zolpidem may help patients recover from a vegetative state. The other reviewed brain scans of Terry Wallis, who emerged from a minimally conscious state 19 years after a brain trauma, and found evidence that the human brain may be more capable of repairing itself than previously thought.
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<title>Brain cooling after hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/11/brain-cooling-after-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/11/brain-cooling-after-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> During gestation, an unborn child’s brain is vulnerable to a wide range of threats, including placental or umbilical problems, severe illness with the mother, or a difficult delivery. When a newborn ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ During gestation, an unborn child’s brain is vulnerable to a wide range of threats, including placental or umbilical problems, severe illness with the mother, or a difficult delivery. When a newborn is asphyxiated before or during birth, the ensuing lack of oxygen to the brain can result in a condition termed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE.
The HIE condition evolves over several hours. The initial oxygen and/or lack of blood supply to the brain kicks off a series of other events as the body tries to repair itself. This natural approach is effective when HIE is mild. But in moderate or severe cases, the body’s desperate attempts could cause more brain damage.
This damage does not occur immediately. It is the result of a cascade of chemical reactions, and there is a window of several hours before it becomes permanent. Therefore, researchers theorized that maybe it was possible to block the chemical chain reaction and minimize permanent damage. Up until the past couple of decades no intervention seemed to make much difference.
However, now, a new and simple technique is giving brain-damaged babies a chance at a normal, healthy life. Recent research suggests that babies who are starved of oxygen at birth have a much lower risk of brain damage if they are given mild hypothermia–a cooling of the body temperature. This is achieved in one of two ways: through a special water-cooled cap or a fluid-filled blanket. Both methods are designed to reduce brain temperature. It has been found that reducing the temperature by 3-4○C for 72 hours after birth seems to switch off many of the damaging reactions. It is believed that cooling slows down chemical reactions, and gives the repair mechanisms inside cells a chance to work.
Brain hypothermia, induced by cooling a baby to around 33○C for three days after birth, has recently been proven to be the only medical intervention that reduces brain damage and improves an infant’s chance of normal survival after birth asphyxia. Brain cooling has become widely used in neonatal units throughout the United States.
Timing is critical. Brain cooling must be initiated within six hours of delivery. After the baby is born, doctors make some quick decisions to determine if he or she is a candidate for brain cooling. The newborn must have sustained moderate brain damage, be full-term or late pre-term (beyond 36 weeks), and be younger than six hours old. International studies report about a 27% decline in deaths and disabilities with brain cooling.
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<title>Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/09/therapeutic-hypothermia-and-temperature-management.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/09/therapeutic-hypothermia-and-temperature-management.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Neuroprotection of Selective Brain Cooling After Penetrating Ballistic-like Brain Injury in Rats. Induced hypothermia has been reported to provide neuroprotection against traumatic brain injury. We ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Neuroprotection of Selective Brain Cooling After Penetrating Ballistic-like Brain Injury in Rats.
Induced hypothermia has been reported to provide neuroprotection against traumatic brain injury. We recently developed a novel method of selective brain cooling (SBC) and demonstrated its safety and neuroprotection efficacy in a rat model of ischemic brain injury. The primary focus of the current study was to evaluate the potential neuroprotective efficacy of SBC in a rat model of penetrating ballistic-like brain injury (PBBI) with a particular focus on the acute cerebral pathophysiology, neurofunction, and cognition. SBC (34°C) was induced immediately after PBBI, and maintained for 2 hours, followed by a spontaneous re-warming. Intracranial pressure (ICP) and regional cerebral blood flow were monitored continuously for 3 hours, and the ICP was measured again at 24 hours postinjury. Brain swelling, blood–brain barrier permeability, intracerebral hemorrhage, lesion size, and neurological status were assessed at 24 hours postinjury. Cognitive abilities were evaluated in a Morris water maze task at 12–16 days postinjury. Results showed that SBC significantly attenuated PBBI-induced elevation of ICP (PBBI = 33.2 ± 10.4; PBBI + SBC = 18.8 ± 6.7mmHg) and reduced brain swelling, blood–brain barrier leakage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and lesion volume by 40%–45% for each matrix, and significantly improved neurologic function. However, these acute neuroprotective benefits of SBC did not translate into improved cognitive performance in the Morris water maze task. These results indicate that 34°C SBC is effective in protecting against acute brain damage and related neurological dysfunction. Further studies are required to establish the optimal treatment conditions (i.e., duration of cooling and/or combined therapeutic approaches) needed to achieve significant neurocognitive benefits.
Guo Wei, Xi-Chun M. Lu, Deborah A. Shear, Xiaofang Yang, Frank C. Tortella. Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management. March 2011, 1(1): 33-42. doi:10.1089/ther.2010.0007.
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<title>Keeping cool in a crisis a lifesaver for babes in peril</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/08/keeping-cool-in-a-crisis-a-lifesaver-for-babes-in-peril.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/08/keeping-cool-in-a-crisis-a-lifesaver-for-babes-in-peril.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:17:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> An international study of 221 babies, published yesterday in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, found the risk of death or major disability was reduced by 15 per cent in babies who h...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ An international study of 221 babies, published yesterday in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, found the risk of death or major disability was reduced by 15 per cent in babies who had the treatment, compared to those who did not.
Using refrigerated gel packs to cool newborn babies at risk of brain damage from a lack of oxygen at birth improves their survival without permanent injury, new research shows.
Lead researcher Dr Susan Jacobs, of the Royal Women's Hospital, said all of the babies included in the study needed breathing support and two-thirds had chest compressions to keep their hearts beating.
The babies were randomly assigned to either receive the treatment within six hours of birth, or to a control group.
''These are desperately sick babies who need intensive care from birth,'' she said.
Luke McCarthy, 9, was one of the first patients in the world to benefit from the treatment after complications with the umbilical cord during his birth cut off his oxygen supply.
His mother, Perri, said her first-born son was ''born flat, totally floppy, and they resuscitated him in the nursery at Cabrini [hospital] and put him on a ventilator''.
Mrs McCarthy said she agreed to include Luke in the trial because ''the prognosis otherwise was pretty bleak'', and it was fortunate that he was randomised to receive the cooling treatment.
''They transported him to Royal Women's neonatal intensive-care unit and that's where he spent the next few days. They had him lying on ice packs; he had one across his forehead and one across his chest.''
Mrs McCarthy said Luke was thriving with no permanent injuries from his difficult birth. He even won an award this week for most improved player in his football team.
''We're very grateful that we were given the opportunity to go in this trial,'' she said.
''It's the difference between what could've happened and what has happened. I'm really pleased it'll be offered now to other kids.''
Dr Jacobs said the simple treatment did not require complex equipment and could be applied to babies while they were being transported to specialist hospitals.
But she said it needed to be applied by experts in controlled conditions where a baby's temperature was constantly monitored to avoid dangers of overcooling.
The cooling treatment is thought to protect the brain by slowing metabolism and allowing it to tolerate low oxygen.
by Kate Hagan.
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<title>Hypothermia Only Therapy Proven to Improve Survival/Outcomes After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/07/hypothermia-only-therapy-proven-to-improve-survivaloutcomes-after-out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/07/hypothermia-only-therapy-proven-to-improve-survivaloutcomes-after-out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:56:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> According to the review article on “The Use of Hypothermia Therapy in Cardiac Arrest Survivors,” therapeutic hypothermia appears to reduce the risk of brain injury in the approximately 400,000 people...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ According to the review article on “The Use of Hypothermia Therapy in Cardiac Arrest Survivors,” therapeutic hypothermia appears to reduce the risk of brain injury in the approximately 400,000 people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the U.S. each year.
The authors, Sanjeev Nair and Justin Lundbye, Hartford Hospital (CT) and University of Connecticut School of Medicine, in Farmington, discuss when therapeutic hypothermia should and should not be used, various methods of reducing body temperature, and the different phases of hypothermia.
Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management provides a strong multidisciplinary forum to foster greater understanding and awareness of this new emerging therapy and its clinical applications. The Journal spans basic research through clinical application and engages all members of the therapeutic hypothermia clinical team, including physicians, nurses, and first responders. Novel findings from translational preclinical investigations as well as clinical studies and trials are featured in original articles, state-of-the-+lt;WBR+gt;art review articles, provocative roundtable discussions, clinical protocols, and best practices. Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management will be the journal of record, published in print and online with open access options.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cold times in critical care</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/06/cold-times-in-critical-care.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/06/cold-times-in-critical-care.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:21:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Cold is not only a winter topic. Cold is also applied medicine: Moderate to deep hypothermia made cardiac surgery possible and mild therapeutic hypothermia improves survival after out-of-hospital car...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Cold is not only a winter topic. Cold is also applied medicine: Moderate to deep hypothermia made cardiac surgery possible and mild therapeutic hypothermia improves survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. By Holger Zorn.
Jean-Dominique Larrey, Napoleon's lightning fast and skilful surgeon, inventor of the “flying ambulances”, had much to do in the Prussia-Poland campaign of the years 1806-07. It is reported that he could disarticulate legs from the hip joint in less than four minutes. But despite all his skill, some patients passed away easily, especially those who were able to get a place at the campfire. Freshly operated soldiers survived better if they had to sleep away from the fire in the snow, Larrey noted in a “Memorandum on the dry gangrene caused by cold”, and also that patients who underwent such an operation had as less pain the colder it was. Despite some anecdotal reports, that was the first systematic analysis of the effect of cold in medicine, published in Larrey’s Mémoires de médecine et de chirurgie militaire.
Ice Age in cardiac surgeryA hundred years later, William Gordon Bigelow was born in Brandon, Manitoba province, Canada - where winters may as hard as in East Prussia at Napoleon’s time. He became a physician as Larrey, and military surgeon too. After World War II he returned from Normandy to Toronto General Hospital and conducted pioneering research in hypothermia, hibernation, and cardiac pacemaker technology. Thinking of hypothermia as a means of anaesthesia, he laid the foundation for cardiac surgery. Today's patients are anesthetized with modern drugs and not placed in ice buckets to perform a surgical procedure, but only fifty years ago a cardiac Operating Room looked like that.
“We save the heart but we lose the brain”This sentence, pointed out by the famous American surgeon Gerald Buckberg, was a hard reproach but unfortunately true. Driven by ILCOR, ERC and national councils, the technique of mild therapeutic hypothermia has been widely accepted and adapted - and has become more invasive. Our own program, started at Martin Luther University Hospital in Halle (Saale), Germany, in 2006, used an invasive cooling catheter, inserted into the femoral vein and advanced into the vena cava inferior. In 17 cases, 8 female and 9 male patients with an age of 37-84 years and with different causes of cardiac arrest, mild hypothermia was induced. The body temperature was lowered down to 33°C in the first two hours and was maintained at this level for about 20 hours. At the beginning, the lactate level is mostly raised, and its normalization at a normal value around 2 mmol/l is a good sign of metabolic recovery, thus a trigger to stop the perfusion. When the catheter removed, the body will be rewarmed passively in about 4-5 hours. We found this technique safe and effective. There are advantages especially for the cardiac unstable patient. Read more...
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<title>St. Cloud Hospital Successful at Brain Cooling Therapy for Infant</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/06/st-cloud-hospital-successful-at-brain-cooling-therapy-for-infant.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/06/st-cloud-hospital-successful-at-brain-cooling-therapy-for-infant.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 08:24:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> According to WQOW TV, St. Cloud Hospital has successfully cooled an infant to prevent or reduce the severity of brain injury. It is believed to be the first time a hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ According to WQOW TV, St. Cloud Hospital has successfully cooled an infant to prevent or reduce the severity of brain injury. It is believed to be the first time a hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has been able to reduce brain injury through the brain cooling method.
Oliver Manlove, son of Renee and Kenny Manlove, was delivered full term but was deprived of oxygen during birth. He was transferred by helicopter to St. Loud Hospital for cooling. The NICU team utilized the total body cooling therapy.
Therapeutic body cooling or hypothermia has been used at St. Cloud Hospital since 2005 to treat adult cardiac arrest patients. Cooling an infant can reduce the severity of a brain injury. Brain injuries during birth can result in life-long complications such as cerebral palsy, as well as developmental problems. Doctors start to cool an infant as soon as possible, the sooner a baby is cooled, the better the outcome. In Oliver’s case, the doctor cooled him for 72 hours, and then gradually re-warmed.
Therapeutic hypothermia protects the brain, increasing the likelihood of survival and minimizing the neurological damage that can result from a brain injury. A patient’s body temperature is lowered to 92.3 Fahrenheit, which temporarily reduces the brain’s need for oxygen. The NICU induces hypothermia non-invasively by circulating water through heat-conducting pads attached to an infant. The device monitors temperature while adjusting the water to precisely cool to a certain temperature and then gradually re-warms.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain cooling is safe - NICE rules</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/05/brain-cooling-is-safe-nice-rules.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/04/05/brain-cooling-is-safe-nice-rules.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:07:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A brain cooling technique could offer hope to people who suffer a cardiac arrest, according to new clinical guidelines.The latest recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A brain cooling technique could offer hope to people who suffer a cardiac arrest, according to new clinical guidelines.
The latest recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence state that therapeutic hypothermia is safe and effective.
During the treatment, which is also used for some stroke patients, the unconscious person''s body temperature is reduced from 37C to between 32C and 34C soon after the cardiac arrest and for 12 to 24 hours afterwards.
The process of cooling the brain slows down the rate at which brain cells die once they have been starved of oxygen.
This has the potential to save lives and reduce brain damage, giving surgeons precious extra hours to help patients.
The treatment is carried out using a blanket or mattress filled with air or fluid, or a special cap.
Alongside the cooling, patients are given muscle relaxants to prevent shivering.
Once the treatment has finished, the person is warmed up gradually until their temperature returns to normal.
Some NHS units are already using the technique for people who have been resuscitated following cardiac arrest, such as after a heart attack, but other units have previously been unsure of its benefits.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>A mother of a 'cooled' baby has launched a fundraising campaign</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/31/a-mother-of-a-cooled-baby-has-launched-a-fundraising-campaign.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/31/a-mother-of-a-cooled-baby-has-launched-a-fundraising-campaign.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A mother of a 'cooled' baby has launched a fundraising campaign to support the pioneering research into neonatal brain cooling at St Michael's Hospital, Bristol. Cooling Campaign aims to raise funds ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A mother of a 'cooled' baby has launched a fundraising campaign to support the pioneering research into neonatal brain cooling at St Michael's Hospital, Bristol. Cooling Campaign aims to raise funds and awareness for this groundbreaking, life-saving work.
Perinatal asphyxia is a devastating complication affecting 1 in 1000 otherwise healthy full-term infants. It occurs when the blood flow to the brain is cut off during labour and childbirth. If the brain and vital organs are starved of oxygen, the risk of death or lifelong disability such as cerebral palsy is worryingly high.
Professor Marianne Thoresen at St Michael’s Hospital, Bristol has been pioneering neurological protection treatments for asphyxia in babies since 1998. She was one of the first to show that cooling babies who have suffered lack of oxygen at birth can protect the newborn brain, reducing and in some cases eliminating brain damage.
Josie, mother of Dylan Budd who was born critically ill and rushed to Bristol for the revolutionary cooling treatment, says "Our story has a happy ending but statistics have shown that he was one of the lucky ones. Babies in Dylan's condition at birth often don't make it and even brain cooling can not always make the difference."
The statistics have prompted Professor Thoresen to press on with new research, currently trialing additional treatments such as administering xenon with the cooling which is so far proving to double the brain protection.
When I last saw her in clinic she spoke of research she would like to conduct and how difficult it is to secure funding for this important life-saving work. We are hoping to raise sufficient funds to enable the team to buy some equipment that will help a baby's survival prospects", says Josie.
Please visit the Cooling Campaign website to read more.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Halo No.1 on GearedUp Latest, Coolest Performance Products</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/30/halo-no1-on-gearedup-latest-coolest-performance-products.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/30/halo-no1-on-gearedup-latest-coolest-performance-products.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 08:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> When it comes to buying a new crash helmet, you have got to invest using your head.So what should you look out for you? </description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ When it comes to buying a new crash helmet, you have got to invest using your head.So what should you look out for you?
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<title>Fast Action is Critical to Prevent Brain Damage in Newborns</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/29/fast-action-is-critical-to-prevent-brain-damage-in-newborns.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/29/fast-action-is-critical-to-prevent-brain-damage-in-newborns.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:35:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> According to research by scientists at the University of Bristol, brain damage could be avoided for hundreds of babies a year.Every year, approximately 2-4 of every 1,000 newborns suffer birth asphy...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ According to research by scientists at the University of Bristol, brain damage could be avoided for hundreds of babies a year.
Every year, approximately 2-4 of every 1,000 newborns suffer birth asphyxia, which can result in acute brain injury, technically known as Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). Up to 60 percent of babies with severe HIE will die, and many surviving infants will face life-long disabilities, such as cerebral palsy and learning difficulties. Early studies have shown that inducing hypothermia within six hours of birth reduces and in some cases eliminates brain damage.
Cooling therapy works by reducing the amount of swelling around the brain after birth and slowing down cell death. The metabolic rate is lowered so the brain and vital organs need less energy to function and can begin the recovery process.
The research into therapeutic cooling builds on work begun by Professor Marianne Thoresen in 1992. She was one of the first to show that mild cooling when administered immediately can protect the newborn brain, effectively improving survival and neurological outcome.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Doctors move forward on research on brain cooling</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/29/doctors-move-forward-on-research-on-brain-cooling.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/29/doctors-move-forward-on-research-on-brain-cooling.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:22:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> URBANA -- When Dr. John Wang was a neurosurgeon in training, he noticed an interesting connection between his patients' temperatures and their conditions:People tended to do better in the morning wh...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ URBANA -- When Dr. John Wang was a neurosurgeon in training, he noticed an interesting connection between his patients' temperatures and their conditions:
People tended to do better in the morning when their temperatures were lower, than in the evening when their temperatures would rise.
He began to consider the therapeutic effects of cooling specifically on the brain, which is sensitive to temperature changes and whether a cooler brain temperature would benefit patients in those critical hours following a traumatic head injury or stroke.
"It came to me so clear," Wang recalls. "I thought I was the brightest star under the sun. Then I learned that everybody is trying to cool."
The challenge to brain cooling, he soon learned, was finding a way to safely lower the brain temperature without also lowering the body temperature too much, creating potentially dangerous consequences to the heart and immune system and raising the risk of bleeding and infection.
Wang went looking for a solution and found one: a cooling helmet using NASA spin-off technology.
He also found the technology developer, former NASA scientist William Elkins, and began collaborating with him.
Wang, Elkins, and fellow researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria conducted a study using Elkins' cooling helmet on severe head trauma and stroke patients, and published their findings in 2004.
Now Wang and fellow neurosurgeon Dr. William Olivero, who was also involved in the Peoria study, are poised to put brain cooling to a new test on patients in East Central Illinois.
Wang and Olivero, currently at Carle in Urbana, are undertaking a 12-month research project that will test the cooling head cover on Carle head injury and stroke patients.
Their research, funded with a $700,000 U.S. Department of Defense grant, is tentatively set to start in June, and they will have Elkins on board again for technical support.
While the research published in 2004 showed it's possible to cool the brain and how that affects body temperature, Wang says, the next step will be to show how well the cooling helmet works in the realm of emergency medicine.
Basically, "can the paramedics do this in the field," he adds.
So the grant money will be used to equip Carle's air and ground ambulances with cooling head covers purchased through Elkins company and train paramedics to use them on traumatic head injury and stroke patients being transported to Carle's trauma center.
Wang said actually applying the head cover won't involve any complex extra steps for paramedics. In a preliminary run, getting it on the patient took about 90 seconds.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>'Cooling' treatment could save lives and reduce brain damage</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/28/cooling-treatment-could-save-lives-and-reduce-brain-damage.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/28/cooling-treatment-could-save-lives-and-reduce-brain-damage.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:46:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> More people who suffer cardiac arrests could soon be offered a cooling treatment to reduce the risks of them dying or becoming severely brain damaged. This comes as new NICE guidance advises doctors ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ More people who suffer cardiac arrests could soon be offered a cooling treatment to reduce the risks of them dying or becoming severely brain damaged. This comes as new NICE guidance advises doctors that the treatment is safe and works well enough for routine use in certain patients.
“Therapeutic hypothermia” is a procedure used in some critical care units for people who have just been resuscitated following cardiac arrest due to a heart attack or other trauma. The treatment involves lowering a person's body temperature to 32-34°C while unconscious, using a blanket or mattress filled with air or fluid, or a special cap. The aim is to cool the person's brain and slow down the rate of cell damage.
Up until now, there have been significant uncertainties among doctors about the procedure's risks and its potential to reduce brain damage and save lives, compared to standard intensive care treatments. This has meant while certain hospitals in the NHS may be offering this to some of their critically ill patients, others may not be considering it at all.
The new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) advises that healthcare professionals could consider therapeutic hypothermia as a treatment option for people who are at risk of brain injury after cardiac arrest, under their hospital's usual arrangements for clinical audit/research, governance and consent.
Professor Bruce Campbell, Chair of the Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee which produced the guidance for NICE said: “The evidence shows that controlled cooling of selected patients who have suffered cardiac arrest can increase their chances of survival. The therapy can also reduce the risk of severe brain damage, which can occur when blood flow to the brain is disturbed.
“While the outcomes of therapeutic hypothermia seem to look promising, we still need to find out more about precisely which patients are most likely to benefit from its use. This is why we are encouraging further research in this area.”
The NICE guidance does not advise whether or not the procedure should be funded - these decisions are made locally.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooling brain can save heart attack patients’ lives</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/26/cooling-brain-can-save-heart-attack-patients-lives.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/26/cooling-brain-can-save-heart-attack-patients-lives.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> HEART attack sufferers will be given special ‘cooling blankets’ to lower their temperature reduce the risk of brain damage after the novel treatment was ruled safe.Research had suggested that loweri...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ HEART attack sufferers will be given special ‘cooling blankets’ to lower their temperature reduce the risk of brain damage after the novel treatment was ruled safe.
Research had suggested that lowering the temperature of the brain by up to 5C (9F) could lower the likelihood that people who suffered cardiac arrest or stroke go on to suffer brain damage, but some doctors had ‘significant uncertainties’ about the procedure.
Now the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), a health watchdog, has published guidance stating that ‘therapeutic hypothermia’ is safe and works well enough to be used routinely.
It means NHS hospitals should all consider the treatment for critically ill heart attack patients who are thought to be at risk of brain damage, although Nice has not made any judgment or whether or not it should be funded. Professor Bruce Campbell, Chair of the Interventional Procedures Advisory Committee which produced the guidance for Nice, said: ‘The evidence shows that controlled cooling of selected patients who have suffered cardiac arrest can increase their chances of survival. The therapy can also reduce the risk of severe brain damage, which can occur when blood flow to the brain is disturbed.
‘While the outcomes of therapeutic hypothermia seem to look promising, we still need to find out more about precisely which patients are most likely to benefit from its use. This is why we are encouraging further research in this area.’ –Telegraph
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Nice: Brain cooling 'safe and effective' </title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/26/nice-brain-cooling-safe-and-effective.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/26/nice-brain-cooling-safe-and-effective.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 Mar 2011 08:59:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Mediplacements.com | Brain cooling has been deemed a safe and effective treatment for cardiac arrest patients, under new guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Ni...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[
Mediplacements.com | Brain cooling has been deemed a safe and effective treatment for cardiac arrest patients, under new guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice). During therapeutic hypothermia, body temperature is l...
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<title>brain cooling and stroke recovery</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/25/brain-cooling-and-stroke-recovery-1.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/25/brain-cooling-and-stroke-recovery-1.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:51:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> brain cooling and stroke recovery,Cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery, a group of Scottish doctors has said. They are joining others fro...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ brain cooling and stroke recovery,Cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery, a group of Scottish doctors has said. They are joining others fromScientists in Scotland say cooling the brain of patients who suffer a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery.Cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery, a group of Scottish doctors has said. They are joining others fromA team of Scottish Doctors have said that cooling the brain of stroke victims can boost recovery and reduce brain damage. European scientists also have the samePutting a patient's brain on ice after they have suffered a stroke could dramatically increase their chances of recovery, Scottish doctors revealed today. The team
Cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could Dr Macleod and his Scottish team are joining a consortium of clinicians fromScientists in Scotland say cooling the brain of patients who suffer a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery.Scientists in Scotland say cooling the brain of patients who suffer a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery.The Stroke Trials Registry is a continuously updated registry of randomized clinical trials in stroke and cerebrovascular disease.New Stroke Treatments Reduce Brain Damage, Improve Recovery. Caffeinealcohol mix plus clotbusting drug proves potent resource as does body cooling with fever reducer.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Guidance backs brain cooling method (Yahoo)</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/24/guidance-backs-brain-cooling-method-yahoo.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/24/guidance-backs-brain-cooling-method-yahoo.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> People who suffer a cardiac arrest could be given new hope from a brain cooling technique.Read more on this story Click here.</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ People who suffer a cardiac arrest could be given new hope from a brain cooling technique.
Read more on this story Click here.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooling the brain can 'save lives and reduce brain damage' after heart attack</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/24/cooling-the-brain-can-save-lives-and-reduce-brain-damage-after-heart-attack.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/24/cooling-the-brain-can-save-lives-and-reduce-brain-damage-after-heart-attack.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:19:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Heart attack victims could have their chance of survival boosted by a brain-cooling technique.Therapeutic hypothermia is already used for some stroke patients.Guidance issued today says the techniq...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Heart attack victims could have their chance of survival boosted by a brain-cooling technique.
Therapeutic hypothermia is already used for some stroke patients.
Guidance issued today says the technique is safe and effective for those who suffer cardiac arrest.
During therapeutic hypothermia the body is cooled to bring brain temperature down to slow the rate at which brain cells die once they have been starved of oxygen.
This gives surgeons precious extra hours to help patients, potentially saving lives and reducing brain damage
The unconscious person has their body temperature reduced from 37C to between 32C and 34C soon after the cardiac arrest and for 12 to 24 hours afterwards.
This is done through a blanket or mattress filled with air or fluid, or a special cap.
Read more..]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Guidance backs brain cooling method</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/24/guidance-backs-brain-cooling-method.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/24/guidance-backs-brain-cooling-method.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:41:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> People who suffer a cardiac arrest could be given new hope from a brain cooling technique. New guidance says the treatment, which is also used for some stroke patients, is safe and effective.Therap...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ People who suffer a cardiac arrest could be given new hope from a brain cooling technique.
New guidance says the treatment, which is also used for some stroke patients, is safe and effective.
Therapeutic hypothermia involves cooling the brain to slow down the rate at which brain cells die once they have been starved of oxygen.
This has the potential to save lives and reduce brain damage, giving surgeons precious extra hours to help patients.
The unconscious person has their body temperature reduced from 37C to between 32C and 34C soon after the cardiac arrest and for 12 to 24 hours afterwards. This is done through a blanket or mattress filled with air or fluid, or a special cap.
Alongside the cooling, patients are given muscle relaxants to prevent shivering. Once the treatment has finished, the person is warmed up gradually until their temperature returns to normal.
Some NHS units are already using the technique for people who have been resuscitated following cardiac arrest, such as after a heart attack.
Now new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence says the treatment works and is safe.
Associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation, Dr Mike Knapton, said: "This is good news as it should result in improved outcomes for survivors of cardiac arrest."
He said the procedure can only be done in hospital with intensive monitoring for the period of hypothermia, and more research is needed to establish which patients will benefit the most.
Read more..]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>BRAIN-COOL TECHNIQUE CLEARED TO SAVE LIVES </title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/23/brain-cool-technique-cleared-to-save-lives.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/23/brain-cool-technique-cleared-to-save-lives.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:21:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> NEW hope for patients in cardiac arrest emerged yesterday when a brain-cooling technique was declared safe and effective.Therapeutic hypothermia, also used for some stroke victims, cools the brain, ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ NEW hope for patients in cardiac arrest emerged yesterday when a brain-cooling technique was declared safe and effective.
Therapeutic hypothermia, also used for some stroke victims, cools the brain, thereby slowing the death of cells once they have been starved of oxygen.
This can save lives and give surgeons precious extra hours to help patients make a full recovery.
Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence said cooling of selected patients increased their chances of survival and also reduced the risk of severe brain damage.
But a cautious Professor Bruce Campbell, head of the Nice team involved, added: “We still need to find out more about precisely which patients are most likely to benefit.”
Some NHS units are already pioneering the technique, also used for babies deprived of oxygen at birth.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>SInC Collaboration helps reach new heights in Helmet Tracking Technology</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/11/sinc-collaboration-helps-reach-new-heights-in-helmet-tracking-technology.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/11/sinc-collaboration-helps-reach-new-heights-in-helmet-tracking-technology.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:40:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> identySOL, a tenant company developing innovative solutions for tracking and monitoring around wireless technologies, has recently signed a commercial contract to design, develop and supply another o...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ identySOL, a tenant company developing innovative solutions for tracking and monitoring around wireless technologies, has recently signed a commercial contract to design, develop and supply another one of our tenants, ThermaHelm with ultra low power GPS tracking units, for its state-of-the-art life saving helmets. The contract extends over a 5 year period and identySOL will support ThermaHelm with their revolutionary product by enhancing its capabilities even more.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain-cooling Device for Motorcycle Helmets could save Thousands of Lives</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/11/brain-cooling-device-for-motorcycle-helmets-could-save-thousands-of-lives.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/11/brain-cooling-device-for-motorcycle-helmets-could-save-thousands-of-lives.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ThermaHelm™ have a patented invention that performs like an INSTANT ice pack when activated by sudden impact. It reduces brain swelling and the risk of long-term brain damage and will give paramedics...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ThermaHelm™ have a patented invention that performs like an INSTANT ice pack when activated by sudden impact. It reduces brain swelling and the risk of long-term brain damage and will give paramedics and Accident and Emergency teams vital extra minutes to perform their life-saving skills. Although the invention is at prototype stage, it has prompted significant interest from motorcycle helmet manufacturers around the world. The development team, led by inventor Jullian Powers, believe the brain-cooling device can be adapted for other at-risk activities where helmet use is necessary.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>ThermaHelm™ Joins SInC</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/12/thermahelmTM-joins-sinc.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/12/thermahelmTM-joins-sinc.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:32:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ThermaHelm™ is a revolutionary technology which could save your life. Riding a motorcycle without ThermaHelm™ technology is like driving without an airbag.Head trauma is the biggest cause of motorcyc...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ThermaHelm™ is a revolutionary technology which could save your life. Riding a motorcycle without ThermaHelm™ technology is like driving without an airbag.Head trauma is the biggest cause of motorcycle accident deaths as well as causing long-term brain damage – costly to both the heart-strings and the NHS purse. Brain swelling in the helmet post accident coupled with response times of the emergency services are key impact factors.ThermaHelm’s™ patent pending concept takes crash helmet safety to a new level. Crash helmets have remained virtually unchanged for over three decades and now change has indeed come. The company has integrated two proven technologies to create the ThermaHelm™ endothermic helmet.The design proposal works only on the internal aspects of motor cycle helmets, eliminating research and development costs of the outer helmets which are already available to high safety standards. Providing non-complicated EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) protection to the required level of thickness and combined with our patented Thermahelm™ technology, instant EMS treatment can be afforded a crash victim long before paramedics arrive.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Chemical brain-cooling ThermaHelm crash helmet praised as a “life saver” by Speedway legend Martin Dugard</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/11/chemical-brain-cooling-thermahelm-crash-helmet-praised-as-a-life-saver-by-speedway-legend-mart.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/11/chemical-brain-cooling-thermahelm-crash-helmet-praised-as-a-life-saver-by-speedway-legend-mart.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 08:45:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Former speedway champion Martin Dugard has endorsed a revolutionary new chemical brain-cooling motorcycle helmet, saying it will save lives both on road and track. The patented ThermaHelm helmet comb...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Former speedway champion Martin Dugard has endorsed a revolutionary new chemical brain-cooling motorcycle helmet, saying it will save lives both on road and track. The patented ThermaHelm helmet combines a simple idea with cutting edge technology and has been praised by the Government’s UK Trade and Investment Division.Product developers Jullian Powers and Riccardo Anzil of ThermaHelm Limited created ThermaHelm at the cutting-edge Sussex Innovation Centre. They now have several meetings with major helmet manufactures and distributors from across the world planned for early in 2010 at which they hope to sign the first contracts to both license the technology and produce the helmet for mass distribution.Speedway star Dugard is the latest expert within the biking sector to praise the concept, which aims to avoid the potentially fatal effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in the event of a motorcycle accident.The ThermaHelm helmet performs like an instant ice pack when activated by sudden impact (for example in a crash). The helmet is lined with two packs filled with non-toxic chemicals which merge on impact, initiating a cooling effect that extends vital neurological protection during the critical Golden Hour prior to hospital arrival.This endothermic (cold) reaction is immediate and absorbs heat from the head gradually whilst reducing swelling of the bruised brain tissue. The cooling process lasts approximately 30-45 minutes and maintains normothermic (stable) brain temperatures of 37C/96Fduring this time.Stabilisation of the brain’s temperature in this way means that the accident victim is much more likely to avoid Traumatic Brain Injury and so increases chances of survival as blood can transport oxygen to critical parts of a non-swollen brain as opposed to an inflamed one.Martin Dugard, winner of the British Speedway Grand Prix in 2000 and former Eastbourne Eagles captain, said: “ThermaHelm is quite simply revolutionary for all aspects of motorcycling – it’s fantastic. The helmet could be used both domestically and professionally and can save lives everywhere. “It’s such a simple idea but they say that simple ideas are the best. It only has to save one life and it will have done its job.” Another benefit of the helmet is that it enables the head to remain cool without needing to take off the crash helmet, which could aggravate any spinal or neck injuries sustained in an accident.Jullian Powers welcomed Dugard’s endorsement. “We have every confidence in ThermaHelm as a life saving product, and to hear a similar view from Martin, who is so experienced in the highest level of motorsport, is hugely encouraging. “We are very excited to have secured several meetings with a number of high profile helmet manufacturers in Q1 +amp; Q2 of 2010 and hope ThermaHelm will soon be available to every rider, either when purchasing a new helmet or as an after-market addition to their existing helmet.”Derek Goodwin, Head of the Global Entrepreneurs Programme at UK Trade +amp; Investment saw the potential of the invention years ago. He said: “We are very impressed with the approach taken by Jullian Powers in developing his new brain cooling technology. We look forward to helping ThermaHelm reach global markets with their innovation and becoming a worldwide life saving advancement.”]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>New high-tech, comfort-cooling-on-demand crash helmet technology boosts rider comfort and safety</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/12/new-high-tech-comfort-cooling-on-demand-crash-helmet-technology-boosts-rider-comfort-and-safety.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/12/new-high-tech-comfort-cooling-on-demand-crash-helmet-technology-boosts-rider-comfort-and-safety.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:25:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The team of British team of inventors responsible for the ThermaHelm Brain Cooling Crash Helmet Technology have now produced a new cooling technology designed to offer riders instant head cooling at ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The team of British team of inventors responsible for the ThermaHelm Brain Cooling Crash Helmet Technology have now produced a new cooling technology designed to offer riders instant head cooling at the push of a button and boost road safety. Called the ICE System (Internal Cooling/Extraction) the patented helmet technology contains a network of tiny tubes which when activated by the rider releases compressed gas to cool the head by several degrees in seconds. The cooling process also boosts road safety by helping riders maintain concentration in hot conditions and by demisting visors with the push of a button. ThermaHelm is the organisation behind a pioneering brain cooling device designed to prevent serious injury and death due to brain swelling post head impact in motorcycle accidents. Inventor Jullian Preston-Powers, who leads the ThermaHelm design team, said: “The cooling helmet addresses one of the oldest challenges faced by all riders – how to cool down in hot conditions or during heavy exertion such as in motocross. “From our work in creating the brain cooling helmet, which only activates in an impact, we discovered that riders were also crying out for a solution to overheating while on the road. “We therefore designed a new helmet to offer a simple yet highly effective solution – a helmet which at the touch of a button releases a cooling gas around the rider’s head. “Not only does this helmet boost rider comfort, it also boosts rider safety as research shows concentration levels dip when riders overheat.”The new helmet will soon be in production and aims to reach the market towards the end of 2010. Traditional helmet design has focussed on safety only and although some work has been done to address overheating, no complete solution has been available. The ThermaHelm cooling helmet makes no compromise on safety, offering the same thickness of impact absorbent material between the rider’s head and the outer surface of the helmet. But it also incorporates a circumcranial network of porous tubing or membrane attached to a small compressed gas canister with a trigger to initiate a release of compressed gas within the safety helmet whilst being worn on a wearer’s head. The trigger can be positioned where ever is convenient to the rider. The cooling helmet is also cost effective, with refill gas canisters costing in the region of £10 and able to deliver multiple cooling bursts. The ICE cooling system will retail at around £199 and can be ordered to include the ThermaHelm brain cooling design for impact collisions. The ThermaHelm team has had strong support from distinctive inclusion into UK Trade +amp; Investment’s Global Entrepreneur Programme, which attracts some of the world’s best entrepreneurs and early stage technology companies to use the UK as their springboard to global success.ThermaHelm has been working from its research base at the Sussex Innovation Centre in Brighton, East Sussex.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Thermahelm Short-listed for Prestigious Award</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/12/thermahelm-short-listed-for-prestigious-award.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/12/thermahelm-short-listed-for-prestigious-award.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:57:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Thermahelm have been short listed for the Best of British Innovation award at this year’s Venturefest conference. The motorcycle helmet invention which cools the head after a collision and reduces br...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Thermahelm have been short listed for the Best of British Innovation award at this year’s Venturefest conference. The motorcycle helmet invention which cools the head after a collision and reduces brain injury was developed by Jullian Preston-Powers, and is among ten finalists battling for the award. The 2010 Venturefest aims to discover new, exciting and emerging technologies from innovative businesses across the technology, life sciences, e-commerce and manufacturing sector.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Thermahelm Revolutionary Helmet Sold Out</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/12/thermahelm-revolutionary-helmet-sold-out.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/12/thermahelm-revolutionary-helmet-sold-out.html</guid>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:46:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ThermaHelm™ orders on their Limited Edition production run of their bespoke lifesaving brain-cooling helmets have sold out following their first week launch at The Carole Nash Motorcycle Live Show. C...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ThermaHelm™ orders on their Limited Edition production run of their bespoke lifesaving brain-cooling helmets have sold out following their first week launch at The Carole Nash Motorcycle Live Show. Customers face a 16 week wait for the next round production on these World’s 1st helmets. Check them out on the new website.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>ThermaHelm - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/10/thermahelm-from-wikipedia-the-free-encyclopedia.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/10/thermahelm-from-wikipedia-the-free-encyclopedia.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:58:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ThermaHelm, invented by neuroprotective specialist Jullian Joshua Preston-Powers in 2005, is an impact activated, brain cooling motorcycle crash helmet being developed at the University of Sussex Inn...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ThermaHelm, invented by neuroprotective specialist Jullian Joshua Preston-Powers in 2005, is an impact activated, brain cooling motorcycle crash helmet being developed at the University of Sussex Innovation Centre (SInC).
Ammonium nitrate and water, stored in separate areas of the helmet's liner, combine when trigger activated by an impact to create an endothermic reaction with the intention of preventing terminal brain swelling, and the aim of reducing the immediate and long term effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of death and disability worldwide. When activated by sudden impact, the helmet performs like an instant ice pack that immediately initiates a cooling effect. This cooling process lasts approximately 30–45 minutes and maintains normothermic (96°F/37°C) brain temperatures, extending the vital neurological protection during the critical golden hour prior to hospital arrival.
Read more...]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooled baby' now healthy Brighton toddler</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/09/cooled-baby-now-healthy-brighton-toddler.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/09/cooled-baby-now-healthy-brighton-toddler.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A baby boy whose body was cooled to reduce the risk of brain damage when he was starved of oxygen at birth, has made a complete recovery.Two-year-old Forrest Crawford, of Brighton, who did not breath...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A baby boy whose body was cooled to reduce the risk of brain damage when he was starved of oxygen at birth, has made a complete recovery.Two-year-old Forrest Crawford, of Brighton, who did not breath for 30 minutes, had his temperature reduced from 37C to 33.5C at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.Inducing hypothermia is a procedure used to slow the rate at which cells die in the brain.The cooling treatment is thought to work particularly well on babies who experience an acute, sudden lack of oxygen, like Forrest. Read more....]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Oxygen starved baby frozen for 3 days, survives</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/08/oxygen-starved-baby-frozen-for-3-days-survives.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/08/oxygen-starved-baby-frozen-for-3-days-survives.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:58:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A baby boy starved of oxygen during his birth has survived after medics cooled his brain for three days.Jamie Merricks was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his throat.This prevented him ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A baby boy starved of oxygen during his birth has survived after medics cooled his brain for three days.
Jamie Merricks was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his throat.
This prevented him from breathing resulting in damage to his brain after it was starved of oxygen.
But doctors at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham utilised a radical new treatment whereby they cooled Jamie down to well below normal body temperature.
The treatment involved a machine called a Tecotherm Neo, which uses cooling fluid, similar to that used in a car, in a mat onto which the baby is placed.
The baby's temperature is monitored via a probe, allowing the machine to make continual temperature adjustments.
Jamie was on the cooling machine for three days, keeping his temperature between 33 and 34 degrees Centigrade.
Normal human body temperature is 37 degrees centigrade.
His relieved mother told UK broadcaster Sky News that Jamie had been shivering after his birth with just a nappy on.
"They were desperately trying to cool his body temperature down because it couldn't quite reach the, below the 34 degrees that they needed," she said.
"So they got all the windows open and the poor little soul was shivering on the mat. But within a few hours he was down to the perfect temperature and he seemed really settled."
The treatment was inspired by the experiences of climbers who had been trapped, but had endured freezing conditions.
Jamie's doctor believes the new treatment is the biggest breakthrough in the care of newborns in the last 20 years.
Neonatal consultant Vidya Garikapati said cooling the brain decreased the metabolism, helping it to recover and limiting the damage.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Newborn baby saved by radical treatment</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/08/newborn-baby-saved-by-radical-treatment.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/08/newborn-baby-saved-by-radical-treatment.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:04:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> BIRMINGHAM, England (KABC) -- A baby boy, starved of oxygen at birth, survived after doctors turned to a radical new treatment. They cooled his brain for three days.Jamie Merricks was born with his ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ BIRMINGHAM, England (KABC) -- A baby boy, starved of oxygen at birth, survived after doctors turned to a radical new treatment. They cooled his brain for three days.
Jamie Merricks was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his throat. He couldn't breathe and suffered damage to his brain.
Doctors tried to repair the brain damage by cooling Jamie's brain and bringing his body temperature down to well below normal.
Jamie's doctors say cooling his brain decreased the metabolism, helping it to recover and limiting the damage.
They believe the new treatment is the biggest breakthrough in the care of newborns in the last 20 years.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Cooling technique reduces brain damage</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/08/cooling-technique-reduces-brain-damage.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/08/cooling-technique-reduces-brain-damage.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:40:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A baby girl has made a good recovery after undergoing induced hypothermia treatment to reduce brain damage after she was starved of oxygen at birth.Baby Ella was cooled for three days by doctors at ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A baby girl has made a good recovery after undergoing induced hypothermia treatment to reduce brain damage after she was starved of oxygen at birth.
Baby Ella was cooled for three days by doctors at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge who wrapped her in a blanket filled with fluid which cooled her whole body down from the normal 37C to 33.5C.
Inducing hypothermia is a procedure used on oxygen-loss babies. Now, nine months on, Ella is a healthy nine-month-old with no sign of brain abnormalities.
Her birth at Peterborough Maternity Unit was traumatic with her mother Rachel suffering a suspected ruptured placenta which restricted blood and oxygen supply.
As a result, Ella suffered hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which can lead to severe brain damage.
Doctors at Peterborough resuscitated Ella and began cooling her before she was transferred to Addenbrooke’s to continue the treatment.
Research has shown that cooling can limit brain injury.
Ella's consultant Dr Topun Austin, a neonatologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, said: “We had always thought that there is not much you can do after brain damage, but a recent study showed that brain cells took 24 to 48 hours to die so there is a window during which brain damage can be stopped.”
Cooling treatment is believed to work particularly well on babies who experience an acute, sudden lack of oxygen.
However, it is not known how successful the treatment has been until the babies grow older and they need to be monitored for the first few years of their lives.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>'Our little miracle' Ella the ice baby, who died in the womb and was stillborn, amazes doctors by coming back to life after 25 MINUTES</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/04/our-little-miracle-ella-the-ice-baby-who-died-in-the-womb-and-was-stillborn-amazes-doctors-by-co.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/04/our-little-miracle-ella-the-ice-baby-who-died-in-the-womb-and-was-stillborn-amazes-doctors-by-co.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:55:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Ella was cooled to a 'hypothermic state' for 72 hours to reduce brain swellingThe warmth of her mother’s first embrace lasted only a few seconds for Ella Claxton.When midwives realised the newborn ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ella was cooled to a 'hypothermic state' for 72 hours to reduce brain swelling
The warmth of her mother’s first embrace lasted only a few seconds for Ella Claxton.
When midwives realised the newborn was close to death, it was decided that only a dramatic reduction in temperature could save her.
A faint heartbeat was detected after doctors fought to revive her for 25 minutes, but there were fears that the baby’s brain had been starved of oxygen for too long.
Doctors employed a new technique which induces a state of hypothermia and, crucially, reduces the risk of brain damage.
Thanks to that treatment, today at nine months old, Ella is happy, healthy and enjoying as many of her mummy’s cuddles as she likes.
The drama began moments after Rachel Claxton, 32, and her partner Jason Anderson, 33, marvelled at the arrival of their new daughter.
But despite a seemingly uncomplicated birth, Rachel’s placenta had ruptured during the labour, restricting the baby’s oxygen and blood supply. ‘I’d held her for no more than two seconds when the midwife told Jason to pull the emergency cord,’ Miss Claxton said.
All of a sudden there were doctors everywhere.
The midwife was crying, Jason was crying and no one could tell me what was going on.
I begged them to tell me what was happening, but I already knew she was dead because it had been so long and I still hadn’t heard her cry. Then, after what seemed like an eternity, I heard someone say: “She’s with us”. I couldn’t believe it.’
Three hours later, the couple went to see Ella in intensive care where they were given more devastating news.
It was thought the little girl had suffered hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy – brain damage caused by lack of oxygen and lack of blood supply.
The doctors told us to prepare for the worst and that they didn’t think she would make it through the night.
They said that even if she did survive, she would have serious brain damage and might not be able to walk or talk. But we didn’t care as long as our baby was alive. That was all that mattered to us.
It was decided to take Ella 30 miles from Peterborough District Hospital to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, where a new freezing treatment was used to reduce the damage to her brain.
A cooling blanket took her core temperature down from around 37c to 33.5c, reducing the swelling around her brain.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Dead for 25mins, stillborn Ella recovered after medics ‘froze’ her for three days</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/04/dead-for-25mins-stillborn-ella-recovered-after-medics-froze-her-for-three-days.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/04/dead-for-25mins-stillborn-ella-recovered-after-medics-froze-her-for-three-days.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A BABY girl who was born dead miraculously survived after doctors FROZE her for three days.Stillborn Ella Anderson bled to death in the womb.She was revived 25 minutes after her birth - but she had...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A BABY girl who was born dead miraculously survived after doctors FROZE her for three days.
Stillborn Ella Anderson bled to death in the womb.
She was revived 25 minutes after her birth - but she had suffered oxygen starvation and medics feared she could still die or be left with crippling brain damage.
They whisked her to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, where a pioneering cooling technique was used. It works by slowing down the metabolism of the brain, enabling it to repair itself.
Ella was wrapped in a blanket filled with cold water and her temperature was allowed to plummet from 37C to 33.5C.
Dad Jason Anderson, 33, of Werrington, Peterborough, said: "When we went to see her in the hospital, she was wired up to every kind of machine and tube imaginable.
"I laid my hand on her head - and she was ice cold to the touch."
After 72 hours her body heat was slowly raised by half a degree at a time. After 11 days she was allowed home - and nine months later Ella has amazed doctors with her progress.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Newborn dead for 25 minutes revived then frozen to heal brain damage</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/04/newborn-dead-for-25-minutes-revived-then-frozen-to-heal-brain-damage.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/04/newborn-dead-for-25-minutes-revived-then-frozen-to-heal-brain-damage.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:53:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A British baby has survived after losing oxygen for 25 minutes inside the womb and being frozen for three days after birth to heal any brain damage arising from her bad delivery. Ella Anderson was ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A British baby has survived after losing oxygen for 25 minutes inside the womb and being frozen for three days after birth to heal any brain damage arising from her bad delivery.
Ella Anderson was revived by doctors as soon as she came out lifeless from the womb of Rachel Claxton, 32, and then taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. There, she was placed in a cooling blanket for three days to heal her brain.
The cooling blanket brought down Ella’s temperature to 33.5 degrees Celsius. The temperature was gradually increased until it was back to the normal 37 degrees.
Now 9-month-old, the baby was released after 11 days in the hospital.
 In gratitude, Claxton has started a Facebook campaign to raise funds for the unique procedure.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain Cooling Herbal Drug Soothes Pain of Lost Love</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/03/brain-cooling-herbal-drug-soothes-pain-of-lost-love.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/03/brain-cooling-herbal-drug-soothes-pain-of-lost-love.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:39:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Brain Cooling Herbal Drug Soothes Pain of Lost Love Can a broken heart be mended? According to a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in Tainan, southern Taiwan Monday (Feb. 14), the answer is yes. He...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Brain Cooling Herbal Drug Soothes Pain of Lost Love Can a broken heart be mended? According to a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in Tainan, southern Taiwan Monday (Feb. 14), the answer is yes. He has said that there is a decades-old herbal concoction, originally prescribed to treat brain inflammation, which could help grieving lovers who have been dumped or otherwise broken up with their boy/girlfriend.
Chan Kuo-hsiung, the third-generation owner of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine store in Tainan's Houbi district, said that the mixture, known as the Wushulin Lovesick Medicine, was originally prescribed by his father to treat a patient who had fallen from a tall tree. The recipe was accidentally found to be effective in treating grief caused by a failed romance as well, Chan said.
Before opening his store, Chan, whose grandfather and father were both traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, earned a Chinese medicine doctor's license from an institute in Hong Kong.
During the 1960s and the 1970s, Chan said that Taiwanese society became more open and people become more liberal while seeking love. However, this also resulted in an increasing number of people being dumped or breaking up with their girl or boy friends, he recalled.
As his father's lovesickness medicine gained increasing popularity, Chan said that as a young man he often rode on a motorbike with his father to places around southern Taiwan to distribute the medicine to help grieving lovers.
Chan said that his father's medicine was so well known that a record company even published a song in the Taiwanese Minnan language inspired by the love drug.
The herbal concoction was originally prescribed to treat people who fell from tall trees and suffered from cerebritis, caused by injuries to the brain, he said.
The medicine was meant to improve blood circulation in the brain and thereby cool the brain tissues and reduce inflammation, he explained.
He recalled that in 1992, after the drug became famous, one father traveled a long distance to meet the Chans. He was seeking help for his son, a student at a prestigious university in Taipei who had quit his studies and returned to their southern home after finding himself hopelessly in love and unable to express himself.
The father said that his son had been too shy to express himself after falling in love with a female classmate. Ten years had passed since his son had returned home one year short of graduation and he still continued to live like a piece of wood, the father had explained to the Chans.
The addled brain of the lovesick young man became better after taking the concoction for four months, Chan said.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Could brain cooling aid stroke recovery?</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/03/could-brain-cooling-aid-stroke-recovery.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/03/could-brain-cooling-aid-stroke-recovery.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:15:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Could brain cooling aid stroke recovery? According to a group of Scottish doctors, cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could spectacularly enhance their recovery.Already similar...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Could brain cooling aid stroke recovery? According to a group of Scottish doctors, cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could spectacularly enhance their recovery.
Already similar techniques have been tried effectively on heart attack patients and those having birth injuries.
So far, studies have involved the body of patients being cooled by using ice cold intravenous drips and cooling pads which were applied to the skin.
Consequently this lowers the body temperature to about 35 degree centigrade. This technique sets the body into a state of artificial hibernation, where the brain can endure with less blood supply, and provides sufficient time to doctors to treat blocked or burst blood vessels.
According to Dr Malcolm Macleod, at the University of Edinburgh, every day 1,000 Europeans die from stroke, which is approximately one every 90 seconds and about twice that number stay alive but are disabled. Their estimates show that hypothermia might improve the upshot for more than 40,000 Europeans per year.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain cooling could aid stroke recovery</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/02/brain-cooling-could-aid-stroke-recovery.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/02/brain-cooling-could-aid-stroke-recovery.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:02:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Brain cooling could aid stroke recovery Cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery, a group of Scottish doctors has said.They are joining ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Brain cooling could aid stroke recovery Cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery, a group of Scottish doctors has said.
They are joining others from across Europe who believe that inducing hypothermia in some patients can boost survival rates and reduce brain damage.
Similar techniques have already been tried successfully on heart attack patients and those with birth injuries.
Scientists are in Brussels to discuss a Europe-wide trial of the technique.
To date, studies have involved the body of patients being cooled using ice cold intravenous drips and cooling pads applied to the skin.
This lowers the body temperature to about 35C, just a couple of degrees below its normal level.
The technique puts the body into a state of artificial hibernation, where the brain can survive with less blood supply, giving doctors vital time to treat blocked or burst blood vessels.
Dr Malcolm Macleod, head of experimental neuroscience at the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said: "Every day 1,000 Europeans die from stroke - that's one every 90 seconds - and about twice that number survive but are disabled.
"Our estimates are that hypothermia might improve the outcome for more than 40,000 Europeans every year."
Space travel
Dr Macleod and his Scottish team are joining a consortium of clinicians from across Europe to seek funding for a trial involving 1,500 stroke patients.
Speaking for European Stroke Research Network for Hypothermia (EuroHYP), a group of European researchers from more than 20 countries, Dr Macleod added: "The preliminary evidence is all there - now it is time for Europe to act."
The European research project, which will also include hospitals in Germany, Italy and France, is being led by Professor Dr Stefan Schwab.
Dr Schwab said: "We know the financial situation is difficult, but based on current evidence, the personal and economic benefits of avoiding stroke related death and disability means that the trial would pay for itself in less than a year.
"As the population ages, this trial will become even more important, and a benefit of cooling demonstrated in the proposed study will set the stage for future studies with hypothermia, extending the eligibility of the treatment to even greater number of patients."
The progress of the clinicians is also reportedly being watched by those from the European Space Agency because of its possible application for the future of long distance space travel.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain-Cooling Device for Cardiac Arrest Wins First-Prize for Johns Hopkins Students</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/02/brain-cooling-device-for-cardiac-arrest-wins-first-prize-for-johns-hopkins-students.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/02/brain-cooling-device-for-cardiac-arrest-wins-first-prize-for-johns-hopkins-students.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:20:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Brain-Cooling Device for Cardiac Arrest Wins First-Prize for Johns Hopkins Students A brain-cooling invention that could improve the survival prospects for cardiac arrest patients has won a $10,000...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Brain-Cooling Device for Cardiac Arrest Wins First-Prize for Johns Hopkins Students A brain-cooling invention that could improve the survival prospects for cardiac arrest patients has won a $10,000 first-place prize for a Johns Hopkins undergraduate team in a national biomedical engineering competition for college students.
The honor was announced this week at the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance’s annual BMEidea Awards, as part of the Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry awards ceremonies in New York City. More than 30 undergraduate and graduate student teams participated in the contest, in which judges from academia and industry evaluated entries for their ability to solve clinical problems. The devices also needed to demonstrate new and practical designs and applications, economic feasibility, market potential and patentability.
The Johns Hopkins undergraduates’ project is called the Rapid Hypothermia Induction Device. “Essentially,” said team leader David Huberdeau of Woodbridge, Va., “it’s designed to prevent brain damage.”
The device includes an air tank, a pouch containing a pressure regulator and control mechanism, and two nasal prongs that are inserted into the nostrils. It works on the principle of evaporative cooling, the students said. By flushing cool, dry air through the nasal cavities, the device speeds up the evaporation of moisture that resides naturally in the nasal cavities. As this moisture leaves the body, it carries heat away, causing a condition called hypothermia. “Our animal tests indicate that the system works by cooling the blood that passes through the nasal cavity, and then that cooled blood passes through the brain,” Huberdeau said.
Cooling the brain is an important way to limit brain damage when a person’s heart stops beating for more than a few minutes. The loss of blood flow deprives brain cells of oxygen, but cooling can delay the process of cell death. According to the students, the device could be administered in less than 15 seconds by a trained emergency medical technician without interfering with traditional emergency treatments such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation. The goal would be to begin the cooling process well before the patient arrives at the hospital, where more intensive care can be administered.
In a written description about their project, the students said animal testing has demonstrated “a significant drop in cranial temperature with a nasal application of our RHID system.” The device has not yet been tested on human subjects.
The team’s faculty sponsor is Harikrishna Tandri, an assistant professor in the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a member of the Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute. The invention is protected by a provisional patent, listing Tandri as the inventor. Tandri, working with Johns Hopkins Technology Transfer, is talking to medical device companies and investors regarding possible commercialization of the device.
The Johns Hopkins project was developed as part of the undergraduate biomedical engineering design team program directed by faculty member Robert Allen. The device was produced with support from the university’s Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design.
In addition to Huberdeau, the student team members were Joe Chao, Jessica Hu, Mikel McDonald, Yoshiaki Sono, Byron Tang, Valeriya Aranovich, Joshua Budman, Jessica Chen and Hyo Jun Kim. The BMEidea Awards competition prize money will be shared among the students.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Rapid Hypothermia Induction Device team (Johns Hopkins) wins BMEidea 2010</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/02/rapid-hypothermia-induction-device-team-johns-hopkins-wins-bmeidea-2010.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/02/rapid-hypothermia-induction-device-team-johns-hopkins-wins-bmeidea-2010.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:46:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Rapid Hypothermia Induction Device team (Johns Hopkins) wins BMEidea 2010 The winners of BMEidea 2010 were announced today, at the MD+amp;M trade show in New York City. In first place, winning $10,0...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Rapid Hypothermia Induction Device team (Johns Hopkins) wins BMEidea 2010 The winners of BMEidea 2010 were announced today, at the MD+amp;M trade show in New York City. In first place, winning $10,000, is the Rapid Hypothermia Induction Device team from Johns Hopkins University.
Second place and $2,500 went to the Low-cost Ventilator (OneBreath) team from Stanford University. Third place and $1,000 went to the Natural Orifice Volume Enlargement (NOVEL) Device team from University of Cincinnati.
Read more about the finalists and see their prototypes here.
And read Medgadget.com's story on BMEidea 2010.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Brain Cooling: New Hope for the Sickest Newborns</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/02/brain-cooling-new-hope-for-the-sickest-newborns.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/03/02/brain-cooling-new-hope-for-the-sickest-newborns.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Brain Cooling: New Hope for the Sickest Newborns Over his 30-year career, Siva Subramanian, MD, chief of Neonatology, has witnessed tremendous advances in medicine’s ability to save the lives of crit...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Brain Cooling: New Hope for the Sickest Newborns Over his 30-year career, Siva Subramanian, MD, chief of Neonatology, has witnessed tremendous advances in medicine’s ability to save the lives of critically ill newborns. But until recently, he could only stand by and watch when one of the infants in his care suffered asphyxia, or lack of oxygen to the brain. There was simply no treatment available, anywhere in the world, to stop the damage.
Now a new technique is giving these babies another chance at living a more normal life: brain cooling. And, in keeping with its history of innovation, Georgetown University Hospital is one of the first in the region to offer the procedure.
“Reducing body temperature has been effective in protecting the brains in animals, and is already used in adults in certain neurological and heart procedures,” says the expert neonatologist, known simply as Dr. Siva. “Now, two new international studies have demonstrated the value of cooling the brain in newborns suffering with moderate or severe asphyxia, as well.”
Technically called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, the condition evolves over several hours. The initial oxygen and/or lack of blood supply to the brain kicks off a series of other events, as the body tries to repair itself. This natural approach is effective when HIE is mild. But in moderate or severe cases, the body’s desperate attempts could cause more brain damage.
Dr. Siva Subramanian, Chief, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics
All too often, the result is long-term developmental, physical and mental delays. Many infants with HIE will face life-long struggles with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, learning disabilities and vision or hearing impairments. Up to 60 percent of all newborns with severe HIE die.
The cooling technique is designed to minimize such outcomes. Using specialized equipment adapted for newborns, neonatologists reduce the baby’s core body temperature over a period of 72 hours. Studies report a 16 to 27 percent drop in the number of deaths or severe disability.
Because it is so new, the effect of brain cooling on improving the long-term developmental outlook for infants with HIE will not be known for several years. However, the process itself carries no risks and is currently the only alternative to doing nothing.
Timing, however, is critical.
“To work, brain cooling must be initiated within six hours of delivery in infants with asphyxia,” Dr. Siva says. Asphyxia occurs both before and during birth. “Any baby who is at risk of, or suspected of, suffering moderate or severe asphyxia should be considered for transfer to the Georgetown University Hospital NICU immediately for evaluation,” adds Dr. Siva.
HIE is an uncommon occurrence, but not rare. Approximately two to four of every 1,000 newborns are affected, which translates to between 100 and 200 cases in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area each year. Causes are diverse and may include a difficult delivery, maternal disease or maternal bleeding. Infants with severe HIE often suffer seizures or become comatose shortly after birth.
Georgetown has been offering this new technique for several months in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), one of the state-of-the-art NICUs in the country. With 44 incubators, the unit treats approximately 600 children from the area each year, of which about one-third transferred from other facilities.
Under Dr. Siva’s leadership and with the hard work of his faculty and nurses, the NICU has been the site of many clinical advances over the years, including the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in near term and term infants, and high-frequency jet and oscillatory ventilation to improve respiration in sick newborns. He and his team were also instrumental in developing the mobile neonatal intensive care unit on wheels – a specially equipped incubator with high frequency ventilator and inhaled nitric oxide to help sick babies during transport.
The entire NICU team is excited about the prospects that brain cooling holds for the future of HIE care.
“It’s obviously not a miracle cure, but a procedure that can help reduce the most serious consequences – at least in some infants,” he says. “These are among the sickest babies we ever see. I’m glad we finally have something to offer them and their parents.”]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Honda VFR1200F Motorbike Wins Award</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/19/honda-vfr1200f-motorbike-wins-award.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/19/honda-vfr1200f-motorbike-wins-award.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:01:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Honda VFR1200F Motorbike Wins Award Honda’s VFR1200F has been named best sports touring motorcycle of 2010. Motorcyclists’ eager to purchase a Honda model should check out the best helmets for motor...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Honda VFR1200F Motorbike Wins Award Honda’s VFR1200F has been named best sports touring motorcycle of 2010. Motorcyclists’ eager to purchase a Honda model should check out the best helmets for motorcycles to protect themselves on the road.
The machine was also placed in the top 10 best selling motorcycles of 2010 overall at the Motor Cycle News awards 2010.
The defining feature which led this model to victory was the Dual Clutch Transmission technology on the FD version of the VFR1200.
“It is always rewarding for Honda to be recognised within the industry with awards,” commented Steve Martindale, Honda UK Motorcycles’ general manager.
“And even more so for a bike such as the VFR1200F which pushed new boundaries in motorcycle design and technology.”
Since the motorbike’s introduction to the market last spring, its sales headed the category of best sports motorbike in 2010.
The motorbike however was also commended for its versatility which enables owners to commute on a daily basis and use it for long-distance riding.
The Motor Cycle News awards are an annual event aiming to reward excellence in the UK motorcycle industry. There are 20 awards spread across different categories.
If you ride your motorbike on long distance journeys or even for shorter trips only once in a while, make sure you have a good motorbike helmet to protect you.
It only takes one accident to cause serious injury to a motorcyclist or even death, the best helmets for motorcycles aim to reduce this.
The ThermaHelm technology used in halo helmets uses a freezing technology to preserve the rider’s head following a crash, this aims to prevent brain swell.
Best Helmets for Motorcycles Sale
Get a discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. Claim a £400 saving off our halo helmet, email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Best Motorcycle Roads in North America</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/19/best-motorcycle-roads-in-north-america.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/19/best-motorcycle-roads-in-north-america.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:52:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Best Motorcycle Roads in North America Explore two of the best motorcycle roads in North America and plan your motorbike road trip now.Motorcycle enthusiasts love nothing more than hitting the open ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Best Motorcycle Roads in North America Explore two of the best motorcycle roads in North America and plan your motorbike road trip now.
Motorcycle enthusiasts love nothing more than hitting the open road on a road trip. Whether you ride a Harley Davidson, BMW motorbike or Honda, whatever your motorcycle of choice there is nothing more invigorating that hitting the road and exploring mile upon mile of open countryside.
So where to go for an ultimate road trip? With a vast Continent to explore, good roads and some of the most amazing scenery on the planet, the North American Continent is great for road trips, with the added incentive of giving riders the opportunity to feel like they are an extra in the ultimate biker movie, Easy Rider, too.
While most bikers will know all about Route 66 and the Big Sur in California, for an authentic twist try these two more off-the-beaten-path motorbike routes instead.
New Hampshire Motorcycle Road Trips
Although extremely popular during ‘Fall’ and leave-peeking-season in the autumn, with some extraordinary scenery and stunning roads, whatever time of year you visit, New England has some of the best motorcycle roads in North America and is a great location for a motorcycle road trip.
For experienced riders Mount Washington – the highest peak in the North Eastern United States – has to be a must-do. With erratic weather and twisty roads it is a challenge on a motorbike, but one that is rewarded with fantastic views.
Check out this Video Descending Mount Washington on a Motorbike
Nova Scotia Motorbike Routes
A little known gem of a motorcycle road trip destination is Nova Scotia in Canada. With pristine, untouched wilderness, low traffic levels and excellent roads, as well as biker-friendly locals it really is a great place to explore by motorbike. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the video below and see for yourself. Motorcycle Road Trips Nova Scotia
Remember that if you are planning a motorcycle road trip that you should still take the same safety precautions you would at home. If, for example, you intend hiring a motorbike that you are not used to, or one with a bigger engine, keeping safe should be your top priority.
The Halo Helmet from ThermaHelm is one of the safest helmets a motorcyclist can own. To find out more and to claim a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Clean Motorbike Crash Helmet Visors to Prevent Dazzle</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/18/clean-motorbike-crash-helmet-visors-to-prevent-dazzle.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/18/clean-motorbike-crash-helmet-visors-to-prevent-dazzle.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:59:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Clean Motorbike Crash Helmet Visors to Prevent Dazzle New research has shown vision-related issues were the contributory cause of 10 percent of all UK road accidents last year, posing the need for mo...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Clean Motorbike Crash Helmet Visors to Prevent Dazzle New research has shown vision-related issues were the contributory cause of 10 percent of all UK road accidents last year, posing the need for motorcyclists to clean their motorbike crash helmet visors for their safety.
According to Armor All, sun dazzle was the largest weather-related cause of vision-related crashes, responsible for over 2,600 accidents.
The Department for Transport showed the most dangerous months of the year for motorcyclists is from December through to March, as these months from 2008 to 2009 saw 1,299 motorcyclists killed or seriously injured.
Motorcyclists are being urged to take good care of their motorbikes to ensure gritting salt or excess water does not cause erosion of vital parts.
These figures also highlight the need to take extra care when riding on UK roads in the winter - riding at a slower speed and perhaps choosing a more suitable time of day to make your journeys than in bad weather or low sun.
Best Motorbike Crash Helmets
Buy a new motorbike crash helmet for sale to take advantage of the latest technology, which helps save motorcyclist lives if they are involved in an accident.
The best motorbike crash helmets on the market are those which not only protect the motorbike rider’s head from the impact of a crash, but also afterwards too.
Head injuries are the most common cause of motorcyclist fatalities, and so protection of this body part is vital.
A ThermaHelm halo helmet freezes the brain to prevent it from swelling – a leading cause of brain damage where the brain expands and puts pressure on the skull.
It is also fitted with a device which triggers a GPS signal so when an accident occurs a local station can pick up the signal to alert emergency services that there has been an accident, and exactly where it has occurred.
Motorbike Crash Helmets for Sale: Halo Helmets
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.  ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle Crash Helmets Cut Risk from Tyre Misalignment</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/18/motorcycle-crash-helmets-cut-risk-from-tyre-misalignment.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/18/motorcycle-crash-helmets-cut-risk-from-tyre-misalignment.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:53:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcycle Crash Helmets Cut Risk from Tyre Misalignment Potholes have been found to cause motor vehicle tyres to become misaligned making them less efficient and risk motorcyclist safety. Find out ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcycle Crash Helmets Cut Risk from Tyre Misalignment Potholes have been found to cause motor vehicle tyres to become misaligned making them less efficient and risk motorcyclist safety. Find out how motorcycle crash helmets, such as the halo helmet could protect you in an accident.
It is estimated that tyre/wheel misalignment could cost UK motorists up to £100 million in additional fuel costs, research by Micheldever/Protyre showed.
They claim that wheels in this state require more energy to turn at the same speed, increasing fuel consumption by 3 to 3.5 percent – an unnecessary cost adding to the burden many motorists are feeling following the VAT raise and high fuel costs.
The recent cold snap is likely to have made this situation more likely to occur due to the large amount of potholes created by freezing temperatures.
This increases the likelihood of vehicles bumping into curbs due to the slippery road surfaces – the knocks causing the wheels to become misaligned and even damaging suspension.
Motorcycle Crash Helmets UK
If you are worried about how the state of the road may impact your motorcycle crash helmets, then investigate a Halo Helmet from ThermaHelm.
The freezing technology aims to reduce the rider’s head from swelling following a crash, so the likelihood of brain damage is decreased.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Offer
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.
“UK roads and repairs have not recovered totally from the snow and freezing winter weather of 2009/10,” said Simon Hiorns, Micheldever/Protyre retail director.
“Potholes pose a very real safety threat to road users as well as spelling premature replacement cost for replacing tyres.”
Tyre wear is also increased if misaligned which not only decreases fuel efficiency but also means the motorist has to replace the tyres more often, increasing their motoring costs.
The handling of a motorbike can be compromised too which can impose safety risks. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Best Motorcycle Crash Helmet Urged for Safety</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/17/best-motorcycle-crash-helmet-urged-for-safety.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/17/best-motorcycle-crash-helmet-urged-for-safety.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:11:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Best Motorcycle Crash Helmet Urged for Safety Research shows motorcyclists take the greatest risk out of all road users when starting their engines. Take a look at these motorbike riding safety tips...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Best Motorcycle Crash Helmet Urged for Safety Research shows motorcyclists take the greatest risk out of all road users when starting their engines. Take a look at these motorbike riding safety tips and the best crash helmets on the market.
According to Think! statistics, motorcyclists are 57 times more likely to be seriously or fatally injured in a crash compared to car drivers.
Newcastle University research showed motorists find driving boring due to the ease of driving with new technology and the increasing restrictions placed on them - making them more likely to take risks.
This is bad news for motorcyclists who already face greater challenges from drivers - around three-quarters of motorcycle collisions involve another vehicle, and this is usually a car.
Tips for Motorbike Safety
In 2008 research showed of all the motorbike accidents that occurred, 51 percent happened in collisions at junctions, with the remaining 24 percent involving crashes with other vehicles away from junctions. Single vehicle accidents accounted for 25 percent.
These figures highlight the need for motorcyclists to pay even more attention to hazards on the road when they approach junctions and when they are overtaking.
Motorcycle Crash Helmets
While a motorcyclist can ensure they drive to the best of their ability, sometimes a crash is hard to avoid, and with the statistics of motorcycles crashes so high it is worth investing in a quality motorcycle crash helmet.
The best ones on the market not only protect the motorbike rider’s head on impact of a crash, but also helps to prevent brain damage by cooling the head afterwards and before the ambulance arrives.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Offer
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Men Need Motorcycle Safety Equipment Most</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/17/men-need-motorcycle-safety-equipment-most.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/17/men-need-motorcycle-safety-equipment-most.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:07:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Men Need Motorcycle Safety Equipment Most Male road users are more likely to be involved in an accident, new figures show, highlighting the importance of motorcycle safety equipment for men when taki...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Men Need Motorcycle Safety Equipment Most Male road users are more likely to be involved in an accident, new figures show, highlighting the importance of motorcycle safety equipment for men when taking to the roads.
The AA’s Drive Confident scheme revealed men have misplaced confidence over their ability to control a vehicle on the road.
Men were shown to be nearly 70 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than women, and women are six times more likely to seek to improve their skills through refresher training than men.
“In road safety terms, a lot of confidence is not necessarily a good thing – unless it’s grounded in sound skills and a safe attitude,” said Edmund King, AA president.
“Male dominance in statistics for speeding, in particular, suggests that confidence can often outstrip skill.”
Motorcycle Safety Facts
Male road users are almost one and a half times more likely to have a driving conviction for speeding than women.
There are more than twice as many road casualties among young men than young women, and men are more than twice as likely to have a drink-drive conviction.
As part of a rider’s motorcycle safety equipment the crash helmet is a vital part, as 80 percent of motorcyclist fatalities are due to head injuries.
A halo helmet with the ThermaHelm technology embedded into the lining of the helmet will give the rider a good chance of surviving a crash. An endothermic reaction occurs on impact and freezes the rider’s head, preventing brain swell and hopefully reducing the chance of permanent brain damage.
Motorcycle Safety Equipment: Crash Helmet Sale
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Triumph Motorbike Sales Rise</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/14/triumph-motorbike-sales-rise.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/14/triumph-motorbike-sales-rise.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Triumph Motorbike Sales Rise Triumph motorbikes are outperforming other manufacturers, according to new research. If you have just bought a new motorbike find out more about motorcycle crash helmets...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Triumph Motorbike Sales Rise Triumph motorbikes are outperforming other manufacturers, according to new research. If you have just bought a new motorbike find out more about motorcycle crash helmets.
The motorbike market has taken a hit since the start of the economic downturn, becoming a luxury many cannot afford, however Triumph claimed their sales rose by 1.5 percent last year, as reported in the Guardian.
The Leicestershire based motorcycle manufacturer said they sold 7,562 motorbikes in total last year, even though the industry as a whole saw sales fall by 14 percent.
This has increased the company’s share of the overall motorcycle market to 16 percent in 2010, up from 13 percent the year before, according to the Motor Cycle Industry Association.
New Motorcycle Crash Helmets for New Motorbikes
If you have just purchased a new bike to upgrade your riding experience, it is a good idea to upgrade your motorcycle crash helmet to give you better protection.
The difference between a standard helmet and a ThermaHelm crash helmet is the latter not only cushions the rider’s head on impact of a crash, but also protects the brain from swelling afterwards to reduce the effects of brain swell.
Head injuries account for about 80 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities, highlighting the importance of investing in a quality brand.
When the endothermic chemical reaction is triggered the helmet automatically cools down, preserving the rider’s head from further injury before the emergency services arrive.
The cooling technology is fitted to the best motorcycle helmets on the market, all of which have passed stringent safety tests.
Motorcycle Crash Helmet Sale
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Special Honda Hornet to Be Won</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/14/special-honda-hornet-to-be-won.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/14/special-honda-hornet-to-be-won.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:05:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Special Honda Hornet to Be Won Honda scooters and motorcycles will feature at London’s Hollywood and Art show, with a special model being offered as a competition prize. A CB600FA Hornet painted in...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Special Honda Hornet to Be Won Honda scooters and motorcycles will feature at London’s Hollywood and Art show, with a special model being offered as a competition prize.
A CB600FA Hornet painted in a unique Hollywood blockbuster film scheme, and an artist inspired CBR100RR Fireblade display is available to lucky prize winners.
On the Honda stand and next month’s MCN London Motorcycle Show at EXCeL, will be a selection of their current range of motorbikes in new 2011 colours, including the new Tricolour and Repsol-liveried Fireblades.
The Sports Tourer of the Year, the VFR1200F, will also be at the show, and seen its new colour scheme of Black Metallic.
Visitors to the show can also see Honda motorcycles in action with the off-road CRF100s and the Montesa trials bike in the Revolution Live Performance action arena, TT legend and Honda rider John McGuinness will be part of the riding team.
Halo Helmets: New Technology
The Honda motorbike stand will also give new riders the chance to experience life on two wheels in the safety of a static environment.
If you are a motorbike owner and enjoy the thrill of a fast ride on a trendy new motor, you may be interested in the latest models of motorbike crash helmets.
A halo helmet with the ThermaHelm cooling technology means a chemical reaction is triggered when the rider is involved in an accident and impact is felt.
This cools the rider’s head to prevent the brain from swelling, it also triggers a GPS signal to alert the emergency services of his or her location, and that an accident has occurred.
Motorbike Helmets for Sale: Halo Helmets
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorbike Helmets for Sale</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/13/motorbike-helmets-for-sale.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/13/motorbike-helmets-for-sale.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:19:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorbike Helmets for Sale Motorcycle riders are urged to take advantage of January motorbike helmet sales, and invest in their future road safety.Statistics show there are over one million motorbik...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorbike Helmets for Sale Motorcycle riders are urged to take advantage of January motorbike helmet sales, and invest in their future road safety.
Statistics show there are over one million motorbike riders in the UK, with five million full motorcycle licence holders, meaning four fifths of these are inactive.
Of these there are around five million female full motorcycle licence holders, indicating it is still a widely male dominated form of transport.
According to figures from Motorcycle.co.uk, motorcyclists account for 1/38th of the road population - this is 2.6 percent.
Of the 38 million vehicles on the road in total, motorcyclists are a tiny fraction of this, meaning other road users are less likely to be aware of the presence than they are of other cars.
Motorcycle Safety as Minority Road Users
This highlights the importance of safe motorbike riding, and of wearing the best protective clothing for protection if an accident was to occur.
January is the perfect opportunity to invest in a quality motorcycle crash helmet with suppliers offering motorbike helmets for sale.
The halo helmets from ThermaHelm are no exception, and if a motorbike rider purchases one of these, they can ride in the knowledge that they are protected from the unexpected.
A chemical reaction is triggered in the helmet’s lining on impact of a crash, this causes the helmet to cool the rider’s head which is probably already hot from the ride, and doing this helps to prevent brain damage.
Motorbike Helmets for Sale
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Italian Classic Motorbikes at Race Retro</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/13/italian-classic-motorbikes-at-race-retro.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/13/italian-classic-motorbikes-at-race-retro.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:10:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Italian Classic Motorbikes at Race Retro This year’s Race Retro show will feature a classic Italian motorbike for enthusiasts to view, along with a host of other high performance models. The Moto Gu...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Italian Classic Motorbikes at Race Retro This year’s Race Retro show will feature a classic Italian motorbike for enthusiasts to view, along with a host of other high performance models.
The Moto Guzzi V8 motorcycle boasts an eight cylinder 500cc racing engine, and will be available for visitors to the UK event at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, to marvel at.
Other show features include guest Giacomo Agostini who posted 123 Grand Prix wins across numerous classics.
A three cylinder 500cc MV Augusta, based on those raced by Agostini in the 1960s, will join him, and will even be seen in action in the Fire Up Paddock.
Agostini said in the past that although this motorbike lacked horsepower, the MV was light and therefore easy to ride.
Those keen to get their hands on a classic motorbike will be able to attend the H+amp;H auction on Saturday 26th February.
The show is open from 25th to 27th February this year and doors open at 9.30am each day, closing at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and 4.30pm on the Sunday.
Custom Motorcycle Helmets
If you are interested in buying classic motorbikes, or as a motorbike enthusiast are interested in new and old inventions, take a look at the unique design of a ThermaHelm halo helmet.
These custom motorcycle helmets by ThermaHelm use revolutionary cooling technology to save the rider’s head following a crash. This is in addition to the halo helmet supporting the head during one also.
A helmet can act like an oven for an already hot head, which can worsen the effects of brain swell if impact has made this a possibility, so the cooling technique aims to prevent this.
Motorbike Helmets for Sale: Motorcycle Crash Helmets
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle Safety at Risk with Costly Repairs</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/12/motorcycle-safety-at-risk-with-costly-repairs.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/12/motorcycle-safety-at-risk-with-costly-repairs.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:30:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcycle Safety at Risk with Costly Repairs Motorists expect to be ripped off by garages according to new research, meaning many are taking motorcycle safety risks by delaying vital repairs.The st...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcycle Safety at Risk with Costly Repairs Motorists expect to be ripped off by garages according to new research, meaning many are taking motorcycle safety risks by delaying vital repairs.
The study by the AA revealed almost two thirds of the 17,000 people surveyed expect to be overcharged by garages and mechanics.
Almost half admit they expect to receive a bill, following the repairs, that is more than was originally quoted.
Worryingly, 31 percent put off getting the work done for as long as possible, while 22 percent attempt to do the repairs themselves.
“Our survey shows that overcharging is a serious issue that undermines customer confidence,” said Edmund King, AA president.
More than half of motorists do not shop around to find the best deal on repair work, and being overcharged is more of a concern for women with 67 percent fretting, compared to 59 percent of men.
Motorcycle Crash Helmet for Safe Riding
Think! states motorcyclists are 57 times more likely to be injured in a serious or fatal crash than car drivers.
If car drivers and motorcyclists are putting off getting vital repair work completed, then lives are at risk if something should go wrong while on the road.
This is especially true for motorcyclists, and so it is important they investigate the best motorcycle crash helmets on the market to give them the best chance of surviving a crash.
ThermaHelm offers a unique design in its halo helmet models, as it not only helps to prevent brain damage with its cooling technique, but also alerts the emergency services to the rider’s location following an accident.
Motorbike Helmets for Sale: Motorcycle Crash Helmets
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Biker Helmets for Ducati’s New Motorbike School</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/12/biker-helmets-for-ducatis-new-motorbike-school.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/12/biker-helmets-for-ducatis-new-motorbike-school.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:27:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Biker Helmets for Ducati’s New Motorbike School A new motorbike riding experience is being launched by Ducati as it opens a new course available for beginners to race-track specialists. Find out mor...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Biker Helmets for Ducati’s New Motorbike School A new motorbike riding experience is being launched by Ducati as it opens a new course available for beginners to race-track specialists. Find out more about biker helmets when learning to ride.
The Ducati Riding Experience will offer tuition from motorbike superstar Troy Bayliss and the opportunity to try out the new Monster 796, 848EVO and 1198 SP, and the new Troy Bayliss Academy course.
The courses start from April at major circuits across Italy such as Adria, Imola, Monza and Mugello, collaborating with the Italian Motorcycle Federation.
A basic course for absolute beginners will enable enthusiasts the experience of riding a Monster 796 in a safe and professional environment, while intermediates can improve their bike control skills through specially prepared course exercises.
Participants will develop track skills and become comfortable being in a high-speed environment on the master courses, and gain valuable insight from instructors and champions including Dario Marchetti, Alessandro Polita and 5oocc World Champion Marco Lucchinelli.
Wear a Biker Helmet While Riding
If you are considering taking one of these courses, or are about to commence a beginners course closer to home, ensure you are prepared with all the necessary safety gear.
Learning to ride a bike can be nerve-racking, so riding with the knowledge that you are well protected if you were to fall off will give you that extra peace of mind.
A ThermaHelm Biker Helmet will give you protection like no other, as its special lining cools the rider’s head when involved in a crash, to prevent brain damage.
Motorbike Helmets for Sale: Biker Helmets
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorbike Crash Helmets a Must-Have for January Riding</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/11/motorbike-crash-helmets-a-must-have-for-january-riding.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/11/motorbike-crash-helmets-a-must-have-for-january-riding.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:53:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorbike Crash Helmets a Must-Have for January Riding January weather has proved to be less severe than the last month of 2010 - however riders are warned to retain their caution when taking to the ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorbike Crash Helmets a Must-Have for January Riding January weather has proved to be less severe than the last month of 2010 - however riders are warned to retain their caution when taking to the roads. Stay safe on your motorbike and benefit from a great motorbike helmet sale.
Motorbike owners are urged to make regular checks of their motorbike to ensure salt grit, road debris and excess water does not cause parts to deteriorate.
You may consider switching to winter tyres when riding on the roads in Britain, as weather conditions are now regularly causing temperatures to drop below four degrees Celsius.
Dressing appropriately in winter is vital so you can control the bike to the best of your ability without your limbs becoming stiff with the cold.
Consider wearing a high visibility vest when riding at night time, and even when there is heavy rain or snow, as this haze could obscure other road users’ vision.
Do not overload your bike as this could affect the weight of the motorbike and how well it can handle different manoeuvres.
The Benefits of Motorbike Crash Helmets
Although it is a legal obligation for motorcyclists to wear a helmet when riding on the road, they are a necessary safety feature too. Crash Helmet for Sale
They keep the rider’s head warm while riding in cold conditions in the winter, and the visor keeps snow and rain out of the rider’s eyes so they have a better view of the road.
A motorbike crash helmet with the special ThermaHelm technology means the lining of the helmet cools the rider’s head following a crash – the likelihood of brain damage is reduced.
Motorbike Helmets for Sale: Halo Helmets
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motor Bike Riders Urged to Check Tyre Pressure</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/11/motor-bike-riders-urged-to-check-tyre-pressure.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/11/motor-bike-riders-urged-to-check-tyre-pressure.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motor Bike Riders Urged to Check Tyre Pressure Motorcylists are being urged to check their motorbike’s tyre pressure to save on fuel costs and increase motorcycle safety. Find more motorbike riding s...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motor Bike Riders Urged to Check Tyre Pressure Motorcylists are being urged to check their motorbike’s tyre pressure to save on fuel costs and increase motorcycle safety. Find more motorbike riding safety tips now.
TyreSafe claims if this procedure is carried out regularly, tyres at the correct pressure can increase safety and lower CO2 emissions, while also resulting in longer tyre life.
“Reduced fuel bills are possible by simply making sure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure,” said Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman.
“Motorists needn’t be throwing money away just by making a few straight forward tyre pressure checks.”
The 0.76p government fuel duty increase, on top of the rise in VAT to 20 percent on the 4th January, has led to motorists feeling the pinch in the New Year.
Riding a motorbike can be expensive, but it is important for motorcylists to ensure their safety is not put at risk by failing to take the necessary precautions, just to save money.
Safety Tips: Motorbike Helmet UK
If you have underinflated tyres this causes them to have increased rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder and more fuel is consumed.
The figures show that when they are under-inflated by just 20 percent, three percent more fuel is used.
Safety implications of under-inflated tyres mean there is an increased risk of the motorbike suffering a blow out at high speed, this is due to excessive heat building up in the tyre.
A quality motorbike helmet UK is worth the money you save on fuel, as halo helmets from ThermaHelm protect the rider’s head following a crash by cooling the brain.
Motorbike Helmets for Sale: Halo Helmets
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>New Motorbike Insurance Offer</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/10/new-motorbike-insurance-offer.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/10/new-motorbike-insurance-offer.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:12:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> New Motorbike Insurance Offer Owners of two motorbikes or more can benefit from a new insurance policy just launched. Plus, claim a discount on a fantastic custom motorbike helmet now.If a rider has...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ New Motorbike Insurance Offer Owners of two motorbikes or more can benefit from a new insurance policy just launched. Plus, claim a discount on a fantastic custom motorbike helmet now.
If a rider has a number of bikes under a combined value of £20,000 they can insure them on the Multi-Bike Policy from Hastings.
Motorcycle enthusiasts often own more than one motorbike, and where they can save money on insurance they can spend more on safety features such as helmets for motorbikes.
While motorbike insurance protects the bike in the event of a crash, a motorbike safety helmet can protect the rider’s head.
Eighty percent of motorcyclist fatalities are a result of a head injury, even if other body parts are also severely damaged.
“There are over 1.3 million registered motorcycles in the UK and many owners have more than one bike,” said Dec Fisher, Hastings bike team head.
If the rider has motorbikes worth up to £5,000 the premium for the second motorbike would be just £40, for motorbikes worth £5001-£10,000 the premium is £50, while bikes worth over £10,001 but under £20,000 the premium is £60.
Invest in a Motorcycle Crash Helmet: Custom Motorcycle Helmet
While insurance can save a motorbike following a crash, a custom motorbike helmet from ThermaHelm can save a rider’s head.
Newcastle University found motorists are more prone to speeding and overtaking to seek excitement on their journey. If cars are taking risks on the road motorcyclists are more at risk of having an accident.
A ThermaHelm helmet cools the rider’s head to prevent brain damage by reducing brain swell even before the emergency services arrive.
Motorbike Helmets for Sale: Halo Helmets
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.
]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Best Motorbike Helmets Urged as Road Surfaces Worsen</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/10/best-motorbike-helmets-urged-as-road-surfaces-worsen.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/10/best-motorbike-helmets-urged-as-road-surfaces-worsen.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:07:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Best Motorbike Helmets Urged as Road Surfaces Worsen The first three months of the year are notorious for high motorbike claims as harsh weather damages Britain’s roads, and new research suggests thi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Best Motorbike Helmets Urged as Road Surfaces Worsen The first three months of the year are notorious for high motorbike claims as harsh weather damages Britain’s roads, and new research suggests this year could be worst. Get the best motorbike helmet now to stay safe on the road.
The AA Insurance statistics reveal last winter there were three times as many claims between January and March compared to the same period in 2009.
They expect a big surge for damage to wheels and urge road users to take extra care over the coming weeks.
Riding over potholes can cause some motorcyclists to lose their balance or even mean they skid into other road users.
It is important to ensure you have the right and most protective motorbike helmet for adequate head protection, such as a ThermaHelm Halo biker helmet – this cools the rider’s brain following a crash so brain swell is reduced.
“We expect the pothole problem to be significantly worse this year because of three successive bad winters and the growing backlog of road renewal,” said Simon Douglas, AA insurance director.
“When safe to do so it’s really important to stop and check your wheels and tyres after hitting a pothole.”
As a result of the recent Government spending cuts, local authorities have experienced a 20 percent cut in their road maintenance budgets, making it likely many cracks and potholes in the road will remain unrepaired.
Potholes and bad road surfaces form from the combination of snow and heavy rain, this means water seeps beneath the road surface, freezes, and widens gaps.
As motorcyclists and car users put extra pressure on these cracks, and after the ice thaws, potholes appear. Older roads are also more likely to suffer as are roads with old repairs and areas around ironwork.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Sale
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Ducati Motorbikes: New Behind the Scenes Book</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/07/ducati-motorbikes-new-behind-the-scenes-book.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/07/ducati-motorbikes-new-behind-the-scenes-book.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Ducati Motorbikes: New Behind the Scenes Book Fans of motorbikes and motorbike helmets will be interested in a new motorcycling book detailing the iconic motorcycle manufacturer Ducati.Ducati Super...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Ducati Motorbikes: New Behind the Scenes Book Fans of motorbikes and motorbike helmets will be interested in a new motorcycling book detailing the iconic motorcycle manufacturer Ducati.
Ducati Superbikes
For the Italian iconic motorcycle manufacturer Ducati, the 2007 launch of the 1098 superbike was a watershed event. The new motorbike stunned the motorcycling world by combining staggering performance with the classic styling and design features that made earlier models such as the 916, 996, and 998 enduring classics.
At the track, the 1098 R would win the 2008 Superbike World Championship, while the street version set new sales records and won multiple awards from the media and industry associations. And the 1098’s successor, the 1198, has enjoyed a similar reception since its introduction in 2009.Now a new book from David Bull Publishing tells the inside story of this remarkable machine’s development, design, and production—from the earliest ideas and sketches to the final product.
In Ducati 1098/1198:The Superbike Redefined the author Marc Cook went behind the scenes at Ducati headquarters in Bologna for extensive interviews with the designers, engineers, fabricators, and other personnel who brought the 1098 to life. These include Ducati President and CEO, Gabriele Del Torchio, and Claudio Domenicali, the former head of Ducati Corse who is now Ducati’s general managing director.
Motorbike Shops: Motorcycle Helmet SaleAnyone interested in Ducati motorbikes, or motorcycles in general will be intrigued to learn more about the Halo Helmet from ThermaHelm.
Investing in a Halo Helmet could help save your life if you were to have an accident. Its special design means the impact of the crash triggers the lining of the helmet to cool, and in the process protect the rider’s brain from swelling before the emergency services arrive.
The Halo Helmet acts by cooling a rider’s head post-accident, keeping it cold even before the emergency services have been called.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Sale
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorbike Helmet Sale</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/07/motorbike-helmet-sale.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/07/motorbike-helmet-sale.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:10:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorbike Helmet Sale Save money and stay safe now with the best motorbike helmet sale now and claim a massive £400 discount on a Halo Helmet motorcycle safety helmet now.Head injuries occur in 80% ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorbike Helmet Sale Save money and stay safe now with the best motorbike helmet sale now and claim a massive £400 discount on a Halo Helmet motorcycle safety helmet now.
Head injuries occur in 80% of all motorcyclist fatalities and ThermaHelm is a revolutionary technology, which could save the lives of hundreds of motorcyclists each year.
Halo Helmet technology helps to mitigate this problem by cooling the rider's head post-accident. The technology works by triggering an endothermic chemical reaction inside the helmet lining at the moment of impact, to immediately cool the rider’s head, post-accident.
The polystyrene foam found in all motorcycle helmets is the same white foam that is installed in the walls of refrigerators and portable coolers. It's the perfect energy absorber, and insulator.
The helmet acts like an oven to an already hot, sweaty head causing post accident brain temperatures to potentially reach a fatal threshold. This is how motorcycle riders can die.
Investing in a Halo Helmet could help save your life if you were to have an accident. Its special design means the impact of the crash triggers the lining of the helmet to cool, and in the process protect the rider’s brain from swelling before the emergency services arrive.
The Halo Helmet acts by cooling a rider’s head post-accident, keeping it cold even before the emergency services have been called.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Sale
Benefit from our fantastic Halo Helmet motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Benefits of Motorbikes for Congestion</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/06/benefits-of-motorbikes-for-congestion.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/06/benefits-of-motorbikes-for-congestion.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Benefits of Motorbikes for Congestion The advantages of riding a motorbike over a car are attractive not only for the fun and freedom they provide.According to Bike Safe, motorbikes are generally ch...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Benefits of Motorbikes for Congestion The advantages of riding a motorbike over a car are attractive not only for the fun and freedom they provide.
According to Bike Safe, motorbikes are generally cheaper to run as they consume less fuel than cars and other vehicles on the road; they help to reduce congestion; are easier to park and are more flexible in traffic.
Learning to Ride a Motorbike Safely
There are measures in place to help more learner motorcyclists achieve a safe standard of riding on the open road, including several publications from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), which aid learners pass theory tests.
Riding theory aims to give motorcyclists a good understanding of motorcycling and road safety to help prevent motorcycle crashes from occurring.
One vital area of theory which motorcyclists should be aware of is being able to spot a hazard, so they are then able to assess the most appropriate form of action to take to limit the risk of an accident.
The increasing number of pot holes is a recent additional factor for motorcyclists to contend with for example when riding during the winter months.
Motorcycle Crash Helmets
While learning to avoid an accident is a vital part of motorcycle safety, it is also important new motorcyclists are aware of the relevant safety gear they are obliged to wear.
A halo helmet with the ThermaHelm technology gives the rider added protection if they were to crash as it helps protect the brain from swelling, and sends a GPS signal to alert emergency services to their location.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Offer
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Dakar Rally Motorbike Racing</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/06/dakar-rally-motorbike-racing.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/06/dakar-rally-motorbike-racing.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:41:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Dakar Rally Motorbike Racing Day five of the Dakar Rally motorbike race has commenced and proves to be just as challenging as the riders set off for Paso De Jama into Chile. Find out more about this ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Dakar Rally Motorbike Racing Day five of the Dakar Rally motorbike race has commenced and proves to be just as challenging as the riders set off for Paso De Jama into Chile. Find out more about this epic must-do event for all serious motorcyclists.
The race started early this morning with the first rider setting off at four in the morning to 500km of mountain road.
Wearing the right safety helmet is vital for ensuring you are protected adequately if you were to have a crash. The right motorcycle racing helmets not only protects a rider’s head on impact of a crash but the specially designed lining cools the head to protect against brain swell.
What is the Dakar Rally Race?
The Dakar rally is a yearly off road race that has been going since 1978 where riders face the perils of off-road terrain. In 2011 the course takes on South American terrain with the route taking the riders around Argentina and Chile.
Both amateurs and professional riders can enter the rally with the majority, typically about 80 percent, being keen amateurs.
The Moto class is the Motorbike section, with distances of up to 800-900 kilometres covered. This class is divided into three groups - Marathon, Super-Production bikes, and Quads.
The riders are tested on endurance where the race provides tougher challenges for competitors than conventional rallies. Motorcyclists are expected to cross sand dunes, ride through mud, camel grass, rocks and many other obstacles.
Amateur riders could be at risk of an accident while participating in this type of race or riding and as such should investigate suitable protective measures such as a good crash helmet.
The road on today’s run reaches high altitudes where riders are expected to spend an hour and a half riding over 4500 metres, of which many will suffer from altitude sickness.
Feeling unwell while riding a motorbike or not being at your fittest could jeopardise your safety on the road, as your concentration will not be as high and you will be less able to react to sudden obstacles you come across.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Offer
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet emailhalohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>The Future of Electric Motorbikes</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/05/the-future-of-electric-motorbikes.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/05/the-future-of-electric-motorbikes.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:51:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Electric motorbikes are yet to take off, but recent research suggests enthusiasts are willing to ride one if they are of high enough quality.Motorcyclists are keen for a more ecologically friendly m...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Electric motorbikes are yet to take off, but recent research suggests enthusiasts are willing to ride one if they are of high enough quality.
Motorcyclists are keen for a more ecologically friendly motorbike to hit the market as long as they resemble a motorbike and not a motor scooter, according to research by drivingthenation.
Even riders of mopeds and scooters are legally required to wear a crash helmet, so it is important to ensure your motorbike helmet protects you should you have an accident.
Head injuries are the most common cause for motorcyclist fatality, accounting for 80 percent, and brain swelling is a key cause of this.
Keeping Motorcyclists Safe On the Road
The adoption of electric motorcycles has been slow with mainly Zero Motorcycles entering the market.
They claim they have exported 1,000 e-motorcycles in the last two years, and according to Gene Banman, the company’s CEO, the majority of the bikes, 60 percent, can go 30 to 40 miles without being recharged.
A Californian Air resources Board however recently showed motorbikes account for a considerably low percentage of the world’s emissions suggesting motorbikes are already efficient enough.
Safety Tips for Riding an Electric Bike
The common misconception is that an electric bike is slow and does not reach the speeds of a regular motorbike.
However latest figures show an electric motorbike, powered entirely by lithium ion batteries, has broken a record reaching 155mph and finished a quarter mile lap in less than nine seconds.
This highlights the need for riders of electric motorbikes, or those considering doing so, to take the same safety measures when riding on the road.
The ThermaHelm technology aims to reduce this by cooling the rider’s head following a crash.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Offer
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet emailhalohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Risk Taking Drivers Increase Need for Motorbike Safety</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/05/risk-taking-drivers-increase-need-for-motorbike-safety.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/05/risk-taking-drivers-increase-need-for-motorbike-safety.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Risk Taking Drivers Increase Need for Motorbike Safety New research reveals one in three motorists seek driving thrills to combat the boring commute to work, highlighting more potential risks for mot...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Risk Taking Drivers Increase Need for Motorbike Safety New research reveals one in three motorists seek driving thrills to combat the boring commute to work, highlighting more potential risks for motorcyclists.
Newcastle University found motorists are more prone to speeding and overtaking to seek excitement on their journey, making researchers discuss placing obstacles in their path to force them to stop.
The Transportation Planning and Technology study highlights plans to make roads safer with speed limits. The research also found that cars and motorbikes are better at creating a smooth and easy drive, unintentionally causing more accidents. This makes riders more likely to switch off and not concentrate.
Motorcycle Helmet Technology
Investing in a Halo Helmet could help save your life if you were to have an accident. Its special design means the impact of the crash triggers the lining of the helmet to cool, and in the process protect the rider’s brain from swelling before the emergency services arrive.
“Hazards can actually increase our attention to the road so this may well be the way forward for planners,” said Dr Joan Harvey, Newcastle University lead researcher.
“We need to start considering some radical schemes such as putting bends back into roads or introducing the concept of shared space.”
Some experts suggest taking away road curbs so vehicles are more exposed to pavement obstacles, which could make motorists more likely to look out for potential hazards.
Motorbike Safety on the Road
Like all motorists motorbike riders are just as likely to seek thrills while riding the same route to work each day. Keeping your attention high and retaining control of your bike and what other road users are doing is vital in achieving a safe ride.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Offer
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet emailhalohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Hits the Road</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/04/new-kawasaki-ninja-zx-10r-hits-the-road.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/04/new-kawasaki-ninja-zx-10r-hits-the-road.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Hits the Road The highly anticipated 2011 Ninja ZX-10R is to be launched later in the month following the repair of a technical issue in the model’s engine. Thinking of a mo...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ New Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Hits the Road The highly anticipated 2011 Ninja ZX-10R is to be launched later in the month following the repair of a technical issue in the model’s engine. Thinking of a motorbike upgrade? Find out how the Halo Helmet can help.
The public launch of the Kawasaki Ninja was suspended to investigate a problem, which saw some motorcycles operating at high rpm under certain riding conditions, which caused the intake valve springs to surge.
Analysis showed that if this were to happen it would cause one or more intake valves to seat improperly which would hinder the engine.
The camshaft, valve springs and spring retainers for intake valves have since been replaced to prevent this from happening, and this new design is being incorporated into the ongoing production.
“With the dealer launch of this and other incoming range models on 27 January across the UK, this news is the best possible start to 2011 for Kawasaki dealers and riders,” said Michael Johnstone, Kawasaki Motors UK sales and marketing manager.
Ninja ZX-10R Motorbike Safety
If you are considering purchasing the new Ninja ZX-10R following its launch at the end of January take necessary measures to ensure you are safe to take to the roads when it arrives.
Halo Helmets
If you are investing in a new bike it may be worth upgrading your motorbike crash helmet too so you are protected suitably in the event of an accident.
Halo helmets from ThermaHelm protect a rider’s head like no other crash helmet on the market. They use a unique cooling system which helps prevent the brain from swelling following the impact of a crash, this helps to prevent brain damage.
It can take time to get used to a new bike so make sure you commence your first ride in good riding conditions, so you do not have to think about tackling severe wind and rain which can affect the feel of a bike.
Keep your speed down to start with, and take corners carefully as you will not be fully accustomed to the weight of the bike and how it reacts to different challenges in the road.
Halo Helmet Motorbike Helmet Offer
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcyclist Safety Urged as Potholes Rise</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/04/motorcyclist-safety-urged-as-potholes-rise.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2011/01/04/motorcyclist-safety-urged-as-potholes-rise.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:12:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcyclist Safety Urged as Potholes Rise The recent cold snap has caused serious deterioration in the condition of many UK roads, meaning that more motorbike riders need to be careful.The increasi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcyclist Safety Urged as Potholes Rise The recent cold snap has caused serious deterioration in the condition of many UK roads, meaning that more motorbike riders need to be careful.
The increasing number of pot holes is just one additional factor for motorcyclists to contend with when riding during the winter months.
These poor riding conditions are partnered with a double increase in the price of running a vehicle with a 0.76p increase in fuel duty which started on 1st January, and the VAT increase to 20 percent on the 4th.
“Drivers will be rightly incensed that cutbacks on essential road spending are taking place while they are being forced to dig deeper to stay mobile,” said Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research.
“While cuts to the budget for road repairs are frustrating, drivers must learn how to deal with the state of the roads today.”
Tips for Safe Motorcycle Riding
Check that your crash helmet is in good condition and can protect you sufficiently in the event of an accident.
A crash helmet not only cools the rider’s head following the impact of a crash but it also sends a GPS signal to alert emergency services of your location.
Even the most careful rider will get caught out by a pothole, especially if they are in the centre of the road.
By keeping more towards the centre of the road you will avoid the majority, however, as holes and damage in the road tend to appear more on the outside edge near drains where water accumulates.
However, if you come across a pot hole it is important not to suddenly change your road position to avoid it as other road users may not notice you.
Sometimes it will be safer to take the hit of the pothole rather than swerve to avoid it, and if you come across one it is better to go over them slowly as this will cause less damage to your bike.
Again though ensure you do not suddenly break when you come across a pothole as the person behind you may not be prepared and may go into the back of you.
Halo Helmet: Safe Motorcycle Gear
Benefit from our fantastic motorcycle helmet offer and receive a monster discount on our life-saving Halo Helmet now. To benefit from a £400 saving off our halo helmet email halohelmetpromotion@thermahelm.com and you will receive a discount code. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Prepare Bikes for Motorcycle Safety Urged </title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/23/prepare-bikes-for-motorcycle-safety-urged.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/23/prepare-bikes-for-motorcycle-safety-urged.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:56:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Prepare Bikes for Motorcycle Safety Urged A worrying 44 percent of road users are unprepared for the winter weather new research reveals.The heavy snow has caused the AA to ask motorcyclists and ca...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Prepare Bikes for Motorcycle Safety Urged A worrying 44 percent of road users are unprepared for the winter weather new research reveals.
The heavy snow has caused the AA to ask motorcyclists and car drivers what they have done to prepare their motor for the conditions.
Male motorists were the most likely to be least prepared with 45 percent admitting they had not checked their motorbike, and this figure rises to 51 percent for males aged 25-34 years old.
Fifty three percent of London motorists were likely to have done nothing while those in Scotland were the least likely to have done nothing to prepare, 35 percent.
Safe Motorbike Riding on Gritted Roads
A small majority of those surveyed thought roads would be gritted more efficiently than last year, although 41 percent said they did not expect any improvements, while seven percent think it will be worse.
Areas which have experienced the worst snow fall such as the North East were more likely to think the roads would be worse this year concerning the grit, with 10 percent believing this, and nine percent in Scotland.
“A small majority think that highway authorities are better prepared than last year to grit the roads but a large proportion of drivers are still cynical about this,” said Edmund King, AA president.
“Highway authorities will be under great pressure as their dwindling salt supplies are stretched as the arctic spell continues.”
Motorbike Crash Helmets
If you are planning on taking your bike out this winter in the snow make sure you are prepared. Not only should your bike be in top condition to handle the roads to the best of its ability, but you should invest in the best motorbike helmet to protect you in a crash.
The best motorbike helmets currently on the market are those with the ThermaHelm technology which protects the rider’s head following a crash with its special brain cooling mechanism.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Older Motorcyclists Safer on the Roads</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/22/older-motorcyclists-safer-on-the-roads.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/22/older-motorcyclists-safer-on-the-roads.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:55:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Older Motorcyclists Safer on the Roads Older motorcyclists are heeding the warning to stay off winter roads when snow and ice hits as new research shows they have had fewer accidents.According to Sa...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Older Motorcyclists Safer on the Roads Older motorcyclists are heeding the warning to stay off winter roads when snow and ice hits as new research shows they have had fewer accidents.
According to Saga Motor Insurance, insurance claims by the over 50s is down 17 percent this December compared to the same time last year.
This is also in comparison to the statistics from the AA which claimed motorists are making twice as many claims due to the bad weather, indicating it is the younger riders who are putting their lives at risk.
“It is really encouraging that older motorists are using their experience and planning around the bad weather to ensure they are not out on the roads in the ice and snow,” said Ros Altmann, Saga director general.
Tips for Riding in Winter
If experts suggest only riding on the roads if it is absolutely necessary ensure you heed their warning, as the figures prove more people breakdown, or have accidents in the bad weather.
When you do take to the road you will have to adjust your riding to accommodate the slippery surface.
You can do this by slowing down, ensure you do not ride too close to other road users as if they skid anywhere near you this could cause dangerous consequences.
Try not to brake too harshly but ride as smoothly as possible, and when going round a bend try and do it as naturally as you can without braking before going into it, but slow down naturally.
Motorbike Safety Information
Investigate safety helmets before committing to a dangerous ride, as when your chances of having an accident are much higher it is important you give yourself the best chance of survival.
A ThermaHelm crash helmet has special brain cooling technology, where a chemical reaction is triggered inside the lining of the helmet on impact of a crash.
By cooling the rider’s head it prevents the brain from swelling before the emergency services get there.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>New Ducati Diavel to be Made in Diamond Black</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/21/new-ducati-diavel-to-be-made-in-diamond-black.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/21/new-ducati-diavel-to-be-made-in-diamond-black.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> New Ducati Diavel to be Made in Diamond Black Ducati has unveiled plans to launch their new Ducati Diavel in diamond black following high interest at the Milan International Motorcycle Show.The Ital...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ New Ducati Diavel to be Made in Diamond Black Ducati has unveiled plans to launch their new Ducati Diavel in diamond black following high interest at the Milan International Motorcycle Show.
The Italian manufacturer collected feed-back from visitors at the show last month to produce the revealed outcome with the new colour.
Although the Diavel in red carbon with a red frame, and the black carbon copy with a black frame also received good reports, the originally presented pearl white will be replaced by a diamond black model.
The new colour has already been introduced at production sites with the aim it will be available alongside the rest of the Diavel range in February 2011.
The Ducati Diavel Range
This range has a specially engineered 240 section rear tyre to give state-of-the-art handling and lean angles.
The bikes have 162hp and 107kg figures, and aim to be comfortable sports bikes. They also boast a Ducati Testastretta 11° which was initially developed for the powerful engines of Ducati Corse.
This engine harnesses the power of a Superbike engine and makes it smooth and adaptable for use on the road.
The Diavel rolls on custom 14-spoke wheels with machine-finished detailing. The front rim is 3.5 x17, and the rear flow formed at 8x17 rim for enhanced structure and lightness.
Motorcycle Halo Helmets
As with any bike, if you aim to ride it on a public road or place you are legally required to wear a motorcycle helmet to protect you if you were to have an accident.
A Halo Helmet with the ThermaHelm technology gives a rider the best chance of surviving a motorbike accident, and will not look out of place on a new Ducati Diavel.
A ThermaHelm helmet not only cushions a rider’s head in a crash but following the impact cools the inside of the helmet to prevent the brain from swelling.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Injured Speedway Rider Auctions Prize Motorbike</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/21/injured-speedway-rider-auctions-prize-motorbike.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/21/injured-speedway-rider-auctions-prize-motorbike.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:09:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Injured Speedway Rider Auctions Prize Motorbike An injured speedway rider who won a priceless Yamaha WR250R announces his intention of auctioning it away so it can be used as it was meant.Barry Brig...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Injured Speedway Rider Auctions Prize Motorbike An injured speedway rider who won a priceless Yamaha WR250R announces his intention of auctioning it away so it can be used as it was meant.
Barry Briggs MBE, a four times World Speedway Champion raised money for injured riders in spring this year offering the prize for one lucky winner.
This was along with ‘Ride and Share Certificates’ priced at £100 which he handed out at the end of his charity ride.
A staggering 100 people stepped up to help raise the funds raising £10,000 of the total £69,000 the ride generated.
The 12 injured speedway riders were presented with cheques of £5,000 each in time for Christmas.
Prize draw winner of the bike, James Easter of speedway tour operator Travel Plus Tours, collected his prize at Yamaha Motor UK this week in Surrey but does not intend on keeping the bike.
“Frankly I do not deserve the prize,” said James Easter.
“The bike is now a collectors’ piece and should be enjoyed by someone who has the time and love of biking to make the most of it.”
His intention is to auction the bike, with over 6,000 miles and £10,000 worth in value, and re-donate the money back to Briggo for the charity.
Safety Helmets for Motorcyclists
It is important to ensure you are fully padded out with all the relevant protective motorcycle gear before riding your bike, as injuries on motorcycles are often fatal.
Although wearing leathers, heavy boots, gloves and elbow, knee and shoulder pads are all important the most vital protective part is the safety helmet.
Using Halo Helmets, ThermaHelm uses unique brain cooling technology which actually helps to prevent brain damage following the impact of a crash.
It also has the ability to send a signal to alert emergency services of the accident via a GPS signal when this occurs.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Costly Winter Motorbike Breakdowns</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/20/costly-winter-motorbike-breakdowns.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/20/costly-winter-motorbike-breakdowns.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:18:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Costly Winter Motorbike Breakdowns Motorcyclists are being hit with costly bills in the run up to Christmas with the UK’s freezing weather making parts 283 percent more likely to fail.Research by Wa...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Costly Winter Motorbike Breakdowns Motorcyclists are being hit with costly bills in the run up to Christmas with the UK’s freezing weather making parts 283 percent more likely to fail.
Research by Warranty Direct showed the average bill for repairs costs £408, money many do not have following the huge spend on Christmas gifts.
The research of 50,000 live automotive policies revealed ignition coils are almost three times more likely to fail between December and February than between the summer months of June and August.
“This just goes to show that it pays to make the extra effort with car maintenance once the temperature turns chilly,” said Duncan McClure Fisher, Warranty Direct spokesman.
“The garage bills these failures can cause are not what anyone wants at a time when bank balances are already lean from Christmas spending.”
The study identified 50 components that a most likely to cause a breakdown in winter with some repairs costing as much as £1,100.
Riding on Ice and Snow
If it is absolutely necessary for you to ride your bike on slippery winter roads ensure you take every precaution to prevent your bike from needing repairs and from being involved in an accident.
Try not to break when approaching a corner and remember to take it slowly allowing longer distances for stopping.
Make sure your visor on your helmet is cleaned and polished so you can see clearly out of it, as unlike cars, motorcyclists do not have windscreen wipers to wipe away the snow and rain.
Motorbike Crash Helmets
Motorcyclists are legally obligated to wear a crash helmet on British roads to ensure they are protected from injury following an accident.
A ThermaHelm Halo helmet provides riders with state of the art technology which not only protects the head from the impact of a crash, but also cools it down to prevent brain swell which causes brain damage.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>New Motorcycle Tests to Increase Rider Safety</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/20/new-motorcycle-tests-to-increase-rider-safety.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/20/new-motorcycle-tests-to-increase-rider-safety.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:12:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> New Motorcycle Tests to Increase Riders’ Safety The Government’s Road Safety Minister has announced new plans for single, on-road motorcycle tests.Published in a report from the motorcycle test revi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ New Motorcycle Tests to Increase Riders’ Safety The Government’s Road Safety Minister has announced new plans for single, on-road motorcycle tests.
Published in a report from the motorcycle test review, the Department aims to change motorcycle tests to reflect the incidents likely to occur in everyday riding.
It is also hoped these changes will open up the test to those living in areas where there is a limited network of off-road test centres.
“I want to make sure that we have a test which prepares bikers properly for the road so the motorcycle test review is a top priority for me,” said Mike Penning, Road Safety Minister.
“My goal has always been a single, on-road test which is rigorous and reflects real-life conditions.”
A new hazard avoidance manoeuvre is currently being trialled to potentially make up the new test carried out on the road.
Additionally, slow manoeuvres such as slalom, figure of eight, and U turns could be examined at training centres by delegated examiners prior the main test.
Public consultation plus wider trials will make up the next step of the test being standardised.
Motorcycle Safety with a Halo Helmet
Head injuries caused by road accidents accounts for 80 percent of motorcyclist fatalities, and although many involved in an accident have other serious injuries it is the head ones that prove to be fatal.
Following the announcement of improvements of training for motorcyclists to ensure their safety is given top priority - consideration should also be given to the right safety helmets worn.
While half helmets for example provide the legal minimum protection for riders to wear while driving on the road they do not give the best protection against a crash.
A Halo helmet with the ThermaHelm technology on the other hand is a full face helmet which protects the rider’s head all the way around and even the neck to prevent spinal injuries.
It also has special technology where a chemical reaction is triggered to make the lining of the helmet cool the head on impact following a crash to prevent the brain from swelling and putting pressure on the skull.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>ABS Mandatory for Motorbikes to Increase Safety</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/17/abs-mandatory-for-motorbikes-to-increase-safety.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/17/abs-mandatory-for-motorbikes-to-increase-safety.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:16:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ABS Mandatory for Motorbikes to Increase Safety The EU commission hopes to make motorcycling safer by making ABS mandatory for all motorcycles.This requirement is set to apply to motorcycles with mo...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ABS Mandatory for Motorbikes to Increase Safety The EU commission hopes to make motorcycling safer by making ABS mandatory for all motorcycles.
This requirement is set to apply to motorcycles with more than 125 cc displacement, to be adopted next year. The regulation however will not come into effect until 2017.
Bosch meanwhile has developed an independent series for a new generation of brake control systems.
“The ABS 9 systems for motorcycles are the world’s smallest,” commented Werner Struth, Bosch Chassis Systems Control division president.
“This is our way of encouraging manufacturers to install this life-saving system in all motorcycles equipped with hydraulic brakes.”
Motorcycle Safety
This move comes following statistics which show the number of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents in 2008 in the European Union came to 5,520, which accounted for 14 percent of all road deaths.
In 2009 there were 472 motorcycle fatalities in Great Britain, while the European figure has scarcely changed since 1997.
The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) revealed the risk of suffering a fatal accident is 18 times greater for motorcyclists than for car drivers.
Experts suggest ABS technology is a huge boost to safety, and the European Commission calculates that the proposed regulation will allow the number of fatal accidents to be reduced by more than 5,000.
Halo Helmet Safety
To ensure you give yourself the best chance when taking to the road you should invest in a halo helmet with the ThermaHelm technology.
Not only is the helmet handmade with carbon fiber and DuPont Kevlar, the helmet cools the rider’s head following an accident.
The chemical reaction that occurs prevents the rider’s brain from swelling which is a leading cause of brain damage.
Furthermore, it sends out an alert via GPS to alert local stations of the accident so emergency services can be contacted of the exact location of the accident.
]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Best Safety Helmets as Motorbike Popularity Rises</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/17/best-safety-helmets-as-motorbike-popularity-rises.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/17/best-safety-helmets-as-motorbike-popularity-rises.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:08:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Best Safety Helmets as Motorbike Popularity Rises The motorcycle law regarding crash helmets and training is constantly being reviewed to ensure riders are given the best chance when taking to the op...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Best Safety Helmets as Motorbike Popularity Rises The motorcycle law regarding crash helmets and training is constantly being reviewed to ensure riders are given the best chance when taking to the open road.
Research has shown motorcycling is increasing in popularity with a dramatic rise in motorcycle sales in the last decade, but this has caused an influx of inexperienced riders jeopardising their safety.
According to NHTSA data, wearing a safe helmet can increase a rider’s likelihood of survival in a crash by almost 37 percent.
Other safety concerns being reviewed worldwide is the stereo-typical image of a rider who is dressed head to toe in leather with heavy boots and a full visored helmet.
Motorcycle jackets are designed to be tough and are heavier than typical leather jackets and these provide protection from road burn, better wicking capabilities during rain and against insects and other road side material.
Heavy boots give the rider grip on the pedal with a suitable heel, and can prevent the rider from falling off.
Soft soled trainers in comparison provide little protection against road rash and can easily pop off during a crash.
Riders are also advised to make their bike visible in the dark by wearing high visibility clothes and ensuring lights are on.
Best Crash Helmets
A full face motorcycle helmet is usually regarded as the best crash helmet a rider can wear when on a bike as it provides all round protection, even covering the neck.
A ThermaHelm helmet furthers this exterior protection given by the majority of helmets by providing safety measures following a crash which could be vital in saving a rider’s life.
A chemical reaction occurs on impact following an accident which causes the inside of the helmet to cool the riders head, lowering the temperature of what is usually already hot and sweaty inside a helmet.
This reduces brain swell and hopefully reduces the chance of brain damage.
]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Winter Tyres For Motorcycle Safety</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/17/winter-tyres-for-motorcycle-safety.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/17/winter-tyres-for-motorcycle-safety.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:02:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Winter Tyres For Motorcycle Safety Motorcyclists are being advised to investigate winter tyres to give them more grip on icy roads to make journeys safer.The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) ex...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Winter Tyres For Motorcycle Safety Motorcyclists are being advised to investigate winter tyres to give them more grip on icy roads to make journeys safer.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) explains winter tyres have a different tread pattern with wider grooves and narrow slits at the edges of the tread area.
The tyres also differ in the material they are made of - the rubber on standard tyres gets stiffer as the temperature drops so grip starts to reduce below seven degrees Celsius.
While winter tyres are made of material that remains soft and grippy well below zero degrees Celsius.
“In countries where severe winter weather conditions are more or less guaranteed, it is quite normal for drivers to switch to winter tyres,” said Peter Rodger, IAM chief examiner.
“A set of winter tyres could be a sensible option for some UK motorists, for example those who live at high altitude or in remote areas.”
Winter Motorcycle Safety
Another blast of snow is set to hit UK roads with some areas already struggling with a recent fall, so it is important that road users and motorcyclists are prepared for driving in treacherous conditions.
While some may consider changing to winter tyres there are other factors to consider, including taking advanced training courses which give riders more experience and confidence on how to handle the bike.
Wearing the right safety clothes is also important so if you were to have an accident you are protected correctly.
It is illegal to ride a motorbike on British roads without wearing a safety helmet - however the legal helmets differ in the amount of protection they offer the rider.
A Halo Helmet from ThermaHelm uses the latest technology to cool the rider’s head following a crash so the brain is protected from brain swell.
It also sends out a signal to local stations so emergency services can be alerted to the accident.
]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Tips for Riding a Motorbike in Winter</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/16/tips-for-riding-a-motorbike-in-winter.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/16/tips-for-riding-a-motorbike-in-winter.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:31:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Tips for Riding a Motorbike in Winter Motorcyclists need to be very aware of their surroundings when on the road, especially in the winter months. Follow these tips for riding a motorbike in winter t...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Tips for Riding a Motorbike in Winter Motorcyclists need to be very aware of their surroundings when on the road, especially in the winter months. Follow these tips for riding a motorbike in winter to stay safe when out and about in cold weather.
• Clean your bike regularly, and strip and clean brake calipers more often than during summer months. If your machine is ABS-equipped ensure that this is fully operational.
• Change to winter tyres. All tyre manufacturers produce tyres more suited to cold conditions, with compounds that heat up quicker in lower temperatures. Ensure that you consult the tyre manufacturers’ guidelines as to tyre pressures.
• Make sure you have the right level of bike safety helmet. Motorcycle helmets are required by law on the road and the safer the helmet the better – as 80 per cent of all motorcycle deaths involve head injuries. Buy a ThermaHelm Halo Motorbike Helmet for ultimate protection.
• Be heated: many manufacturers now sell inexpensive electric garments that can be wired directly to your machine that keep you warm.

•           Wear a high-visibility vest or a jacket with reflective patches on it. Ensure your visor is clean and is fitted with a de-misting insert or chemical treatment. Pack a spare, darker visor if your commute means you ride into the low winter sun. Keep head and tail-light lenses clean and free from dirt so you are seen by other road users.

A ThermaHelm Halo Helmet is a good choice if you are choosing a new helmet, as the technology not only helps to prevent brain damage by cooling the brain in the case of an accident, but also alerts emergency services to the fact that an accident has occurred and where it is.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Halo Helmet Motorcycle Safety Key for Winter</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/16/halo-helmet-motorcycle-safety-key-for-winter.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/16/halo-helmet-motorcycle-safety-key-for-winter.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:29:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Halo Helmet Motorcycle Safety Key for Winter Motorcyclists should invest in a halo helmet for winter riding if they want to stay safe when out on the road this year. Find out more about this unique m...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Halo Helmet Motorcycle Safety Key for Winter Motorcyclists should invest in a halo helmet for winter riding if they want to stay safe when out on the road this year. Find out more about this unique motorcycle safety helmet.
All motorbike owners should be fully prepared for the tough conditions that the next few months will throw at them. The figures speak for themselves when it comes to how important motorcycle safety is.
The latest statistics from the Department for Transport show that 1,299 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured during the months of December 2008 to March 2009. It is traditionally one of the coldest periods of the year and one where road conditions are far from their best.
Despite the risks of riding on Britain’s roads during the winter months some motorcyclists still brave the elements due to the unique advantages that two-wheeled transport provides.
“We all love bikes and the advantages they bring, especially the way they can carve through traffic and lower commute times to work, but safety is paramount and following these riding tips can help you through the winter on two wheels in greater safety and comfort,” says Tony Way, managing director of Express Insurance.
Advanced riding schemes will give motorcyclists the ability to handle different weather conditions better this winter, which is expected to bring with it lots of snow and icy riding.
When driving in snow or rain, as with car driving, motorcyclists have to alter their riding to accommodate the weather.
Halo Crash Helmets from ThermaHelm
It is illegal to ride a motorbike without a motorbike helmet, and all helmets worn in the UK should comply with British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI kitemark. 

A ThermaHelm Halo Helmet is perfect for first time motorcyclists worried about their safety on the road. This will give them ultimate protection due to its state-of-the art technology, which freezes the rider’s head on impact in an accident to prevent brain swell - a leading cause of brain damage and death among motorcyclists. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcyclists Love Carole Nash Motorcycle Live 2010</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/15/motorcyclists-love-carole-nash-motorcycle-live-2010.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/15/motorcyclists-love-carole-nash-motorcycle-live-2010.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:04:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcyclists Love Carole Nash Motorcycle Live 2010 Almost 100,000 people attended the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live at the NEC, Birmingham, to experience everything the motorcycling industry has to of...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcyclists Love Carole Nash Motorcycle Live 2010 Almost 100,000 people attended the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live at the NEC, Birmingham, to experience everything the motorcycling industry has to offer.
Following a re-vamp, the show ran for nine days from 27th November to 5th December 2010.
“This year’s event has possibly been the best we’ve seen in a number of years with a really fresh new feel and great buzz around the halls,” commented Steve Martindale, Honda UK general manager.
A total of 38 manufacturers and almost 200 other exhibitors – including ThermaHelm launching their revolutionary Halo Helmet -were present showcasing their latest releases, gadgets and safety gear.
There were interactive features available for visitors to take the opportunity to get on two wheels along with continuous bike entertainment with numerous celebrities present.
“We made every effort this year to provide one of the best-looking, most vibrant and interactive Events we’ve ever presented and for that I thank everyone involved,” added Finlay McAllan, MCI Exhibitions Managing Director.
ThermaHelm Halo Helmets
Among the exhibitors was ThermaHelm who showcased their latest invention in the shape of their state of the art Halo Helmets.
Visitors were able to see first-hand how the unique life-saving technology can save motorcyclists’ lives if they were to be in an accident.
A helmet is not supposed to be a fashion accessory, but they are made to reduce the impact of an accident as much as possible.
Studies have shown that while other injuries incurred on different parts of the body have been severe it is in most cases the head injuries which prove to be the fatal ones.
A Halo Helmet is a good option to prevent an accident taking your life due to the technology which actively cools your brain following impact. This reduces the risk of brain swell.
This occurs when the impact of the accident triggers an endothermic chemical reaction inside the lining of the helmet – protecting the rider’s head before even the emergency services arrive.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle Safety: Do you Know the Law?</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/14/motorcycle-safety-do-you-know-the-law.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/14/motorcycle-safety-do-you-know-the-law.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:33:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcycle Safety: Do you Know the Law? Information on how to stay safe when riding a motorbike, including information on the law for carrying passengers.It is against the law for anyone learning to...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcycle Safety: Do you Know the Law? Information on how to stay safe when riding a motorbike, including information on the law for carrying passengers.
It is against the law for anyone learning to ride a motorbike to take a passenger with them on the back of their bike. Despite this, as many as 40 per cent of provisional licence holders said they have carried a passenger at some point even though 88 per cent know it is an illegal act, research from The Post Office has revealed.
In addition more than one in five (21 per cent) of those riding large engine motorcycles have admitted that they are only licensed to ride small bikes and mopeds.
This could lead to considerable issues with motorcycle safety, both for themselves and other road users. Riders of larger engine bikes also admit to being the most reckless on the road.
Fourteen per cent have driven significantly over the speed limit compared to just five per cent of small engine riders.
Similarly, more have crossed the ‘stop' line at traffic lights whilst the red or amber light is showing, and 20 per cent have crossed the centre road line to overtake someone compared to 16 per cent of small engine riders.
Halo Helmets
Being safely attired on a motorbike or moped is the safest way to minimise damage during an accident.
If you are buying a new motorbike, motorcycle accessories are not just for looking the part, they are extremely important for safety too. If you are new to motorcycling pay particular attention to motorbike helmets, as the right helmet could save your life.
ThermaHelm motorcycle helmets are the most revolutionary and innovative motorcycle helmet design in a generation. This unique life-saving technology actively helps protect your brain – not just your head - in the event of an accident by cooling a rider’s head on impact, reducing the risk of ‘brain-swell.’
The motorbike helmet technology works by triggering an endothermic chemical reaction inside the helmet lining at the exact moment of impact. This cools the rider’s head and helps reduce brain swelling until the emergency services arrive.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Halo Helmet Motorcycle Technology</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/14/halo-helmet-motorcycle-technology.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/14/halo-helmet-motorcycle-technology.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:29:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Halo Helmet Motorcycle Technology Follow these tips for motorcycle safety and learn how a Halo Helmet can potentially save your life. With the cost of petrol at a record high, more and more commuters...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Halo Helmet Motorcycle Technology Follow these tips for motorcycle safety and learn how a Halo Helmet can potentially save your life. With the cost of petrol at a record high, more and more commuters are thinking of ditching their cars and getting onto two wheels instead.
Not only can drivers expect to halve their fuel consumption in miles per gallon on a moped or lightweight motorcycle, but they can also benefit from road tax starting from as little as £15 per year, free parking in the majority of the UK, no congestion charge and lower insurance premiums.
But while cutting down commuting times as well as the cost of travel is an attractive factor to consider, if you are buying a motorbike for the first time it is important to remember some basic safety considerations.
Motorbike Helmets
All motorcyclists are obliged to wear the correct safety gear such as leathers, special gloves and boots with the right grip and heel, and of course a helmet.
80 percent of motorcyclists are killed due to road accidents causing head injuries, and although many have serious injuries to other body parts, too, it is the head injury that can prove fatal. With this in mind if you are first time motorcyclist it really doesn’t make sense to skimp on safety.
Halo Helmet: Advanced Motorbike Helmet Technology
ThermaHelm has created one of the most innovative motorbike helmets on the market, the Halo Helmet, giving riders the best possible protection following an accident.
The technology they use freezes the rider’s head on impact reducing the likelihood of brain swell which causes brain damage – a common cause of fatality among motorbike riders.
A GPS device is also fitted to the helmet so in the event of an accident the signal will trigger a connection enabling emergency services to know the exact location of the accident without having to tell them.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>The Halo Helmet</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/13/the-halo-helmet.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/13/the-halo-helmet.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:54:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> The Halo Helmet Information on the halo helmet from ThermaHelm. Find out why every motorcyclist should have one of these unique life-saving motorbike crash helmets and why everyone is talking about i...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ The Halo Helmet Information on the halo helmet from ThermaHelm. Find out why every motorcyclist should have one of these unique life-saving motorbike crash helmets and why everyone is talking about it.
It is a chilling fact that traumatic brain injury accounts for the largest number of motorcycle accident deaths.
Brain swell is a common contributor to death after a motorbike crash and standard motorcycle helmets do not help – as they can and do act like an insulator.
ThermaHelm Halo Helmets
The Halo Helmet is different as it can help prevent serious brain injury following an accident: it works by cooling a rider’s head following a crash with its unique ThermaPak technology.
The Halo helmet works by causing a chemical reaction to be triggered following impact that cools the motorcycle helmet, limiting neurological damage and increasing your chances of recovery.
The Halo helmet has the life saving ThermaPak device. Hand made with carbon fibre and DuPont Kevlar – nothing is stronger or safer.
Interested in buying a safe motorcycle halo helmet?
Order now one of 100 custom made ThermaHelm Halo Helmets personally signed as a Limited First Edition by the inventor himself, Julian Preston-Powers.
In addition we include a unique ThermaHelm Helmet Docking Station (worth £200) which, not only looks cool but cleans and dries your helmet to extend its life. Order a Halo Helmet now.
But don’t just take our word for it, find out what everyone has been saying about us from around the world by clicking on the links below.
Halo Helmet GPS Technology
Additionally, the halo helmet is fitted with the ability to send a signal via GPS so it can be picked up and an ambulance can be alerted to the accident, and the exact co-ordinates of where it occurred.
The Argus.co.uk
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/
http://www.motorkari.cz/clanky/moto-novinky/thermahelm-14894.html
http://www.ixiqi.com/archives/16778 ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle Safety Tips for Coldest Months</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/13/motorcycle-safety-tips-for-coldest-months.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/13/motorcycle-safety-tips-for-coldest-months.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:19:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcycle Safety Tips for Coldest Months The winter months of December through to March are not only the coldest months of the year but also the most dangerous as road conditions are far from favour...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcycle Safety Tips for Coldest Months The winter months of December through to March are not only the coldest months of the year but also the most dangerous as road conditions are far from favourable.
Statistics from the Department for Transport showed from December 2008 to March 2009 1,299 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured.
Make sure if you take to the road on your bike this winter you are fully prepared for the journey ahead and read the following motorcycle safety tips.
Maintain your bike on a regular basis ensuring to clean it to get rid of the gritting salt which could erode vital bike parts.
It may be worth changing to winter tyres to give your bike better grip on the roads which are more likely to be icy due to freezing temperatures.
There are advanced riding courses you could take which help motorcyclists handle their bike better on winter roads and gives them greater confidence and control over their bike.
Check tyre pressure regularly which you can do at petrol stations, the correct pressure will be indicated in your bike’s manufacturer’s guide book.
Make sure you dress appropriately for the cold weather as your body will not be generating much heat as you are just sitting on the bike.
Update your crash helmet to take advantage of the latest technology which helps saves motorcyclist lives if they are involved in an accident.
Halo Helmets
A halo helmet provides riders with state of the art technology which actually prevents the brain from swelling following a crash before the emergency services even arrive.
A chemical reaction is triggered on impact which causes the helmet to cool the riders head preventing brain swell which is a major cause of brain damage.
A ThermaHelm Halo helmet has a ThermaPak device which is handmade with carbon fibre and DuPont Kevlar which is one of the strongest products on the market.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle Types and Motorcycle Safety</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/10/motorcycle-types-and-motorcycle-safety.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/10/motorcycle-types-and-motorcycle-safety.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:48:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcycle Types and Motorcycle Safety There are three main motorbike types available for consumers and they can be broken down to cover bikes adapted for road use, off-road use, and dual purpose. Wh...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcycle Types and Motorcycle Safety There are three main motorbike types available for consumers and they can be broken down to cover bikes adapted for road use, off-road use, and dual purpose. Whatever type of bike you are riding, make sure you have the right motorcycle safety helmet.
Find out the difference between the three below:
Road Adapted motorbikes
Cruisers, sportbikes, scooters and mopeds are commonly used on roads to get from A to B, or for enjoyable driving on a flat surface.
Off-Road Motorbikes
These types of bikes are designed for dirt-orientated racing where the motorbike will compete in motocross competitions off-track on rough terrain - most of these are not legal to ride on the street.
Dual Purpose Motorbikes
These bikes combine features from both of the above, with them predominantly created for off-road use with adaptations so they are able to comfortably ride on the street as well if required.
Motorcycle Safety Helmets
For each type of motorbike, riders are required under law to wear a crash helmet at all times.
There are different helmets available to accommodate the type of riding being done, for example in motorcross riding the helmets tend to have a larger area at the front open, so air can circulate more easily.
The helmet is more angular too giving extra support to the chin area, compared to a full face helmet which is more rounded.
Full face helmets are thought to provide better cover than a half helmet which is the least amount of protection allowed in a helmet.
For the ultimate protection however for whatever type of bike you ride consider opting for one which has the ThermaHelm technology built in.
A ThermaHelm helmet can help prevent serious brain injury following an accident as it actually works by cooling a rider’s head following a crash with its unique technology. It works by causing a chemical reaction to be triggered following the impact that cools the motorcycle helmet. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>BMW Motorbike Sales Up from 2009</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/10/bmw-motorbike-sales-up-from-2009.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/10/bmw-motorbike-sales-up-from-2009.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 17:43:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> BMW Motorbike Sales Up from 2009 BMW Motorrad recently released sales figures showing the company’s range continues to prove popular among motorcyclists in the UK.They experienced a 13.8 percent inc...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ BMW Motorbike Sales Up from 2009 BMW Motorrad recently released sales figures showing the company’s range continues to prove popular among motorcyclists in the UK.
They experienced a 13.8 percent increase in motorbike sales in the first 11 months of 2010.
BMW UK sold in this 11 month period 6,546 motorbikes compared to 5,752 in the same period last year, showing the continuing demand for a BMW bike even when times are harder amidst the recession.
In November alone BMW UK sold 23 more motorbikes than they did last November with 229 compared to 206 in total.
“BMW is on track to secure its position as the UK’s leading premium brand for the year,” said Tim Abbott, BMW Group UK managing director.
“BMW Motorrad is also performing well, with motorcycle sales up on last year, and new models winning national awards.”
BMW have launched their S 1000 RR Superbike earlier this year which was met with critical acclaim and possibly contributed to the high sales.
Motorbike Safety Tips
If you are considering buying a new BMW motorbike, or have already purchased one make sure you have all the relevant safety gear before hitting the roads.
Every motorcyclist is first of all required to take a test so they can legally drive on UK roads without displaying a Learner sign.
A ThermaHelm halo helmet provides the rider with the ability to send a signal via GPS to alert emergency services to the fact you have been in an accident, and it provides the exact co-ordinates so they can find you immediately.
Motorcyclists should buy leathers to wear on their bike with protective shoulder, elbow and knee pads.
Gloves with extra grip should be worn to protect your hands, and boots with a heel so the shoe does not slide off the stand.
The helmet should be carefully fitted so it does not slide around on your head and sits in the right place so as much of your head and neck is protected.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>European Motorcycling Test Numbers Fall</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/10/european-motorcycling-test-numbers-fall.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/10/european-motorcycling-test-numbers-fall.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:10:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> European Motorcycling Test Numbers Fall The number of people taking the new Europe-wide motorcycle test has fallen, sparking a Government review to understand why.The Driving Standards Agency was re...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ European Motorcycling Test Numbers Fall The number of people taking the new Europe-wide motorcycle test has fallen, sparking a Government review to understand why.
The Driving Standards Agency was reported in Motorcycling News as suggesting that these figures point to a long-term decline in motorcycling. The change from the old test to the new one, eighteen months on, has shown less people have taken the test.
The new test has a rate of 4,083 entrants a month, compared to 8,156 a month entering for the old test in the sixteen months leading up to the introduction of the new exam in April 2009.
The motorcycle training industry is being looked into by roads minister Mike Penning who says it is a top priority to ensure bikers are prepared properly for the road.
The Best Motorcycle Helmets
If you preparing to take your motorcycle test or are considering taking lessons you should ensure you have all the relevant safety gear before you start.
Even when you are riding at slow speeds it is a good idea to get used to riding with the protective clothing and helmet so you know how it feels before taking to the road.
You are legally obliged to wear a crash helmet while riding your bike on the road or in a public place, and as head injuries are the main cause of fatalities following an accident it is important you purchase the right one.
The best motorcycle helmet currently on the market is that made with the ThermaHelm technology.
It protects the rider’s head following a crash by freezing the head when a chemical reaction occurs, this then prevents the brain from swelling before the emergency services arrive.
Additionally, the helmet is fitted with the ability to send a signal via GPS so it can be picked up and an ambulance can be alerted to the accident, and the exact co-ordinates of where it occurred.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcyclists Air Views On UK Transport System</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/10/motorcyclists-air-views-on-uk-transport-system.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/10/motorcyclists-air-views-on-uk-transport-system.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:04:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcyclists Air Views On UK Transport System Road users were asked their opinion of the current state of the UK transport system in a recent report, which found that vehicle labour costs and snow r...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcyclists Air Views On UK Transport System Road users were asked their opinion of the current state of the UK transport system in a recent report, which found that vehicle labour costs and snow related problems, featured high on the list of concerns.
Motorcyclists, car drivers, pedal cyclists and van and lorry drivers’ posts on popular forums were analysed on frequency, tone and sentimentality to identify hot topics of discussion by Motoring Matters.
While the increase in vehicle labour costs was at the top of the list, in second place was the concern over the new speed cameras set to launch in 2013, followed by the closure of the M4 bus lane, the extra devices wardens will receive, and apprehension over recent transport chaos caused by the snow.
The cost of getting a vehicle serviced has increased by about 5.81 percent in the last year while fuel duty, vehicle tax and congestion charges on top of this have caused the price of owning a motorbike or car to become more expensive than ever before.
A significant 80 percent were shown to be against the new speed camera launch as they claim their ability to monitor not only speed but tax discs, insurance cover and whether you are wearing a seat belt will make the UK more like a Big Brother State.
While concern over the way the UK dealt with the recent snow blast has left many to ask why the 3,300 gritters ready to prepare the roads did not treat them in time.
Halo Helmet Protection
If driving in the snow has been a problem for you this year and you are worried further cold weather may affect your riding, it is worth investing in a Halo Helmet for ultimate protection from head injuries.
A ThermaHelm helmet freezes the rider’s head when they have an accident so they are protected from brain swell immediately.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcyclists Beware: Snow Related Accidents Rocket</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/08/motorcyclists-beware-snow-related-accidents-rocket.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/08/motorcyclists-beware-snow-related-accidents-rocket.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:14:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcyclists Beware: Snow Related Accidents Rocket Motorcyclists are being warned to take precautions while driving in the snow following new figures that show a 23 percent jump in insurance claims ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcyclists Beware: Snow Related Accidents Rocket Motorcyclists are being warned to take precautions while driving in the snow following new figures that show a 23 percent jump in insurance claims after accidents in bad weather.
The AA’s Cardiff call centre figures revealed a variety of collisions which occurred due to ice and snow, with the most common being tail-end collisions at traffic lights, roundabouts and sliding on bends into oncoming vehicles.
Hitting other vehicles was the second highest collision while striking snow-covered kerbs was third, accounting for 43 calls in total.
Other collisions included on the list were where motorists had collided with lamp posts, telegraph poles, barriers, grass embankments, walls, fences, and hedges, while some ended up in a ditch and one claim stated they had collided with a wild boar.
Motorcyclists should be aware that when riding on the road in bad weather, driver visibility in cars and the lack of it, is something that anyone on a motorbike needs to take into account of.
Research by Axa Insurance announced they had seen an increase of 23.8 percent in claims from the previous week when it snowed.
They also experienced a leap of 85 percent in single vehicle accidents as road users slid off the road into walls and trees.
“We cannot stress enough to people how important it is to take precautions in the current cold snap,” said Amanda Edwards of AXA.
“Driving in snow and ice should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.”
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Driving in Bad Weather
Riding a motorcyclist can be dangerous even in good weather conditions so when there are extra hazards and slippery roads to contend with, extra care should be taken.
Take police advice seriously and if you are worried about driving in snow then only ride if you really have to.
Check your tyres regularly to ensure they are able to grip the road efficiently and ride slowly in as high a gear as possible as this provides better traction.
Try and leave as much space as possible between you and other road users and do not make any sudden turns.
Wearing a motorcycle crash helmet and the right safety clothing is also important to ensure your vital organs are protected from the cold and if you were to crash.
ThermaHelm helmets use the latest technology which gives a motorcyclist the best chance if they were to have an accident and seriously hit their head.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>How to Fit a Motorcycle Helmet</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/08/how-to-fit-a-motorcycle-helmet.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/08/how-to-fit-a-motorcycle-helmet.html</guid>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:45:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> How to Fit a Motorcycle Helmet While it is a legal requirement for all motorcyclists to wear a safety helmet when riding a bike, if it does not fit correctly it will not protect the rider in the way ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ How to Fit a Motorcycle Helmet While it is a legal requirement for all motorcyclists to wear a safety helmet when riding a bike, if it does not fit correctly it will not protect the rider in the way it was designed to. Follow these tips to ensure your helmet fits correctly.
How should a well-fitted helmet feel?
It should be comfortable and not so tight that it gives you a headache, but snug so it does not slide around.
The helmet should touch the head the whole way round, and be as low on the head as possible so it provides as much coverage as possible – this could differ with each helmet make and size.
How to adjust a Motorcycle Safety Helmet
Some helmets can be adjusted through the use of pads - some already come with foam pads fitted while others require you to fit a certain amount depending on the size and shape of your head.
If you remove the pad on the top of the inside of the helmet this can bring the helmet to fit lower down on your head giving you more protection – however it will restrict the air flow.
Once the pads are touching your head evenly in every place fasten the straps – this common test is used to test whether the helmet fits correctly.
· When you look up, you should barely be able to see the front rim of the helmet with your eyes.
· The Y part of the straps should meet just below the ears.
· The chin strap should be against the chin and stay in place firmly so when you open your mouth wide the helmet will pull down.
ThermaHelm Halo Helmet Technology
Using the latest technology, this innovative helmet provides riders with a brain cooling system which reduces the chance of brain swell in the event of an accident.
Motorcycle fatalities are on the whole caused by injury to the head and a Halo helmet improves the chance of survival by responding immediately to this type of injury, even before the emergency services arrive.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Riding a Motorbike with Passengers: Safety Tips</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/07/riding-a-motorbike-with-passengers-safety-tips.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/07/riding-a-motorbike-with-passengers-safety-tips.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:44:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Riding a Motorbike with Passengers: Safety Tips Most motorcyclists will want to give a friend or a partner a ride on their beloved motorbike, but there are some important safety procedures you should...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Riding a Motorbike with Passengers: Safety Tips Most motorcyclists will want to give a friend or a partner a ride on their beloved motorbike, but there are some important safety procedures you should understand before taking to the roads.
Riding a bike with a passenger will make the bike heavier, making it less nimble and harder to steer around corners. The overall feel of the motorbike will be different to when on a solo ride.
This means that generally only experienced motorcyclists should ride with another person on the bike as that person is putting their life in the hands of the rider.
Make sure as a passenger you know where to put your feet if there is not a footrest, and where to hold on – it is a good idea to hold the rider’s waist with two hands.
If you want to put your feet down onto the road when the bike stops you should inform him of this before you do it.
You should ask the rider how you should position your body when they go round a corner before the start of the ride – whether you should stay neutral or lean into the bend with them.
Wear the Right Safety Gear
Just like the motorcyclist, a passenger is at the same risk of injury or fatality while on the bike and as such should take the same precautions.
It is a good idea to wear protective clothing as a passenger to protect you, if you should have an accident and get flung from the bike - this for a rider consists of leathers, boots, gloves and shoulder, knee and elbow pads.
It is unlikely that motorcyclists will have a spare safety helmet that fits the passenger perfectly so this is a risk you may have to take, unless you intend on being a regular passenger where it might be beneficial to buy your own helmet.
A ThermaHelm Halo Helmet is a good choice if you are choosing a new helmet, as the technology not only helps to prevent brain damage by cooling the brain in the case of an accident, but also alerts emergency services to the fact that an accident has occurred and where it is. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Modular Motorcycle Helmets: What are They?</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/07/modular-motorcycle-helmets-what-are-they.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/07/modular-motorcycle-helmets-what-are-they.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2010 20:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Modular Motorcycle Helmets: What are They? A modular helmet is a motorcycle helmet that is in between a full face helmet and an open face one, and is sometimes referred to as a flip helmet due to the...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Modular Motorcycle Helmets: What are They? A modular helmet is a motorcycle helmet that is in between a full face helmet and an open face one, and is sometimes referred to as a flip helmet due to the front moveable part.
The motorcycle rider is able to flip the front part of the helmet out of the way so they can access their face to either smoke, eat, drink or allow air flow.
Some motorcyclists who need to wear glasses tend to opt for these types of helmets as they provide the means for them to wear their glasses on the ride.
The modular helmet provides more protection than an open face helmet as it stays put better on a rider’s head.
However, if the chin bar is moved out of the way while riding, this makes the motorcyclist more vulnerable to injury caused to this part of the face.
Most modular helmets are not designed to be worn while this part is open as it disrupts the air flow around the helmet, increasing wind drag.
Tests show that open faced helmets provide enough protection to pass the full-face helmet tests but this has not been standardised.
Make sure your Motorcycle Safety Helmet Fits
If you are a motorcyclist looking to purchase a new crash helmet to protect against a fatal injury while riding on the open road, you should ensure the helmet you buy fits your head correctly.
Head injuries are the main cause of death among motorcyclists research has shown even if an accident has caused serious injury to other body parts, the head injuries are the fatal ones.
Crash helmets have been proven to reduce the chance of fatality following an accident by 29 percent making it now illegal to ride without a helmet.
If you are choosing a crash helmet motorcyclists are advised not to take short cuts, but to opt for one in their price range which provides them with the ultimate protection.
A ThermaHelm helmet does just this with its freezing capabilities which actually protect the brain following an accident by freezing it so the brain does not swell to a dangerous level. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>What is the Law for Riding a Motorbike?</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/06/what-is-the-law-for-riding-a-motorbike.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/06/what-is-the-law-for-riding-a-motorbike.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:36:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> What is the Law for Riding a Motorbike? Before you take to the roads make sure you know the law on motorbike safety and the legal documents you are required to have.Motorcycle LicenceTo legally rid...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ What is the Law for Riding a Motorbike? Before you take to the roads make sure you know the law on motorbike safety and the legal documents you are required to have.
Motorcycle Licence
To legally ride a motorbike on British roads a motorist should obtain a provisional licence which requires them to complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.
This allows him or her to ride with L plates for up to two years, and to obtain the full licence a motorcycle theory test followed by a practical test is necessary.
If a motorcyclist wishes to ride a bike with an engine size between 75 cubic centimetres (cc) and 125 cc they are required to have a full motorcycle licence, otherwise they can apply for a moped license.
There are two types – a light motorcycle licence called an A1, restricting riders up to 125 cc with a power output of 11 kW, and a standard motorcycle licence (A) if the test is taken on a bike over 120 cc but not over 125 cc.
The rider is restricted to ride a bike of up to 25 kiloWatts (kW) with a power/weight ratio not exceeding 0.16 kW/kg for two years after passing the standard test, after which they can ride any size bike.
Documentation
All motorcyclists are required by law to display their tax disc and pay road tax - this can be obtained from most post offices.
The amount of tax a rider pays depends on the type of bike and engine size, the following categories apply:
Not over 150 cc
Over 150 cc up to 400 cc
Over 400 cc up to 600 cc
All other motorcycles
An MOT certificate - if over three years old, a valid insurance certificate and an excise licence renewal form must be produced when apply for a tax disc.
Motorbike Helmets
All motorcyclists are legally obliged to wear a safety helmet while riding their bike on a public road and it must comply with either British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI kitemark, the UNECE Regulation 22.05, or European Economic Area equivalent to the above.
ThermaHelm helmets do not just give riders the basic, legal amount of protection required but the ability to save their life through its unique brain-freezing technology, preventing the likelihood of brain swell and ultimately, brain damage and death.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle Accident Facts and Figures</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/06/motorcycle-accident-facts-and-figures.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/06/motorcycle-accident-facts-and-figures.html</guid>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:27:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcycle Accident Facts and Figures Find out more about motorcycle safety to reduce your risk of being in an accident, the following facts and figures show just how important this is.Facts and Fig...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcycle Accident Facts and Figures Find out more about motorcycle safety to reduce your risk of being in an accident, the following facts and figures show just how important this is.
Facts and Figures
The Department of Transport analysed a sample of 1,790 accidents and identified main causes surrounding the problems associated with motorcycle accidents. These include problems such as other road users ‘not seeing’ the rider because of a car windscreen pillar, and riders having problems overtaking and going round bends.
For every 666,894 kilometres ridden a motorcyclist is killed or seriously injured, with riders 28 times more likely to be killed than car drivers.
Right of Way Violations (RWV) accounted for 38 percent of accidents with the majority found to be the fault of a motorist other than a motorcyclist.
Loss of control of a bike on a bend, corner or curve was the cause for 15 percent of accidents with inexperienced riders three times more likely to have this type of accident.
The leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes is due to head injuries and in 1998 46 percent of fatal accidents occurred when the riders were not wearing helmets.
Experts say crash helmets reduce the chance of a fatality following an accident by 29 percent.
Best Motorbike Safety Helmets
As the figures show, riding a motorcycle is dangerous as not only do you have to concentrate on your own driving but just as much also on other road users.
While motorcyclists are urged to wear the necessary safety gear such as leathers, boots, gloves and shoulder, elbow and knee pads, a crash helmet could save your life.
ThermaHelm motorcycle helmets use the latest technology which cools the rider’s head on impact in an accident, unlike regular helmets which would keep the head hot due to the confined space.
Keeping the head cool has been proven to reduce the likelihood of brain damage as it reduces brain swell.]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorbike Fans Enjoy Carole Nash Live</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/03/motorbike-fans-enjoy-carole-nash-live.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/03/motorbike-fans-enjoy-carole-nash-live.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:53:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorbike Fans Enjoy Carole Nash Live Motorbike enthusiasts enjoyed their fifth day at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live at the NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday.The show included the presence of 38 major ...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorbike Fans Enjoy Carole Nash Live Motorbike enthusiasts enjoyed their fifth day at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live at the NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday.
The show included the presence of 38 major motorcycle manufacturers showcasing their models for the New Year.
The Aprilia Tuono V4R naked, the Kawasaki ZX-10R superbike and the BMW supertourers – the K1600GT and K1600GTL – were available for visitors to see in the flesh.
The 125 MotoGP race winner Bradley Smith was one of the guests on the fifth day of the show, along with James Whitham and BBC’s Jennie Gow.
Channel Five’s Emergency Bikers paramedics made a special appearance showing footage from a yet to be aired episode.
“There’s so much on offer and it’s not just for the hardcore motorcycle fan,” said Finlay McAllan, MCI Exhibitions, managing director of event organisers.
“Anyone coming should prepare to be thoroughly entertained!”
Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycles are powerful machines and although riders make themselves vulnerable when taking to the road they also risk the safety of other road users.
A crash involving motorbikes is often different to those involving cars the Department for Transport research showed.
Motorcycle crashes are more likely to occur when the rider loses control on bends or when overtaking mostly at speed.
Protective Head Gear
To ensure you give yourself the best chance of surviving a motorcycle crash investigate motorbike helmets as each one provides different protection for different parts of your head and neck depending on your driving needs.
A ThermaHelm helmet uses unique technology to provide the rider with the ultimate protection if he or she were to crash.
A chemical reaction is triggered on impact which automatically starts to freeze the victim’s head to prevent the brain from swelling and possibly cause brain damage.
Having the right head gear is the most important safety measure you should take as most fatal accidents are a result of injury to the head. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>ThermaHelm in the Press After Motorcycle Live 2010</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/03/thermahelm-in-the-press-after-motorcycle-live-2010.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/03/thermahelm-in-the-press-after-motorcycle-live-2010.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:42:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> ThermaHelm in the Press After Motorcycle Live 2010 Just some of the buzz online about our launch this week of our revolutionary new motorbike crash helmet. Our launch this week has been widely recei...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ ThermaHelm in the Press After Motorcycle Live 2010 Just some of the buzz online about our launch this week of our revolutionary new motorbike crash helmet.
Our launch this week has been widely received by the media, motorcyclists and the general public visiting our stand at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Live Show 2010 at Birmingham’s NEC.
We’ve received a considerable amount of coverage online, too, impressed with our new launch.
Just a little bit of background: head injuries occur in 80% of all motorcyclist fatalities and our ThermaHelm technology can and will save the lives of motorcyclists.
A key factor in motorbike head injuries is brain swelling inside the helmet and the response time to address the issue. ThermaHelm™ technology helps to mitigate this problem by cooling the rider's head post-accident.
If you are new to motorcycling – perhaps after checking out Motorcycle Live this week - a ThermaHelm Halo motorbike helmet is perfect for you, as it can offer additional safety and peace of mind on the road.
Our ThermaHelm technology works by triggering an endothermic chemical reaction inside the helmet lining at the moment of impact, to immediately cool the rider’s head, post-accident.
Just some of the buzz we’ve received this week can be found on the links below and we are sure after everyone has got back from the Motorcycle Show we’ll get more coverage then too. Watch this space....
http://www.techmagdaily.com/thermahelm-ice-pack-helmet.html
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Search-News-Media-bw-1552541394.html?x=0+amp;.v=1
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2010/11/29/508738.html
http://www.scooteristscene.com/news/revolutionary-helmet-launch
http://www.itsinternational.com/news/article.cfm?recordID=18940
]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>A Beginners Guide to Motorbiking</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/03/a-beginners-guide-to-motorbiking.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/03/a-beginners-guide-to-motorbiking.html</guid>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:35:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> A Beginners Guide to Motorbiking If you have just purchased your first motorbike, or are looking to start lessons, take a look at these tips on how to prepare yourself for hitting the road for the fi...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A Beginners Guide to Motorbiking If you have just purchased your first motorbike, or are looking to start lessons, take a look at these tips on how to prepare yourself for hitting the road for the first time. Plus, learn more about the necessary safety gear.
Learning to Ride
A rider is required by law to complete a CBT course – this is made up of five elements that include: Introduction, Practical on-site training, Practical on-site riding, Practical on-road training, and Practical on-road riding.
Following this, riders have the option to complete further training to improve their riding skills, the Enhanced Rider Scheme is good if you have just passed or are moving onto a bigger bike.
An advanced riding scheme is also offered by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Riding in Different Weather Conditions
Advanced riding schemes will give motorcyclists the ability to handle different weather conditions better.
When driving in snow or rain, as with car driving, motorcyclists have to alter their riding to accommodate the weather.
Crash Helmets
It is illegal to ride a motorbike without a crash helmet, and all helmets worn in the UK should comply with British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI kitemark.
If you damage your helmet you should always replace it, and as it is sometimes hard to see if there is any damage on a helmet you should never by one that is second hand.
A ThermaHelm motorbike helmet is perfect for first time motorcyclists worried about their safety on the road. This will give them ultimate protection due to its state-of-the art technology, which freezes the rider’s head on impact in an accident to prevent brain swell - a leading cause of brain damage and death among motorcyclists.
Safety Clothing
Motorcyclists can get very cold and wet while riding, as unlike cars they are not covered and you cannot turn up the heating, also the rider is not moving so is not generating any body heat.
Some clothing can protect the rider from injury if they were to have an accident, while also alerting other road users to their position.
By law motorcyclists should wear visors or goggles, boots, protective clothing, such as leathers (with extra padding over knees, elbows and shoulders) gloves and gauntlets, and visibility aids. ]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>Motorcycle Show Live NEC Birmingham - Dr Damian Smith</title>
<author> (Mujeeb)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/02/motorcycle-show-live-nec-birmingham-dr-damian-smith.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/02/motorcycle-show-live-nec-birmingham-dr-damian-smith.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:52:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> Motorcycle Show Live NEC Birmingham - Dr Damian Smith So here I am at the NEC in Birmingham, England, for Motocycle Live 2010. Yep, we made it over from the Isle of Man despite the weather, all in th...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ Motorcycle Show Live NEC Birmingham - Dr Damian Smith So here I am at the NEC in Birmingham, England, for Motocycle Live 2010. Yep, we made it over from the Isle of Man despite the weather, all in the name of seeing what’s new in motorcycle safety, for all you UK TT-enthusiasts (And all those Germans!). Most excitingly this year, I’ve finally a chance to catch up with the Thermahelm Team.
As a GP living on the Isle of Man, obviously safety is close to my heart, and I’ve had my eye on this innovative patented technology from its inception a couple of years ago, when I was involved in the initial proof-of-concept feasibility studies. A lot of water has gone under the bridge for the company since then, and today I got to try on the finished product.
My verdict? - NICE. The Thermahelm Team have obviously worked extremely hard to turn what was at one point ‘just a clever idea’ into what is now a very clever, real, quality product.
And that’s the feel you get in the hand and on the head with a Thermahelm - quality. It has the feel of comparable top end, made-to-order helmets, but without the price tag of some, and with the priceless addition of their unique, potentially life-saving brain-cooling technology. I won’t even attempt to describe it here myself, but in case you’ve been under a rock for the last twenty-four months, have a look on the net at the positive press this ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ idea has been generating.
Now although they won’t thank me for saying it, the real win for the Thermahelm design team is to have crammed all the comfort and safety features of a regular helmet, AND the Thermapack Halo device, into a product that feels ‘familiar’. It really is just like your existing high end helmet, and you could switch today, without knowing it - if you can ignore this particular helmet’s sharp aesthetics and the fact that it just might save your life that is!
Talking to Thermahelm’s inventor Julian Preston-Powers, its clear there is also more to come. The company are aggressively pushing other logical but disruptive technologies into the motorcycle helmet space. How about automated GPS that alerts emergency services of your whereabouts, or a docking station for your helmet to clean and refresh it between rides?
Rest assured, there will be more to come from Thermahelm, but NDAs prevent me from saying what! In the meantime, I’ll just say ‘Well done guys’.
Dr Damian Smith]]></content:encoded></item><item>
<title>New Motorcycle Helmet Safety Ratings</title>
<author> (ThermaHelm)</author>
<link>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/02/new-motorcycle-helmet-safety-ratings.html</link>
<guid>http://www.thermahelm.com/blog/blog-post/2010/12/02/new-motorcycle-helmet-safety-ratings.html</guid>
<pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:03:00 +0200</pubDate>
<description> New Motorcycle Helmet Safety Ratings The Road Safety Minister has published new safety ratings for motorcycle helmets after an extra 16 models are put to the test. Rated by the Department for Transp...</description><content:encoded><![CDATA[ New Motorcycle Helmet Safety Ratings The Road Safety Minister has published new safety ratings for motorcycle helmets after an extra 16 models are put to the test.
Rated by the Department for Transport’s Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme – SHARP – a total of 218 ratings have been published for motorcyclists’ information.
It is estimated 50 deaths could be prevented each year if all riders wore the safest helmets ava
